Los Angeles Intersection Accidents: Recovering Claims

Intersection accidents are common occurrences in urban places such as Los Angeles. In fact, approximately one-third of all automobile collisions occur in traffic intersections.

Congestion, violation of traffic lights and signs, and recklessness are among the main causes of intersection accidents. Drivers who ran the red light, those who fail to see the yield sign, and distracted drivers who are unable to stop in time are the usual culprits in most intersection accidents. Hence, traffic intersections are some of the most dangerous places in the city, where accidents are likely to result in serious or fatal injuries and damage to property.

Vehicle collision is one of the most common types of accident that occur in road intersections. Intersection collisions may involve the following parties:

• two cars or vehicles such as buses, trucks or trains
• a car and motorcycle
• a car and bicycle
• a car and a pedestrian

In Los Angeles, the city Department of Transportation has identified 60 hotspots or dangerous intersections where accidents frequently occur. Among others, these include the following:

1. Lankershim Boulevard and Victory Boulevard
2. Lincoln Boulevard and Rose Avenue
3. Lincoln Boulevard and Venice Boulevard
4. National Boulevard, National and Overland Avenue
5. Barham Boulevard, Cahuenga Boulevard East
6. Coral Drive and Hollycrest Drive
7. Beverly Glen Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard
8. Centinela Avenue, Marina Freeway
9. Monte Mar Drive and Motor Drive
10. Beachwood Drive and Franklin Avenue
11. Figuroa Street and Slauson Avenue

Causes of intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents may be attributed to several factors, among them:

• Driver error
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Overspeeding
• Running a red light
• Malfunctioning signal or traffic lights
• Defective or damaged road signs
• Poor road conditions
• Poor lighting or visibility

Recovering Claims

In order to recover damages for injuries that you suffer as a result of another person’s negligence, you need to establish the following elements:

• Duty of care of the negligent party
• That the duty was breached
• Proximate cause
The negligent act resulted in injuries

Under the law, injured victims of accidents such as intersection accidents are entitled to receive damages from the liable party in the accident. The damages that the victim may receive generally include compensation for medical expenses, loss income and benefits and payment for pain and suffering. In fatal cases such as a pedestrian being hit and killed, the victim’s survivors may file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party.

To increase your chances of obtaining the maximum claim for your injuries, you need to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, one who specializes in intersection accidents.