An intersection accident can be serious and inflict severe injuries on those involved. If you are a victim of a crash at an intersection in Las Vegas, it is important to protect your legal rights. It may be in your best interest to hire a local car accident lawyer to represent you – especially if you suffered a catastrophic injury or are not being treated fairly by an insurance company.
Common Types of Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents occur in places in Las Vegas where two or more lanes of traffic moving in different directions cross paths or intersect. These are dangerous locations by nature due to heavy vehicle and pedestrian activity, as well as the potential for serious and fatal accidents. Common types of accidents that take place at intersections include:
- T-bone or side-impact collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end car accidents
- Chain-reaction crashes
- Left-turn accidents
- Collisions involving bicyclists or pedestrians
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drowsy driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
The most dangerous intersections in Las Vegas in terms of automobile accidents include Sahara Avenue and Sandhill Road near downtown, Las Vegas Boulevard and Warms Springs Road, and Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard on the Strip.
Las Vegas Intersections Collisions Can Be Catastrophic
Intersection accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than car accidents in other locations. This is because the vehicles involved are typically traveling in opposite directions when they collide. This type of crash can inflict a greater amount of force into both vehicles, often causing serious harm to drivers and their passengers. Intersection collisions in Las Vegas could result in injuries such as head and brain injuries, concussions, spinal cord injuries, neck and back injuries, whiplash, internal injuries, and lacerations. Sadly, many intersection accidents in Nevada each year are fatal and result in one or more deaths.
Why Do Intersection Accidents Happen in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas intersection accidents can occur for many reasons, but most involve driver negligence or human error. Negligence means a driver does not act with an appropriate amount of care based on the circumstances. Common examples of driver negligence are distracted driving, texting while driving, and driving under the influence. Intersection accidents specifically are often caused by someone’s failure to yield. All road users in Las Vegas are required to obey Nevada’s right-of-way laws at intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the road, for example. Failing to stop or yield to others – including running a red light or rolling through a stop sign – can result in a serious intersection collision.
Your Rights After an Intersection Accident in Las Vegas
In Nevada, if a negligent, careless or reckless driver causes an automobile accident, he or she will be held responsible for paying for all damages incurred under the state’s fault law. This includes all victims’ medical bills and property repairs. If you get injured in an intersection collision, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It is important to hire an attorney to protect your rights if you have a complex case, such as one involving life-changing injuries, deaths, multiple liable parties or an insurance dispute. An attorney will work for you, meaning he or she will advocate for your best interests throughout the insurance claims process. If necessary, your attorney can bring your intersection accident case to court in Clark County for fair results, as well. To arrange a free consultation about a recent intersection accident in Las Vegas with a knowledgeable attorney near you, contact Koch & Brim, LLP.