Although driving invariably comes with a risk of accident, intersections possess added dangers. Congestion at intersections can create hard-to-navigate traffic jams, and corners may limit a driver’s visibility. To stay safe on the road, drivers in Kansas City, MO, should know the locations of accident-prone intersections and what to do if they experience an auto accident at one of these areas. First step should be contacting the appropriate medical attention, and then getting a hold of your auto accident lawyer in Kansas City, MO to make sure all your compensation and legal rights are handled.
Factors Contributing to Dangerous Intersections
While many factors can cause intersection accidents, the Kansas City Police Department names the following most common causes of dangerous intersection accidents:
Inadequate Following Distance
Following too closely (tailgating a vehicle) is a major cause of accidents at intersections. A driver attempting to make it through a yellow light may drive too close to the car ahead and be unable to stop suddenly, leading to a collision. Tailgating can be especially dangerous at congested intersections where traffic patterns change quickly and drivers behave erratically.
Inattentive Drivers
Distracted drivers pose one of the biggest risks on the road. Drivers are increasingly prone to looking at their cell phones while driving. At intersections, drivers are more likely to make sudden turns, which can create a hazard if others are not paying attention.
Traffic Congestion
Traffic jams cause traffic to stop and start unpredictably, which increases the likelihood of an accident. Traffic congestion and distracted driving are a particularly dangerous combination, as drivers looking down at their cell phones may not notice that the traffic ahead of them has stopped.
Common Types of Intersection Accidents
There are numerous different types of accidents and collisions that take place at intersections, some more common then others. Here is a short list of some of the more common types of collisions and accidents that take place at intersections and specifically at the most dangerous intersections in Kansas City, MO.
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Drunk driving collisions
- Distracted driving crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
Most Dangerous Intersections in Kansas City, MO
According to the Kansas City Police Department, the five intersections in Kansas City that report the most accidents are:
- I-435 and I-70
- Gregory and 71 Hwy
- 23rd Street and I-435
- Bannister and 71 Hwy
- 87th Street and I-435
In the case of an accident at a dangerous intersection, do not try to leave your vehicle immediately unless you must do so for your safety. Exiting a vehicle in the middle of a busy intersection is dangerous, especially if you are disoriented from a crash. Remain in your vehicle until emergency personnel arrive or until traffic has abated enough for you to safely move to the side of the road.
Once you are out of immediate danger, seek medical attention for any serious injuries. Even if you do not think you have been severely injured, you should still see a doctor as soon as you can after the accident. Injuries caused by collisions can take a long time to appear, so it is important to receive a thorough medical exam. Along with providing proper diagnosis and care, a doctor can help you document the severity of your injuries, which is important for proving the validity of your insurance claims and pursuing future legal action.
If you can, record as many details of the accident as possible. Write down the time, location, and circumstances of the accident. Take pictures of your vehicle and the other vehicle(s) involved. If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be vital to determining who was at fault.
Avoid discussing the details of the accident with anyone on the scene other than law enforcement. If you say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, your insurance company may use it to deny a claim; the less you say, the better.
Finally, obtain a law firm like Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet, who can advise you and determine whether you may have a case for a personal injury lawsuit.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Kansas City, Missouri Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Kansas City area car accident you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.
