Talk to an experienced lawyer if you were hurt in a crash
There are millions of drivers in the Detroit metropolitan area, and unfortunately car accidents are common. Many of these accidents occur at intersections, where there are multiple vehicles traveling in different directions.
Every year, people suffer serious injuries in intersection accidents throughout Metro Detroit. Many are left struggling with rising medical expenses even as there is less income coming in because they are forced to miss time from work. Some suffer a long-term or permanent disability.
If you were hurt in an intersection accident, an experienced lawyer can help.
Dangerous intersections in Metro Detroit
Wayne County (Detroit)
- Randolph Street & E Jefferson
- Griswold St & W Larned St
- W Warren Ave & Southfield Rd
- Joy Rd & Southfield Rd
- Prevost St & W Grand River Ave
Oakland County
- Martin Parkway & N Pontiac Trail, Commerce Township
- Orchard Lake Road & 14 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
- Telegraph Road & 12 Mile Road, Southfield
- Southfield Road & W 11 Mile Road, Lathrup Village
- Franklin Road & W Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Township
Macomb County
- 11 Mile Road/I-696 & Van Dyke Avenue, Warren
- 10 Mile Road & I-94, St. Clair Shores
- 18 ½ Mile Road & Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights
- 12 Mile Road & I-94, St. Clair Shores
- 11 Mile Road & Gratiot Avenue E, Roseville
Livingston County
- S Latson Road & E Grand River Avenue, Genoa Township
- E Highland Road & N Latson Road, Oceola Township
- N Old U.S. 23 & Highland Road, Hartland Township
- Orndorf Drive & W Grand River Avenue & Best Buy Drive, Brighton
- W Grand River Avenue & Cinema Drive & Challis Road N, Brighton
St. Clair County (Port Huron area)
- M-15 & Krafft Road
- Pine Grove Avenue & Holland Avenue
- Pine Grove Avenue & Sanborn Street
- Hancock Street & Pine Grove Avenue
- East I-94/Pine Grove Ramp & Pine Grove Avenue
Lapeer County
- North Lapeer Road (M-24) & Turrill Road
- North Lapeer Road (M-24) & I-69
- Main Street & W Genesee Street
- North Lapeer Road (M-24) & Demille Road
- Main Street & W Oregon Rd
What causes intersection accidents?
There is always a lot of traffic at busy intersections and it only takes one negligent driver to cause an accident that leaves people injured. Causes of intersection crashes include:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running a red light
- Speeding up to rush through a yellow light
- Disregarding other traffic signs or signals
- Failing to check for oncoming traffic before turning
- Distracted driving
- Alcohol or drug use
- Improper lane use
- Careless driving
- Reckless driving
- Improper turning
- Fatigued driving
T-bone collisions are common at intersections when one car is making a turn. Other types of crashes include rear-end accidents and sideswipe collisions.
What to do after an intersection accident in the Detroit area
If you are involved in a car accident, you can take certain steps to protect your health and safety, as well as your right to use the legal system to recover financial compensation.
Call the police. Officers from the Michigan State Police, Detroit Police, or another local law enforcement agency will respond. They will secure the accident scene and get help for the injured. They will also complete a State of Michigan Traffic Crash Report, which will contain important information about what happened.
Get medical attention. You may not want to see a doctor because you seem to be OK. But there are some injuries that have delayed symptoms. You can be examined by emergency medical personnel at the scene, go to the emergency room of a local hospital, or see your doctor within a day or two. If you are injured, a doctor can begin treatment and create a medical record of your injuries.
Gather information. If you can, get the names and contact information for the other driver and any witnesses to the accident. Try not to talk about who was at fault – that will get sorted out later. If you can, take photos and video of the accident from different distances and angles.
Talk to an attorney. In Michigan, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action. But you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible. It can take time to build a strong case. And the longer you wait, the more likely it is that evidence will be lost and witnesses will forget details.
How a lawyer can help
Recovering financial compensation for your injuries after an intersection accident can be complicated. Negligent drivers typically deny doing anything wrong and may even try to blame you for what happened. Insurance companies may dispute the seriousness of your injuries and will use various tactics to try to limit the compensation you receive.
An experienced Detroit intersection accident attorney can:
- Review your accident report and other documentation.
- Gather evidence such as video from nearby traffic or security cameras.
- Interview witnesses and cross-reference stories to understand more about what happened.
- Consult accident reconstruction experts (if needed).
- Handle all communications with the insurance company.
- Determine the total damages you suffered as a result of the accident (including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering).
- Negotiate a settlement that meets your needs.
- Fight for compensation in court, if necessary.
If you were hurt in an intersection accident in Metro Detroit, get legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced Detroit car accident lawyer can review the details of your accident, go over your legal options, and answer any questions you have. Most attorneys offer a free consultation.
