Most of us learned that a red traffic light means to stop long before we got our licenses, and yet every year, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are injured by vehicles that failed to stop for a red light causing accident at intersections in Kentucky.
In fact, red light accidents increased nationwide by 17% from 2012 to 2016 even though there are laws prohibiting drivers from running red lights. Intersection accidents in Kentucky accounted for nearly one-fourth of all accidents in 2014, with one in six of these accidents resulting in fatalities. In this blog, we discuss some reasons why intersection accidents in Kentucky are so dangerous.
Common Injuries from Intersection Accidents
Intersections are dangerous because they involve high-speed traffic from all angles coming to a stop when a traffic light changes from green to red. Failure to stop for the red light can result in more serious injuries than that of a regular fender bender. Some common injuries from accidents at intersections include:
- Lacerations (which may result in profuse bleeding in victims)
- Contusions
- Soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and torn ligaments or muscles
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries such as ruptured discs or whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputation
- Head, eye, and ear injuries
- TBIs
Common Causes for Accidents at Intersections
Passing through an intersection may not seem like a huge deal, especially since our roads have so many of them in any given area. However, passing through an intersection requires a driver’s full attention and focus. Even a momentary lapse in focus while driving through an intersection can pose a very serious risk to all other drivers present. The following are some of the most common reasons intersection accidents happen:
- Speeding, or an inability to stop a vehicle in time
- Intentional disregard for a traffic light (running a red light)
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to appropriately use turn indicator
- Making an illegal turn
- Sudden braking (brake-checking)
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving (examples include distraction caused by a cell phone, GPS, food or drink, personal grooming, interacting with passengers in the vehicle, or distraction from outside of the vehicle)
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
- Inexperienced drivers
- Poor vehicle maintenance (brake failure at an intersection)
How to Protect Yourself at an Intersection
Many things can go wrong and cause car accidents at intersections, and of course, the first thing you should do if you are in an accident is to call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. However, the following simple steps may be the difference between remaining safe and sustaining serious injuries in an intersection accident:
- Drive defensively. Always assume everyone else on the road is inept at operating a vehicle and drive cautiously and safely
- Always look both ways when approaching an intersection
- Allow uncontrolled (no traffic lights) intersections to clear before entering
- Use extra caution at uncontrolled intersections at night or in low light
- Never assume another vehicle will stop just because the light is red (again, drive defensively)
- If you are a pedestrian, be especially careful of turning vehicles
Contact a Kentucky Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At McCoy & Sparks, we have extensive experience with car accident cases. Our experienced legal team understands Kentucky law and liability insurance, and has a track record of success maximizing the recovery of damages for our clients. Our job is to fight for you. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact McCoy & Sparks, PLLC, your Central Kentucky car accident lawyers at 1-844-4KY-WINS or fill out our online form to set up a free consultation. Our offices are located at 212 W. Stephen Foster Ave. in Bardstown, Kentucky.