Naturally, major towns and cities have many intersections. More than fifty percent of road accidents occur at an intersection, regardless of all the traffic rules and regulations in place to help avoid dangerous intersection accidents. These intersections are always busy, so you should be careful, whether you are a motorist or a pedestrian. 

How to Avoid Intersection Accidents

Here are some of the ways to ensure that you avoid intersection accidents:

Watch Out for Cross Traffic

You must watch for any cross traffic when you are approaching an intersection. Irrespective of whether you have the right of way, ensure you watch out for other oncoming vehicles. Remember, not every driver will follow the traffic rules. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Follow Traffic Rules

Ensure you adhere to traffic rules and regulations. When turning immediately the traffic lights allow, ensure that the car before you is a safe distance away from yours. Many accidents that occur at an intersection are rear-ended collisions. 

Avoid changing lanes at an intersection to avoid side-swipes, another common reason for intersection accidents. If a vehicle is turning from across the street and you change lanes, there is a high chance of the two vehicles colliding.

Respect Other Road Users

Other than vehicles, always watch out for the pedestrian crossings and other road users before speeding at an intersection. Respecting other road users is a crucial part of ensuring safety at an intersection and any other part of the road.

Avoid Distractions

Distracted drivers are among the most common causes of road accidents. Do not use your cell phone while driving, not just at an intersection, but whenever you are driving.  Also, treat an intersection as a four-way stop if the traffic lights are faulty. There are vehicles in every direction, be extremely cautious as you go through an intersection.

What to Do if You’re in an Intersection Accident 

Accidents are unpredictable, and you may follow all the traffic rules and regulations and still end up in an accident because of the other person’s negligence. If this is the case, you should not have to incur all the damages when you can file for a personal injury lawsuit. In case an accident occurs, here are the steps to take to ensure you get paid for the damages:

Go to the Hospital

It is important to get a check-up regardless of whether you have visible injuries. This is to ensure that you are doing well healthwise and that you do not have any internal injuries. The second reason is to use the medical reports as evidence and part of the factors to consider when valuing your claim.

Collect Evidence

Use your phone to take many photos of the scene. Ensure you keep a copy of the police report as well; it will be part of the evidence to show you are not at fault.

Hire a Lawyer

Going through this process is not easy. You need the services of a good lawyer. One who will help you collect the proof you need to get the settlement and value your claim to ensure you do not get less than what you deserve. 

Negotiations are not easy. Therefore, you will need a lawyer who will negotiate on your behalf and also represent you if the case proceeds to court. You also need a lawyer to help with your paperwork before time lapses in accordance with the statute of limitations. 

What to Do After an Intersection Accident

With the tips to avoid intersection accidents in mind, you have a better chance of driving through without any problems. If you happen to be in one and it is not your fault, you need to go to a hospital. You should also collect all the necessary evidence and contact a professional lawyer. Evidence includes the medical reports, police reports, and pictures of the accident scene. You need a lawyer to help you with the negotiation process if you wish to get the right value of your claim.