Intersections are prime locations for serious car accidents because they bring together traffic moving in different directions. In every city, certain intersections are more hazardous than others. Whether you are an Albany, GA resident or just passing through, knowing where the most dangerous intersections are may help you avoid a crash. If the accident has already happened, it’s time to explore your legal options.
If you’re looking for honest legal help from hometown lawyers who put you first, talk to the car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. With a perfect 10.0 Superb Avvo rating in personal injury law, our firm offers the proven experience and results you should expect from any attorney, but don’t always get. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Albany
WALB News recently investigated the most dangerous intersections in Albany. Here are the biggest danger zones based on police-reported intersection accident statistics:
- Dawson Road and Stuart Avenue had 145 crashes over a three-year period. Over 170 intersection accidents happened on Dawson Road in general during that time.
- North Westover Boulevard and Nottingham Way experienced nearly 50 crashes during the same timeframe. This intersection features a highway ramp and is also where two five-lane roads meet, further complicating traffic patterns and increasing traffic through the intersection.
- North Slappey Boulevard and Palmyra Road saw 39 crashes over that time. This intersection is notable for being where two five-lane roads meet and has multiple parking lot entrances and exits nearby. Overall, North Slappey Boulevard had the highest number of accidents at major intersections in Albany, with more than 260 crashes reported to police.
Why Intersections Are Dangerous
Intersections are dangerous because they are where multiple traffic flows meet. Instead of just going in opposite directions, intersections allow cars to move in at least two additional directions, often even more. Vehicles are also turning left and right, which can contribute to T-bone accidents.
Motorists aren’t the only ones at intersections. Cyclists and pedestrians also use them, which can lead to severe collisions if drivers fail to check for them or yield the right-of-way.
Additionally, some intersections can have visibility issues. For example, an intersection right after a blind turn may have more accidents because drivers aren’t prepared to stop. Or if a driver can’t safely check for oncoming traffic before turning, the intersection should have signs prohibiting turns on red.
Intersections also cause traffic congestion, which can result in wrecks due to inattentive or aggressive drivers. The more vehicles in a given location, the more likely it is that a collision will occur.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
There is no single leading cause of intersection accidents in Albany. Common causes include:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Impaired driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Missing signage or faded paint in traffic lanes
- Bad weather
Intersection Safety Tips for Drivers and Pedestrians
Drivers and pedestrians alike must pay attention to their surroundings when entering intersections. Everyone should learn Georgia’s right-of-way laws. Here are some general rules:
- Vehicles traveling straight through intersections have the right of way.
- Cars turning left must yield and wait for an opening to turn.
- Pedestrians lawfully in marked crosswalks have the right of way at intersections. Vehicles should yield and wait for them to cross before proceeding.
- If a crosswalk isn’t marked at an intersection, pedestrians must generally yield the right of way to traffic and wait for a safe time to cross.
Whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle, it’s always a good idea to proceed with caution as you enter an intersection. Never assume that others will obey the rules of the road. If a driver runs a red light and strikes you, they will bear fault for the crash, but you could share the blame depending on the circumstances.
What to Do After an Intersection Accident
After an intersection accident in Albany, it’s essential to take the following steps to prevent your injuries from worsening and strengthen your case for compensation:
- Call 911 – Police can investigate the accident, gather information for an official report, and manage traffic to prevent additional crashes.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos and videos of the vehicle damage, your visible injuries, and the intersection itself. Get the insurance information for all drivers and ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Seek medical treatment – Attend all follow-ups with your doctor until they say you have recovered as much as expected.
- Keep track of all medical bills and other receipts – Your car accident lawyer will use them to calculate your damages and place a value on your case.
- Check your auto insurance policy – You may have a deadline to report the crash.
- Wait to give a statement to the insurance company – Get advice from an attorney on what to say and when. Without legal guidance, you could unknowingly say something that hurts your case.
- Contact an Albany intersection accident lawyer – Georgia law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses after a car crash. Maximizing your claim hinges on proving your case to the insurance company. Talk to an experienced intersection accident lawyer before discussing the wreck with the insurer or agreeing to settle. Otherwise, you might accept a sum that doesn’t account for the full extent of your losses.
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., our Albany car accident attorneys can handle all aspects of your case, from the initial investigation to representing you in insurance negotiations or at trial.
Contact Our Intersection Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured at an intersection in Albany, GA, reach out to the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. We can review the accident details, explain your options for seeking financial recovery, and answer any additional questions you have about your case. Call or contact us online today to get started.
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