Rochester Intersection Accident Attorneys

Fighting Complex Car Accident Cases to Win

Intersection accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in serious injuries and significant property damage. In Rochester, NY, these collisions are frequently caused by driver negligence and involve failure to yield the right of way, running red lights, or making unsafe turns. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1111 requires drivers to obey traffic signals and signs at intersections. Failing to do so can result in serious car accidents and liability for the at-fault driver. Intersection car crashes often involve complex analysis to determine who legally had the right-of-way. Our Rochester intersection accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, will have the knowledge to know whether you can hold the other driver at fault for the crash.

Our Rochester intersection accident lawyers provide full-service support to victims across Upstate New York. Call (855) 465-4622 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

What are the Most Frequent Causes of Rochester Intersection Accidents?

Like many towns and cities throughout Monroe County, intersection accidents in Rochester are caused by a driver’s failure to yield, running red lights, distracted driving, and making improper turns. Most of the common violations are prohibited by various statutes of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. 

One of those statutes, NY VTL §1140, requires drivers to yield to others at an intersection when directed by a stop sign or signal. Distracted driving where drivers are texting or using mobile devices, leads to accidents when they fail to observe other drivers they should be giving the right of way to. Busy Rochester intersections, like those on Monroe Avenue and East Avenue, see a high rate of crashes due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers.

Who is At-Fault in a New York Intersection Car Accident?

Figuring out who was at-fault for an intersection car accident will turn on determining who violated traffic laws. New York does use a comparative negligence system, so it’s possible that more than one driver can be at fault. If a driver runs a red light under VTL §1111(d) and strikes another vehicle, they will likely be found 100% liable for the crash. But if the other driver was also speeding or distracted by texting on their phone, they too could be found to share fault. 

What are the Legal Penalties for Running a Red Light in New York?

Running a red light is considered a traffic violation under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1111(d). The legal penalties for running a red light include fines, points on your driver’s license, and even higher insurance premiums. If an at-fault driver ran a red light that later led to a car accident, they could also be held civilly liable for damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Rochester has a large number of traffic cameras at certain intersections that will help the Rochester Police Department issue tickets to drivers they suspect were speeding at the time of the car crash.

Does New York's Comparative Negligence Law Apply to Intersection Accidents?

New York follows a comparative negligence system, which allows an injured party in a personal injury case, like a car accident, to recover damages even if they are partially at fault. New York CPLR §1411 provides that even if you are involved in an intersection accident and found 30% at-fault for the crash, you can still recover 70% of your damages. The issue of comparative negligence comes up quite often in intersection accident cases where both drivers allege they had the right of way and the other driver was at fault.

Can You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit after an Intersection Accident in New York?

You can absolutely file a personal injury lawsuit after an intersection accident in Monroe County Supreme Court if you’ve suffered serious injuries. Under Article 51 of the New York Insurance Law your injuries must meet the threshold of a “serious injury” to pursue compensation for pain and suffering. There are 9 different categories of a serious injury in New York, ranging from fractures, significant disfigurement, or even permanent limitations of a bodily function. The best step you can take after an intersection accident is to speak with a car accident attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, who can explain whether you meet the “serious injury” threshold.

How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply to Intersection Accidents?

Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory under New York law and will provide coverage when the at-fault driver doesn’t have a valid policy of liability insurance, or they flee the scene as a hit-and-run driver. If you’re involved in an intersection accident and the other driver doesn’t have insurance or is unidentified, your New York uninsured motorist coverage will provide compensation for pain and suffering, and any medical bills and lost wages you incurred above and beyond Basic Economic Loss. You do need to file a claim with your own insurance company to place them on notice of your uninsured motorist claim. If you or the insurance company are later able to locate the at-fault driver, your insurance company may go after them directly if they already paid you money.

What Type of Intersection Accidents Happen the Most in Rochester?

The most frequent types of intersection accidents in Rochester at places like Jay Street or Lyell Avenue are rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and left-turn accidents. Rear-end collisions occur when a driver fails to stop in time at an intersection when another driver ahead of them is stopped or slowing. Usually it happens when the at-fault driver is distracted while driving, from texting on their cell phone or focused on their radio. The same thing happens with T-bone crashes where another vehicle is struck from the side, and the at-fault driver wasn’t paying attention. Left-turn accidents happen when the at-fault driver tries to rush and take their turn rather than yielding the right of way under VTL §1141. These accidents can result in serious injuries due to the high impact of side collisions.

