Intersection crashes are one of the most common types of car accidents. They can be a frightening and dangerous experience, often leading to severe injuries and property damage.
If you’ve been in an intersection crash in St. Louis, Missouri, it’s important to know your rights and what steps you should take to protect yourself. Read on to learn more about intersection crashes and how an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can protect your rights if you’re involved in one.
If you have questions or need assistance, Contact our law firm Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation at (314) 444-4444.
How Our St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys Can Help After an Intersection Crash
If you’re in need of legal representation, you want a law firm that is qualified, experienced, and has an impressive track record in court. That’s where the legal team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers comes in.
Our St. Louis car accident attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience. We have an extensive understanding of the legal process and will work with you to craft the ideal strategy for your unique case, whether that means negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case all the way to trial.
If you hire us for help after an intersection crash in St. Louis, MO, we’ll:
- Investigate the collision and who shares liability
- Collect evidence and build a strong case
- Consult leading experts if complex issues arise
- Represent you throughout negotiations and court proceedings as we work towards the most favorable outcome for you
Our attorneys are committed to providing quality legal services with a personalized approach for each case we handle. We’ve received numerous awards for our excellence over the past decade. If you need help after a St. Louis intersection crash, contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Are Intersection Crashes in Missouri?
Each year, thousands of car accidents occur at intersections across the United States.
- According to statistics more than 50 percent of the country’s total fatal and injury crashes occur at or near intersections.
- Almost 20% of all fatal car accidents in Missouri in 2022 occurred at an intersection.
- In 2022, there were 116 fatal crashes and almost 7,000 crashes involving injuries that occurred at a 4-way intersection in Missouri.
- In 2022, there were 36 fatal crashes and more than 2,000 crashes involving injuries that occurred at a T intersection in Missouri.
Unfortunately, many of these accidents are avoidable if motorists pay attention and exercise reasonable care while driving and sharing the roads.
How Do Intersection Crashes Happen?
An intersection crash occurs when two vehicles collide at a crossroads or intersection. The most common type of intersection crash is a T-bone accident, where one car hits another broadside while turning left or making a U-turn.
Other types of crashes include:
Common Causes of Intersection Crashes
Intersection crashes can be caused by a variety of factors, such as driver negligence or failure to follow the rules of the road.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Failure to observe traffic signals
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Driver impairment
- Illegal turns
- Running a red and yellow light
- Self-driving vehicles
Poor visibility, defective traffic lights, and road defects can also contribute to intersection crashes. Our car accident lawyers in St. Louis will work to identify the cause of your wreck.
Most Common Types of Injuries Caused By Intersection Crashes
The most common types of injuries sustained in intersection crashes are whiplash and soft tissue injuries due to the force of impact. Intersection crashes often result in other serious physical injuries, including broken bones, head and neck trauma, spinal cord injuries, airbag injuries, seatbelt injuries and lacerations.
Other common types of intersection crash injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures, dislocations, herniated discs, internal organ damage, and psychological trauma such as PTSD or depression.
Determining Liability in a St. Louis Intersection Crash: What You Need To Know
To determine liability in an intersection crash, an investigation must be conducted into what caused it. This investigation could include looking at witness statements, reviewing any video footage from nearby surveillance cameras, or examining vehicle damage or skid marks on the roadway. All these pieces of evidence can help establish fault in a crash.
The Duty of Care Owed By Drivers
Under Missouri law, drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and obey all traffic laws. They must also keep a proper lookout for other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians on the roadways. If a driver fails to abide by this duty and causes an accident, they may be held liable for any injuries that result from the crash.
Missouri’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rules
In some cases, both parties involved in an accident may share some degree of liability for causing it. When this occurs, Missouri follows pure comparative negligence rules, which assign each party a percentage of responsibility based on their role in causing the crash. If you file a personal injury lawsuit and it’s determined that you were partially responsible for the accident, any damages you’re awarded will be reduced by that percentage.
For example, a driver was texting and hit you in an intersection, but you were speeding. You and the other driver may be deemed partially at fault for causing the accident and will be assigned percentages of responsibility. Your compensation will be reduced accordingly.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyer
Intersection crashes can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. With the right legal representation, those affected by St. Louis intersection crashes can seek justice and compensation for their losses.
If you need help, contact a St. Louis intersection crash lawyer at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We handle all types of car accident claims, including:
- Hit and Run Accidents
- DUI Accidents
- Single-Vehicle Accidents
- Parking Lot Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- Lane Change Crashes
- Suv-Rollover Accidents
Additional St. Louis Car Accident Resources
- Most Dangerous Roads/Intersections
- Child Car Seat Laws
- Car Inspection Laws
- Car Accident Claims Process
- Passenger Negligence
- Car Color Crash Risk
Learn more about car accident FAQs: