Where are Athens’ most dangerous intersections

According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, more than 75 percent of all traffic accidents in the county occurred in just 12 areas in a recent year. The top spot for car crashes was the downtown district. The Atlanta Highway at the Georgia State Route (SR) 10 Loop and the intersection of Atlanta Highway and Alps Road/Hawthorne Avenue are the second and third most dangerous areas, respectively. Lexington Road/Oconee Street at SR 10 Loop was ranked fourth.

Intersections allow a smooth traffic flow. But some present the risk of collisions. When drivers carelessly enter intersections, they put other road users in danger. To learn more about whether you have legal options if a driver at an intersection injured you, contact R. Alan Cleveland, LLC today.

What Can I Do to Be Safer at Intersections?

Remember to practice defensive driving while behind the wheel, particularly at intersections. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

• Approach intersections cautiously, staying aware of your surroundings and scanning for potential hazards.
• Observe traffic signals and signs.
• Yield to other road users when required.
• Keep a safe following distance from the car in front of you.
• Signal your intentions to turn.
• Avoid distractions.
• Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.

What Are Some Common Reasons for Accidents at Intersections?

Accidents at intersections occur for various reasons, ranging from human error to infrastructure flaws. Here are some frequent causes of intersection accidents:

• Distracted driving – When drivers shift their attention to activities like texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS, or talking to passengers, they may fail to notice traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles in intersections.
• Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs reduces a driver’s ability to judge distance, speed, and movement. This impairment increases the risk of accidents.
• Drowsy driving – Fatigued drivers can doze off, even momentarily. They may miss changing traffic lights, turning vehicles, or pedestrians at intersections.
• Speeding – Drivers should go cautiously through intersections, not barrel through at high speeds. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to other vehicles, pedestrians, or hazards.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way – Intersections only work when drivers yield the right-of-way as required by law.
• Failure to come to a stop – Drivers who disregard traffic signals and speed through red or yellow lights risk hitting vehicles crossing their paths.
• Bad weather – Bad weather, including rain, snow, sleet, fog, and high winds, can increase the likelihood of intersection accidents.
• Defective car parts – Defective car parts can contribute to intersection accidents. For instance, a driver could easily lose control of their vehicle if the brakes malfunction in the intersection.
• Lack of street signs – If traffic signs or lights are broken, drivers may not know what to do when approaching an intersection.

What Are the Most Frequent Intersection Accidents?

Intersection accidents can take various forms, including these most frequently occurring ones:

• Rear-end accidents – Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of crashes at intersections. They may occur when drivers follow too closely or try to run red lights.
• Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles enter an intersection simultaneously from opposite directions, often without noticing each other.
• T-bone accidents – These accidents occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. They can happen when a driver runs a red light or misjudges the distance and speed of oncoming traffic while turning left.
• Pedestrian accidents – Accidents involving pedestrians can occur if drivers fail to yield while turning, run red lights, or don’t notice pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Bicycle accidents – Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of passenger cars but are considerably more vulnerable at intersections. Many drivers fail to notice or yield to them.

What Steps Should I Take If I Am Involved in an Accident at an Athens Intersection?

If you are involved in an Athens intersection accident, you should take the following steps in the days and weeks following the collision to protect your well-being and legal rights:

• Take care of yourself – Your health should be your top priority. Seek medical treatment after the accident and follow your doctor’s instructions to recover fully.
• Gather evidence – Request a copy of your crash report, which will contain important details such as the parties involved, contributing factors, and the officer’s assessment of fault. Keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, and insurance communications.
• Talk to an attorney – Consult a skilled personal injury attorney with experience handling intersection accidents. They can evaluate your case and advocate for your best interests.
• Be cautious with discussions and settlements – Avoid making statements or accepting settlements without consulting your attorney. Insurance companies may try to minimize liability by offering low settlements or obtaining recorded statements that they can use against you.

Can I Sue the Other Driver If My Car Is Damaged or I Am Hurt?

If you were harmed in an intersection accident, you likely will file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for medical bills and repair costs. Should your losses exceed the other driver’s insurance coverage, you may be entitled to sue them for compensation. Or if the other driver’s insurer fails to offer a fair settlement, you might file a lawsuit to pursue full compensation. A lawyer can review the facts of your case and determine your legal options.

What Compensation Could I Receive for My Injuries?

You might be eligible for the following compensation after an intersection accident:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future earning capacity
• Car repairs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

What Amount of Time Do I Have to File an Injury Lawsuit in Georgia?

In Georgia, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the statutory deadline, you risk losing your right to seek compensation in civil court. Immediately contacting an Athens car accident lawyer could protect your right to file a lawsuit.

Contact an Athens Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered an injury in an intersection accident, contact R. Alan Cleveland, LLC today for a free consultation with our Athens car accident lawyers.

R. Alan Cleveland

An Athens resident Alan Cleveland grew up in Rockdale County. As a founding partner of the personal injury law firm of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC he proudly serves his community and provides skilled representation to injury victims and their families all around Georgia. Alan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and went on to graduate, summa cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s renowned Trial Lawyers College (TLC) in Wyoming. In his free time, Alan frequently speaks at continuing legal education seminars. He also volunteered as a youth baseball coach and assists with Georgia’s high school moot court competition held annually. Alan serves as a Trustee of Historic Athens and is a member of the Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County.

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