One person was killed and another was injured during a two-vehicle intersection accident on Friday, July 14th in Dunn. The crash took place at about 11:55 p.m. in the area of West Cole Street and North Ellis Avenue.
Why do so many car accidents happen at intersections?
According to a local source with knowledge of the incident, two vehicles collided with one another in the intersection. The force of the impact launched both vehicles into the front yard of a nearby home.
One person was trapped inside one of the cars. Emergency responders had to cut the doors off the vehicle in order to extricate the victim who was then transported to WakeMed in Raleigh for emergency medical treatment.
A second person involved in the accident was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have not indicated if both victims were from the same vehicle. It is also unclear if speed or intoxication played a role in the incident.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a North Carolina car accident, the North Carolina car accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you prove fault and protect your right to damages. Call our personal injury law firm today to schedule your free consultation.
Intersection Accident Statistics
Since intersections conjoin multiple roadways and traffic that is moving in opposite directions, it is not surprising that they see more than their fair share of vehicle accidents.
A report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that roughly 40% of all car accidents in the United States take place at intersections. The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported that just under 95,000 vehicle accidents occurred at intersections statewide in 2011.
Vehicle occupants, bicyclists, and pedestrians are all susceptible to being gravely injured in intersection car accidents. Regrettably, most of these accidents are preventable since they are caused by negligent and reckless drivers.
How Do North Carolina Intersection Accidents Happen?
In a study of intersection car accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that making lefthand turns, crossing over, or making righthand turns at an intersection is the catalyst for millions of car accidents every year. In fact, 96% of intersection car accidents are the result of driver error.
The common driver errors that lead to intersection accidents are:
- Inadequate surveillance
- Falsely assuming the actions of another driver
- Turning despite a partially or fully obstructed view
- Unlawful maneuvers
- Distracted driving
- Misjudging another vehicle’s speed or the space in between vehicles
The NHTSA said accidents that occur while driving through an intersection are usually the result of distracted or unlawful driving. In lefthand-turn intersection accidents, the most common causes are misjudging another vehicle’s distance or speed and obstructed views. Righthand-turn intersection accidents are likely the result of the wrongful assumption of another driver’s next action.
Injuries Caused by Intersection Accidents
The most common type of intersection car accident is a T-bone or side-impact collision. A study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that the majority of these accidents are caused by drivers disregarding stop signs and traffic lights.
T-bone accidents often produce extremely serious injuries because the side of the car provides far less protection than the front and back.
Intersection accidents can lead to multiple types of injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries/Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries/Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
Talk to an Attorney About Your Car Accident
If you were injured in a car accident at an intersection in North Carolina, you need to speak with an attorney about your legal options and how to effectively pursue financial compensation. Schedule your free consultation with an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp by calling (833) 997-1774. We can provide the guidance you need to reach a successful conclusion in your North Carolina car accident case.