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(877) 880-4090Intersections can be dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists under many circumstances. Victims, especially pedestrians, are sometimes left with severe injuries resulting in compounding medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. While there is nothing the legal system can do to relieve the physical pain, tort law does offer victims an avenue to hold the at-fault party responsible and recover the losses they suffered.
Sometimes the dangers at an intersection have nothing to do with other drivers. For example, poorly marked lanes, inadequate signage, visibility defects, poor design, lack of lighting at night, and hazardous road conditions can quickly result in a deadly accident. However, the most dangerous element on the road is a negligent driver, and several factors can make a bad driver even more hazardous.
Taylorville has several intersections that are potentially dangerous, especially for pedestrians. A few with the most recorded accidents include several highways intersecting with Redwood Road:
The intersection at 4100 South has been labeled one of the most dangerous crossings in the state. It is the site of many automobile and pedestrian accidents, with an unfortunate number resulting in death. If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one in an accident at any of these intersections, you may have the opportunity to recover financial compensation for your loss.
Human error is the number one cause of most auto accidents, regardless of the location. However, some specific accidents known to happen at intersections include:
Sometimes several factors play a role in a crash. For example, a distracted driver at an intersection with an obstructed view is hazardous for themselves and others. Trying to run a yellow light in the winter when snow on the road is not yet removed exacerbates the potential hazard. Knowing the cause of your accident is essential if you need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer. It is the key to determining liability.
Liability in an intersection auto accident is typically straightforward. Drivers and pedestrians must follow the rules of the road that apply to them, and failure to do so, resulting in an accident, could make them liable for damages. For example, a driver running a red light and crashing into another driver who had the right-of-way is clearly responsible because they violated the law of traffic signals. Similarly, a pedestrian crossing the road while the “don’t walk” sign flashes would be liable. However, determining fault is not always relevant, thanks to Utah’s no-fault laws.
Utah is a no-fault state. In practice, this means that all drivers with a vehicle registered in Utah must carry personal injury protection insurance. Should an accident occur, you can file a claim to recover the cost of medical bills and lost income while you heal from your injuries. Likewise, if you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle at an intersection, you should be able to file a claim under the driver’s PIP insurance policy. In either case, liability does not play a role.
However, the state recognizes that accidents resulting in more severe injuries sometimes require more financial support than PIP provides. That is why victims with more than $3,000 in medical expenses and an injury resulting in permanent disability, disfigurement, or impairment can bypass the no-fault claim policy and file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance or file a lawsuit through their local civil court to recover all their losses, including property and non-economic damages. PIP insurance does not cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
In the immediate aftermath and days following a car accident at an intersection, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the help you need to heal and the financial compensation you deserve:
The last step is to contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Attorneys representing victims of torts know the financial struggles they face due to someone else’s negligence. For that reason, most offer their services for no upfront charge, allowing you to pay only if they win your case. Therefore, you have nothing to lose from reaching out to a lawyer with questions.
Car accident victims facing substantial financial damages while healing from physical and emotional injuries do not have to face a combative insurance company alone. For example, suppose a negligent driver at a dangerous intersection left you with significant losses. In that case, a personal injury attorney can help you recover the damages while you focus your energy on getting better. Tasks performed by a legal representative include:
At Fielding Law, our team of personal injury attorneys works with car accident victims every day. We know the dangerous intersections in Taylorsville and can do the groundwork quickly to build a solid case for the compensation you need to get your life back. Contact Fielding Law at (877)880-4090 to schedule your free consultation with a Utah personal injury lawyer today. We charge no upfront fees and are ready to answer your questions.