Car crashes are an unfortunate part of life and can be caused by a myriad of factors such as negligence, distractions, intoxication or other factors. However, it’s worth considering where most collisions occur and why it is this way. Some road types have high speed limits, many intersections, or both, making accidents more likely to occur while others give you a false sense of security when, in fact, they may be more dangerous.
The Role of Road Type in Car Accidents
Roads come in many forms, ranging from rural dirt roads to multi-lane interstates and the type of road can help explain why certain types of accidents on the road occur. Factors at play include speed limits, surface type, routine road maintenance, and traffic flow. Some of the most common places where most traffic crashes occur include:
- Intersections:
Intersections involve the confluence of traffic moving in different directions which can be a dangerous combination where human error is common. According to the Federal Highway Administration, roughly a quarter of all traffic accidents in the United States occur at an intersection. The causes of accidents at intersections can include bad design, negligence, high traffic volume, and pedestrian and cyclist danger.
Negligence can include things such as running red lights, speeding, or distracted driving, potentially leading to accidents. In the city, most collisions happen at an intersection. Intersection accidents can cause significant damage from side impact and can leave you looking for compensation for your injuries and damage to property. A New York City car accident lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company or go to court if necessary to help you recover your damages.
- Urban Areas:
Urban areas are a hotspot for car crashes because of pure numbers. Urban areas create an atmosphere where there are large numbers of vehicles on the roads along with pedestrians and cyclists. This presents a greater likelihood of getting into a crash. As previously mentioned, the majority of collisions in urban driving occur at intersections, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other motor vehicle accidents elsewhere.
Urban areas typically have narrower streets than rural areas or highways and, because of this, drivers have to navigate a tight space filled with parked cars and pedestrians making an accident more likely to occur. Road design in urban areas, such as traffic circles and one-way streets, also can create confusion and lead to accidents at these spots more than other places.
- Rural Roads:
Rural roads may seem less busy and safer, but they can present quite a few hidden dangers including higher speed limits, lack of lighting and safety barriers, different weather conditions, driver fatigue, and wildlife crossings. Rural roads are usually not very busy and have high speed limits, but many people drive at an even higher speed than these limits, increasing the risk of accidents that result in serious injuries, such as leg injuries from car accidents, or even fatal car accidents.
- Highways and Freeways:
Highways and freeways are some of the most heavily traversed roads and are often accompanied by high-speed limits. Urban roads are often plagued by non-fatal accidents at slower speeds or in traffic jams, butrural highway accidents often occur at higher speeds that result in significant damage. Lane changes and mergers also increase the risk of accidents on highways.
- Parking Lots and Driveways:
Motor vehicle accidents aren’t exclusive to roadways and can occur in areas where speeds are usually relatively low such as parking lots and driveways. These areas are filled with people pulling in and out and pedestrian traffic, leading to accidents such as an accident today in Seattle.
Additionally, people are often distracted in parking lots and may not drive at an appropriate speed creating a huge risk for pedestrians. If you were hit in a parking lot, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you recover your damages.
- Residential Areas:
Residential areas are one of the places where most crashes occur involving pedestrians. Neighborhoods have people walking around, children playing, and, generally, less traffic signage and crosswalks. This can lead to accidents caused by drivers who are speeding, distracted or neglect the right of way. In a residential area, such drivers are more likely to strike and injure a pedestrian including children just playing in their neighborhood.
Talk to the Lawyer About Your Crash Case for Free
Where do most accidents happen can depend on a variety of factors but no matter where your crash happened, the lawyers at Omni Injury and Accident Law can help you determine if you are entitled to damages. These skilled lawyers are experts at navigating the claims process with insurance companies and can help you recover what you are entitled to, not what the insurance companies think you deserve. Contact Omni today for a free case consultation.