Stephen Hasner | Truck Accidents | August 18, 2020
A dump truck and a Glynn County Fire Department ambulance crashed on St. Simons Island on August 5, 2020, in Glynn County. The collision occurred around 9:50 a.m. at the intersection of Demere Road and Sea Island Road.
A county fire department EMT and the patient in the ambulance may have been injured in the crash. Another ambulance transported both individuals to the emergency room of Brunswick Hospital, which is in the Southeast Georgia Health System.
The severity of the crash backed up traffic in the area for some time while crews worked to clear the accident scene. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. However, the Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the intersection accident.
Causes of Intersection Crashes in Georgia
Intersections are the site of many traffic accidents each year in the United States. About one-quarter of the traffic fatalities over the past several years occurred at intersections. Intersection accidents are to blame for about one-half of all traffic injuries over the past several years.
Many factors can contribute to the cause of an intersection accident. Aggressive driving maneuvers are common factors in an intersection crash. Examples of aggressive driving behaviors that can contribute to a T-bone accident at an intersection include:
- Failure to obey traffic signals or traffic signs
- Racing to “beat” a red light
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Making improper turns
- Sudden speed changes
- Dangerous or illegal passing and merging
- Improper lane changes
- Excessive speed
In addition to aggressive driving behaviors, other driver mistakes and errors can contribute to the cause of an intersection accident. Common driver mistakes and errors that can cause a crash at an intersection include, but are not limited to, distracted driving, drowsy driving, and drunk driving.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents at Intersections
In addition to motor vehicles, intersection accidents can involve bicyclists and pedestrians. Bicycle and pedestrian accidents at intersections are common.
Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing an intersection in a marked crosswalk. However, some drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians. Pedestrians and bicyclists must follow all traffic laws when crossing the road at an intersection or riding through an intersection.
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists can all be partially at fault for the cause of an intersection accident. Identifying how the accident occurred can help determine who is liable for damages.
Who is at Fault for an Intersection Accident?
If a driver breaks traffic laws or is negligent, the driver may be liable for damages caused by the accident. However, a pedestrian or bicyclist could share some liability for the accident if the person acted negligently or violated Georgia traffic laws.
Under Georgia’s modified comparative fault laws, a victim could be barred from receiving any compensation for damages if the person is 50 percent or more to blame for the cause of an accident. If the victim is less than 50 percent at fault for the crash, the compensation paid for the accident is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the person for causing the accident.
Therefore, determining fault for a crash is crucial. An insurance company may try to blame the victim to avoid paying an accident claim or to reduce the value of an injury claim. An accident attorney can help.
Accident attorneys investigate crashes to determine how the accident occurred. They gather evidence proving who contributed to the cause of the crash.
Evidence in an intersection accident case may include:
- Traffic camera video
- Video from nearby surveillance cameras
- Eyewitness testimony
- Physical evidence from the accident scene and the vehicles
- Data from a vehicle’s black box or other vehicle systems
- Testimony from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists and engineers
Once a victim proves that a driver caused an intersection accident, the driver can be held liable for injuries and damages caused by the crash.
Injuries and Damages Caused by Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents can be severe. They involve side-impact crashes and head-on accidents, which can both cause catastrophic injuries. Injury victims may sustain in an intersection crash include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Chest injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs and amputation
- Airbag and seat belt injuries
A victim may incur significant financial damages, in addition to the pain and suffering caused by their injuries. Seeking full compensation for all medical bills, loss of income, permanent impairments, pain, suffering, and future damages is vital.
A victim deserves to be compensated fully for these damages. Before accepting a settlement offer, it can be beneficial to talk to a car accident lawyer to ensure you are receiving a fair settlement for your intersection accident claim.
