Seattle Intersection Accident Attorneys
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 109 people were killed in intersection car accidents in Washington during 2009. Whenever someone is injured or killed in an intersection accident, it must be determined who caused the crash and whether it could have been prevented. Drivers involved in an intersection accident may pursue financial compensation from the driver responsible for the collision or their insurance company.
Causes of Washington Intersection Accidents
It is crucial that all motorists obey the rules of the road. Negligent drivers who fail to obey traffic devices or yield right-of-way at street intersections may be held liable for the accidents and related losses their actions cause.
- Running a red light or stop sign: Washington Statute 46.61.050 states that "the driver of any vehicle, every bicyclist, and every pedestrian shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable."
- Making an illegal U-turn: Washington Statute 46.61.295 states: "The driver of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic." Drivers making U-turns without yielding right-of-way to oncoming traffic may be held responsible for any collisions they may cause.
- Reckless driving: Washington law defines a reckless driver as "any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property."
- Failure to yield right-of-way: Failing to yield right-of-way is probably the most common cause of intersection accidents in Washington. Drivers who fail to yield right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians at street intersections could be held financially liable for the injuries and damages they cause.
Additional forms of driver negligence that may result in an intersection accident include drunk driving, distracted driving, and fatigued driving.
What to do Following a Street Intersection Accident
First, check to see if anyone has been injured. If you, a passenger or anyone else involved in the crash has been hurt, you must contact the authorities and exchange pertinent information with other parties involved in the crash. Victims of serious injury accidents should remain where they are until the emergency responders arrive. If you are able to move around, here are some of the steps you can take to help protect your rights:
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorists involved.
- Get contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
- Take photos of the location, the vehicles, and the injuries suffered.
- Write down any details about exactly how, when, and where the crash occurred.
- Get the incident report number from the responding officer so you can obtain it at a later date.
You should then seek immediate medical attention and contact an experienced Washington car accident attorney.
The experienced Seattle car accident lawyers at Hardwick & Pendergast have a long history of handling intersection accident cases. We make sure our clients' rights are protected while pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver. It can be challenging to determine fault and liability in intersection accident cases. If the accident was the result of a dangerous street intersection, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway can also be held liable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington car accident, please contact us to find out how we can help.
