All motorists in Michigan must remember the importance of stopping fully at intersections. The Federal Highway Administration reports that 2.5 million intersection accidents occur each year. Recently, a motorist collided with another vehicle in Michigan, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals. The accident occurred approximately 35 miles northwest of Detroit. Speed limits at the intersection are reported to be approximately 55 miles per hour, according to law enforcement. When motorists are injured in failure to stop and other types of intersection accidents, the injured party is likely entitled to compensation. To make sure that these injuries are awarded, it is essential to retain the services of a skilled accident lawyer.
Common Types of Intersection Accidents
When intersection accidents occur, there are several groups that can be seriously harmed including bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Some of the ways in which accidents most often occur at intersections include the following:
- Failure to Notice Pedestrians: Motor vehicle operators who fail to observe pedestrians walking through nearby crosswalks are at risk of causing serious accidents. Motor vehicle operators who strike pedestrians often cause serious injuries.
- Rural Intersections: Rural intersections can be particularly dangerous for motor vehicle operators. Many of these intersections are inadequately marked and not easy for motor vehicle operators to predict.
- Traffic Signal Violations: Law sin the state of Michigan require all motor vehicle operators to obey all posted traffic signals including stop signs, stoplights, and yield signs. In many cases, failure to obey these signals results in collisions between vehicles.
- Unsafe Turns: Motor vehicle operators must remember to wait until it is safe to make a turn at an intersection before doing so. If a motor vehicle operator attempts to turn when the driver does not have enough time, automobile accidents can occur.
While these are some of the most common types of intersection accidents, there are many other accidents in where all parties follow posted rules but an accident still occurs.
Steps to Avoid Intersection Accidents
There are some safety precautions that Michigan motorists can take to prevent intersection accidents, which include the following:
- Avoid performing sudden lane changes.
- Do not assume the right of way and be prepared to stop.
- Drive defensively to reduce the chances of being in an accident.
- Exercise caution when turning right on red.
- Leave adequate spaces between vehicles in the event of a collision.
- Look out for nearby bicyclists, motorcyclists, and motor vehicle operators.
- Make sure to follow all posted road signs at intersections.
- Never drive a motor vehicle while distracted.
- Prepare for an intersection while approaching it.
- Remain aware of surrounding conditions by watching your blind spot.
- Signal in advance of the intersection.
Retain the Services of a Michigan Attorney
Each year in Michigan, there are a large number of accidents caused by motorists who fail to follow the rules at intersections. If you are harmed in an accident, do not hesitate to contact a licensed Michigan personal injury attorney at Jay Trucks & Associates. Ph: (989) 601-2554.
