It’s no secret to anyone that Los Angeles has a traffic problem—but the danger isn’t just on our freeways.

According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, there are 2.5 million intersection accidents annually. This is the second largest category of crashes, exceeded only by rear-end collisions…many of which also occur at intersections. As many as half of all serious collisions and 20% of all fatal collisions occur at intersections. Did you know you were in that kind of danger while driving to work or taking a quick walk?

Of these accidents, the majority involve left turns, and around 165,000 are caused by drivers running red lights. Close to 800 accidents a year prove fatal. Other cited factors for intersection accidents include the following:

• Drivers making a right turn when the light is red (this is allowed when there is not a “No Turn On Red” sign posted, but drivers must yield to oncoming traffic before turning).
• Drivers making a turn across several lanes of traffic.
• Drivers failing to stop for a stop sign.
• Distracted driving; for instance, a driver who is texting or talking on the phone.
• Drunk or drugged driving.

Typically, the busiest intersections tend to be the most dangerous. The more traffic, the greater the chance that a collision will occur. Certain intersections, such as the one on Devonshire Street and Reseda Boulevard, are responsible for a disproportionate number of collisions and deaths every year.

Remember, intersections aren’t just deadly for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles—they’re deadly for pedestrians and cyclists as well. Congested areas pose a significant risk for people crossing the street, because even when they are obeying all traffic laws, there’s no guarantee a driver in a hurry will. Cyclists are also at a higher risk of being struck by a driver who doesn’t check his blind spots before whipping around a turn. Unfortunately, cyclists and pedestrians are likely to suffer much more serious injuries than someone inside a car would in an intersection accident.

So, What Can You Do If You’re Injured in an Intersection?

The good news is that California has strict laws that protect victims of personal injury. If someone else’s negligence is responsible for your accident, not only are you entitled to have your medical bills paid, but also your rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a Los Angeles intersection accident, you should seek immediate help. First, go to the doctor. Then, talk to a lawyer. Our experienced car accident attorneys at Novik Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, can advocate on your behalf and fight to make sure you are properly compensated for your injuries. Call (818) 305-6041 today to schedule a free consultation.