Stop Light Intersection Accident

Prince George’s County Stop Light Accident Attorneys Securing Justice for Intersection Crash Victims

Stoplight intersections are often the site of serious pedestrian accidents in Prince George’s County. Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop in time put pedestrians crossing the road in grave danger. These accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities, making it crucial to seek legal representation to hold the responsible driver accountable.

At Foran & Foran, our Prince George’s stoplight intersection accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in pedestrian accident cases. We will investigate the accident, gather the necessary evidence, and pursue compensation for your injuries. Give us a call to get started on your case today.

How Stop-Light Intersection Accidents Happen

Intersections are inherently dangerous due to the complex nature of traffic patterns. Multiple vehicles, often turning or proceeding straight, must adhere to traffic lights and pedestrian signals. Unfortunately, when drivers fail to follow the rules, pedestrians suffer the consequences. Common causes of stop light intersection accidents include the following:

Running Red Lights

Running a red light is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents at intersections. Drivers in a hurry may attempt to "beat the light" or mistakenly believe they have enough time to clear the intersection before it turns red. This reckless behavior puts pedestrians crossing the street in direct danger. When a vehicle runs a red light, there is little time for a pedestrian to react, often leading to severe injuries.

Misjudging Pedestrian Signals

Even when pedestrians follow their designated walk signals, drivers sometimes misjudge when it's safe to proceed. For example, drivers turning right on red may fail to see pedestrians crossing in their path. This type of error is hazardous in busy intersections where pedestrians and vehicles move quickly.

Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers are a significant hazard at intersections. Whether a driver is texting, using a phone, or distracted by other passengers, their attention may not be entirely on the road. In these moments, a distracted driver may not notice a pedestrian crossing or a stop light turning red, resulting in a devastating accident.

Pedestrian accidents at stop light intersections are common, and the injuries they cause can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one were involved in such an accident, seeking legal representation from a Prince George's stop-light intersection accident lawyer is essential.

Common Injuries in Stop Light Intersection Accidents

Pedestrians hit at intersections often suffer some of the most severe injuries due to the speed and weight of the vehicles involved. These injuries can include:

• Head and brain injuries. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are common in pedestrian accidents, especially when the victim is thrown to the ground or hit by a vehicle.
• Spinal cord injuries. Spinal injuries, including fractures or even paralysis, can result from the impact of being hit by a car.
• Broken bones. Leg, arm, and hip fractures are frequent in pedestrian accidents, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Internal injuries. The force of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can cause significant internal injuries, including organ damage or internal bleeding.

Stop-light intersection accidents can have long-lasting effects on a victim's physical and emotional health. It's critical to work with an attorney who understands the full impact of these injuries and will pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Proving Liability in Stop Light Intersection Accidents

Establishing liability in a stop-light intersection accident is crucial to holding the responsible party accountable. Several factors come into play when proving fault in these cases:

Driver Negligence

In most cases, the driver who fails to stop or runs a red light is liable for the accident. Evidence such as eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and accident reports can help demonstrate that the driver was negligent. Speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic violations are often indicators of driver fault.

Contributory Fault

Maryland follows contributory negligence laws, which means that if a pedestrian is found even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it especially important to work with a Prince George's stop light intersection accident lawyer who can gather evidence proving that the pedestrian was legally crossing the street and was not responsible for the accident.

Road Design and Traffic Signal Maintenance

In some cases, the design of the intersection or the condition of the traffic signals may contribute to the accident. If a poorly designed intersection or malfunctioning traffic signal played a role in the accident, the municipality or agency responsible for maintaining the intersection may be liable. Our team at Foran & Foran will thoroughly investigate all aspects of the accident to identify all responsible parties.

Get Justice After a Pedestrian Accident

Injured in a pedestrian accident? The Prince George’s County pedestrian attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We understand the impact these injuries can have on your life, and we’re here to help. Call 301-441-2022 now to schedule your free consultation.

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