How Do Left-Turn Accidents Occur at Intersections in New York?

Left-turn accidents happen when a driver tries taking a turn without yielding to oncoming traffic, in violation of VTL §1141. The law in New York requires drivers who are attempting to take a left turn to yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. Left-turn accidents occur quite a bit at busy intersections in Rochester, like University Avenue and Alexander Street, where drivers often misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or fail to yield because they’re distracted looking at nearby businesses. 

What Are the Dangers of T-Bone Collisions at Intersections?

T-bone collisions often happen at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the side of another vehicle. The side of a vehicle usually offers less impact protection to passengers, making T-bone accidents particularly dangerous from an injury standpoint. At the busier intersections in Rochester like Monroe Avenue or Culver Road, T-bone accidents are frequent due to heavy traffic and driver inattention. Injuries in these accidents can be more severe because side-airbags in vehicles are less common than steering wheel airbags, so there is less protection.

How Do Rear-End Car Crashes Happen at Intersections?

Rear-end collisions at intersections happen when a driver doesn’t stop in time and strikes the vehicle in front of them. Distracted driving from cell phones, food, or other activities will cause drivers to violate New York VTL statutes like §1129 that requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance to avoid rear-end collisions. Intersections with heavy traffic and frequent stops in Rochester like Main Street and Clinton Avenue, are prone to these types of accidents. Rear-end collisions can result in whiplash, back injuries, and other physical harm to those involved.

What Should You Do After a T-Bone Car Crash at an Intersection in Rochester?

After a T-bone collision you absolutely want to call 911 to get emergency medical treatment. If you’re physically able, exchange information with the other driver and start trying to gather any information from the scene you can. Things like photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and the names and contact information of any witnesses that might’ve witnessed the crash. If the other driver violated any provisions of the New York VTL, the responding officer from the Rochester Police Department should indicate such on the police report and issue the other driver a citation. Make sure you explain to the officer the entirety of what you recall about the accident so they can determine if the at-fault driver violated any laws.

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Rochester?

Some of the most dangerous intersections in Rochester are those with the perfect mix of conditions for accidents to happen: high volume of traffic and high rates of speed. Intersections like Monroe Avenue and Culver Road, East Avenue and Alexander Street, and Main Street and Clinton Avenue are intersections that top the list for highest incidences of intersection car accidents. All of these intersections see heavy traffic throughout the day and motorists fail to follow the rules of the road by failing to yield, running red lights, or improper turns. A high volume of vehicles on a regular basis, along with pedestrians and cyclists, will increase the likelihood at any intersection with those conditions.

How Can Pedestrians Stay Safe at Intersections in Rochester?

Pedestrians can take affirmative action with precautions to increase the odds of staying safe while at intersections throughout Rochester. First, make sure to always cross at designated crosswalks and follow the pedestrian signals when they indicate you can and can’t walk. Avoid distractions like cell phones when you’re crossing the street, especially in busy places like Main Street and East Avenue, so you can remain vigilant to any drivers not abiding by traffic signals. Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before crossing and wait until vehicles come to a complete stop. 

How Do Distracted Drivers Cause Rochester Intersection Accidents?

Driver distraction is a major cause of intersection accidents in Rochester. Distractions like texting on a cell phone, using a GPS, and even eating while driving can lead to missed traffic signals or failure to yield. Under New York VTL §1225-d, drivers are not allowed to use mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. Rochester intersections with heavy traffic like Monroe Avenue and West Main Street see frequent accidents caused by drivers who are distracted while driving. Drivers can significantly reduce the risk of intersection accidents by making sure to stay focused on the road and driving, and avoiding distractions that would otherwise take their attention away from the road.

Fighting for Your Rights in an Intersection Collision

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Rochester intersection accident, don't hesitate to seek legal advice. Our team of dedicated intersection accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Request a FREE review of your case by calling (855) 465-4622. Our Rochester intersection accident lawyers are available 24/7 to help.