Louisville Intersection Accident Attorney

Intersections bring together drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, each with their own rights and responsibilities on the road. Unfortunately, not everyone obeys traffic laws, and that can lead to severe consequences. Car accidents, especially those at intersections, often involve a failure to yield, running red lights, speeding, and distracted driving.

According to a report shared by the local ABC News affiliate, WHAS11, over the last decade, 2nd and Broadway in Louisville has been considered the most dangerous intersection in all of Kentucky with 35 crashes in a twelve-month period.

Other intersections such as Broadway and Fourth Street or the interchange at Interstate 64 and Interstate 65 see high volumes of traffic and have been the site of numerous accidents over the years.

Intersection accidents can often be extremely complex due to the many parties involved and the variety of potential accident causes. Determining fault can be challenging, as multiple drivers may share responsibility.

This is when an experienced intersection accident lawyer becomes essential.

Knowing what to do immediately after any type of vehicle accident can significantly affect your success when seeking compensation later.

These key steps can help strengthen your case and protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are your top priority. Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, you should seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent or worsen over time if untreated. Having this medical record can be crucial for your case as well.
2. Call the Authorities: Always report the accident to the police or local authorities, even if it seems minor. The police report will be another essential piece of evidence in your case.
3. Document the Accident Scene: If possible, take plenty of photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, relevant signage, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Be cautious when speaking to insurance adjusters. Anything you say could be used against you later. Never admit fault to anyone until you’ve spoken to an attorney. It’s best to let your lawyer handle communications with insurance companies and anyone else related to your case.
5. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. They can begin investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and building your case while the details are still fresh in everyone’s minds.

Intersection accidents happen for a wide range of reasons, many of which are avoidable if drivers maintain attention and exercise proper caution.

Some common causes include:

Distracted Driving

Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or simply not paying attention to the road can easily miss traffic signals or fail to see other vehicles or pedestrians. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of intersection accidents in Louisville.

According to reports by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,308 people died nationwide in vehicle-related accidents due to distracted driving in 2022.

Failure to Yield

Intersections rely on drivers yielding the right of way, whether it’s to oncoming traffic when making a turn or to pedestrians using crosswalks. Failure to yield often results in collisions, particularly in busy intersections where traffic is constantly flowing from multiple directions.

Speeding

Speeding through intersections increases the likelihood of accidents, as drivers have less time to react to changing traffic conditions like cars stopping in front of them or entering the intersection from crossing roads. High-speed crashes at intersections are particularly dangerous, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Running Red Lights

Ignoring traffic signals is another major cause of intersection accidents. When drivers run red lights, they put themselves and others at serious risk of a crash. This is a common occurrence in Louisville, especially during rush hour when drivers may be more inclined to rush through an intersection instead of waiting.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 1,149 people lost their lives nationwide in crashes involving running a red light. Half of those people killed were bicyclists, pedestrians, and those in other vehicles. Additionally, more than 107,000 people were injured in crashes that occurred after a vehicle ran a red light.

When you’ve been injured in an intersection accident, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and debts from lost wages can add up quickly, leaving you stressed and worried about your future.

A personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference, providing the legal support and guidance you need to work through the complexities of your case and seek maximum compensation for your losses.

Investigates Your Accident

One of the first steps your lawyer will take is conducting a thorough investigation of the accident. This involves gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any available photos or videos from the scene.

An experienced lawyer will also work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary to determine exactly how the accident occurred and who is at fault.

Determines Liability

Liability in intersection accidents can be complicated, especially when multiple vehicles are involved.

Your lawyer will analyze the evidence to identify the parties responsible for the accident. In some cases, liability may rest with a single driver, while in others, multiple parties may share the blame. In Louisville, comparative fault laws may come into play, meaning that each party’s degree of responsibility can affect the amount of compensation they receive.

Deals with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies can play a significant role in intersection accident cases, but they seldom have your best interests in mind. Adjusters often try to minimize the amount they pay out or deny your claim entirely.

Your Louisville intersection accident attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, to help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement.

Pursues Compensation

Intersection accidents can result in significant financial and emotional burdens. A skilled lawyer will work to recover compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

In cases where the accident results in permanent disability or long-term care needs, your lawyer will factor these future costs into your claim to make sure that you’re fully compensated for your losses.

Represents You in Court

While most accident cases are settled out of court, some may proceed to trial if a fair settlement can’t be agreed on. When this happens, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting their strongest case on your behalf.

They’ll argue for maximum compensation and fight on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Louisville’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Keep in mind that waiting too long to take legal action can jeopardize your chances of recovering compensation. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and witnesses may become harder to locate as time passes. Acting quickly and contacting a Louisville intersection accident lawyer as soon as possible gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.

Intersection accidents offer unique challenges based on the events leading to the collision and how multiple parties are involved. At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, our accident attorneys can provide you with the legal expertise you need to navigate these challenges and help you and your family get the compensation you deserve.

From investigating the accident and determining liability to dealing with insurance companies and representing you in court, a skilled lawyer will be by your side every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured in an intersection accident, don’t wait—reach out today to protect your rights and secure your future.