A recent intersection crash claimed one life and critically injured another and this is another reminder of the dangers at intersections. According to the California Highway Patrol, a woman driving a Toyota Prius pulled out in front of a northbound white sedan which resulted in a fatal collision. The male sedan driver was pronounced dead at the scene while the female Prius driver sustained critical injuries requiring an emergency airlift to a Regional Medical Center. Accident investigators have confirmed no other individuals were involved in the crash, and preliminary investigations indicate that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors.

Intersection crashes represent some of the most dangerous types of traffic crashes and frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities due to their high impact. When vehicles traveling in different directions meet at intersections, the potential for catastrophic damage increases significantly. There are several factors that commonly contribute to an intersection crash;

• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: One of the most frequent causes involves drivers failing to assess oncoming traffic correctly before turning or entering intersections. This appears to a factor in the referenced crash.
• Distracted Driving: Driver’s texting, talking on phones, or otherwise distracted may fail to notice approaching vehicles or traffic signals.
• Speed and Visibility Issues: Excessive speed combined with limited visibility can prevent drivers from accurately judging the distance and speed of approaching vehicles, particularly during turns.
• Traffic Signal Violations: Running red lights or failing to come to complete stops at stop signs creates dangerous conditions for all intersection users.

Determining fault becomes crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings when dealing with an intersection crash. California employs a comparative fault system which simply mean liability can be shared among multiple parties based on their degree of responsibility for the crash. Factors Considered in Fault Determination

• Right-of-Way Rules: California Vehicle Code establishes specific right-of-way requirements at intersections. Generally, drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic, while drivers entering intersections from stop signs must yield to traffic with the right-of-way.
• Traffic Control Devices: The presence and functionality of traffic signals, stop signs, or yield signs play a significant role in determining fault. Violations of these traffic control measures can establish clear liability.
• Evidence Collection: Physical evidence from the scene, witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction can all contribute to establishing fault in intersection collisions.

In cases like the crash referenced in this article, where one driver allegedly pulled out in front of oncoming traffic, establishing liability often involves examining whether the turning driver had adequate time and space to complete the maneuver safely. A professional accident reconstructionist may be consulted so they can analyze vehicle speeds, braking distances, along with sight lines to determine if the accident was preventable. Even when fault appears to be clear-cut, insurance companies frequently dispute liability to minimize their financial exposure. This makes thorough legal representation essential for protecting victims’ rights and securing fair compensation.

We represent people injured as a result of the careless and reckless acts of others.  At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. Insurance companies have paid our clients hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation because we uncover the facts. When insurance companies fail to offer full compensation, we are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com