Speak With a Los Angeles Intersection Accident Lawyer Today
Intersection accidents are among the most dangerous and legally complex crashes on Los Angeles roadways. With multiple lanes, traffic signals, pedestrians, cyclists, and turning vehicles converging at once, a single mistake can lead to catastrophic injuries. Determining fault in these cases is rarely straightforward, and insurance companies often exploit confusion over right-of-way laws to deny or reduce claims. If you or a loved one has been injured in an intersection accident, working with an experienced Los Angeles intersection accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to intersection accident victims throughout Los Angeles. Our legal team understands California traffic laws and knows how to prove fault in even the most contested crashes.
Want to speak to someone about your case ? Call 800-615-6595
Why Intersection Accidents Are So Dangerous
Intersections are where vehicles cross paths at different speeds and angles, often with limited reaction time.
Intersection crashes are especially dangerous because:
- Side-impact (T-bone) collisions are common
- Vehicles may be struck at full speed
- Pedestrians and cyclists are frequently involved
- Multi-vehicle chain reactions can occur
- Visibility is often obstructed by other vehicles or structures
Los Angeles’s high traffic density and complex intersections significantly increase crash severity.
Common Types of Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents can take many forms, including:
- T-bone collisions
- Left-turn accidents
- Failure-to-yield crashes
- Red-light running accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle strikes
- Multi-vehicle pileups
Each type presents unique challenges when determining liability.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents in Los Angeles
Most intersection accidents are preventable and caused by negligence. Common causes include:
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Drivers attempting to beat traffic signals often cause severe crashes.
Failure to Yield
Drivers turning left or entering intersections often fail to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
Distracted Driving
Texting, GPS use, or inattention prevents drivers from noticing traffic signals or cross traffic.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases impact force.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment significantly increases the risk of intersection crashes.
Where Intersection Accidents Commonly Occur
In Los Angeles, intersection accidents frequently happen:
- On major arterial roads
- Near freeway on-ramps and off-ramps
- In downtown Los Angeles
- Near shopping centers and schools
- At intersections with complex signal timing
Busy intersections with multiple turn lanes are particularly hazardous.
Understanding Right-of-Way Laws in California
California traffic laws establish clear right-of-way rules, including:
- Drivers must stop at red lights and stop signs
- Left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks
- Vehicles entering a roadway must yield to traffic already in the lane
Violating these rules often forms the basis of liability in intersection accident claims.
Determining Fault in an Intersection Accident
Fault in intersection accidents is frequently disputed. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be shared among multiple parties.
Liability may depend on:
- Traffic signal timing and phase
- Right-of-way rules
- Vehicle speeds
- Driver attentiveness
- Visibility conditions
- Intersection design or signal malfunction
Insurance companies often attempt to assign partial blame to injured victims, making legal representation critical.
Evidence Used to Prove an Intersection Accident Claim
Strong evidence is essential in intersection crash cases. This may include:
- Police accident reports
- Traffic signal timing data
- Red-light camera footage
- Surveillance or dashcam video
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Event data recorder (“black box”) information
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Prompt investigation helps preserve this evidence before it is lost or overwritten.
When Government Entities May Be Liable
Some intersection accidents are caused by unsafe roadway conditions, such as:
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Poor intersection design
- Inadequate signage or markings
- Obstructed sightlines
Claims against government entities involve strict notice deadlines and specialized legal procedures.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Intersection Accidents
Due to the force and angles involved, injuries are often severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death injuries
Victims may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Compensation Available to Intersection Accident Victims
If your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Ongoing medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal cases, families may pursue wrongful death damages.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Intersection Accident Claims
Insurance companies often challenge intersection accident claims by:
- Disputing traffic signal phases
- Arguing shared fault
- Questioning witness credibility
- Minimizing injury severity
An experienced Los Angeles intersection accident lawyer ensures your claim is fully investigated and properly valued.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Intersection Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand how complex intersection accident cases can be. Our legal team builds strong, evidence-driven claims designed to establish fault and maximize compensation.
We focus on:
- Preserving traffic and video evidence
- Identifying all negligent parties
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Accurately calculating damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Intersection Accidents
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require notice within six months.
Early legal action helps protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
Call Farar & Lewis After an Intersection Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured in an intersection accident, do not let insurance companies shift blame or undervalue your injuries.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Los Angeles intersection accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- California Office of Traffic Safety – Intersection Crash Statistics
https://www.ots.ca.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Intersection Safety
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Intersection Collision Research
https://www.iihs.org
