Injured during an intersection accident in Fresno, CA? Contact the top Fresno intersection accident lawyer to seek compensation.
More than 40% of California traffic collisions happen at intersections (FHWA), and Fresno’s busy crossroads at Highway 99, Interstate 5, and other major routes see hundreds of serious crashes every year. These collisions often involve conflicting witness accounts, disputed traffic signals, and multiple insurers arguing over fault.
With California’s comparative negligence rules, proving your case requires clear evidence and an attorney who knows how insurers minimize claims.
For more than 40 years, Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers has been handling intersection accident cases in Fresno. We know how quickly necessary evidence can be lost as roadway footage is deleted, skid marks fade, and witnesses move, as our team works quickly to protect and preserve it.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation and discover how our experienced car accident lawyers to seek compensation and justice today.
Why You Need a Fresno Intersection Accident Attorney
Intersection crashes involve multiple vehicles, disputed signals, and complex fault determinations, making them significantly harder to resolve than simple rear-end collisions. Insurance companies exploit this complexity to deny claims or offer inadequate settlements.
A skilled Fresno intersection accident lawyer immediately secures evidence before it disappears and builds a compelling case based on traffic laws and engineering principles.
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we handle all negotiations with insurance adjusters while you focus on recovery. Our legal team understands California’s intersection laws and uses expert accident reconstruction to prove liability when fault is disputed.
Contact us for a free consultation and discover how our award-winning injury attorneys can help you seek compensation and justice.
How Fault Is Determined in Intersection Collisions
California uses pure comparative negligence to determine fault in intersection accidents. This means you can recover damages even if you share some responsibility, though your percentage of fault reduces your compensation. Courts examine multiple factors to establish who violated traffic laws or failed to exercise reasonable care.
Key elements that determine liability include traffic control devices, driver actions at the time of impact, road conditions, and visibility factors. Our Fresno intersection accident attorneys analyze police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Traffic Signal Violations and Right-of-Way Rules
Red light violations typically create clear liability for the driver who violates them. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 requires drivers to stop at red lights and to proceed only when it is safe to do so. However, fault can shift if the other driver was speeding excessively or entered the intersection on a stale yellow light.
Left-turn accidents often involve disputed fault when drivers claim they had a green arrow versus a permissive green light. Signal timing records from the city can prove which driver actually had the right-of-way at the moment of the collision.
Stop Sign and Yield Sign Crashes
Four-way stop intersections require drivers to yield to vehicles that arrived first or were already in the intersection. When two cars arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. Rolling through stop signs or failing to yield after stopping creates liability under Vehicle Code Section 21800.
Yield signs require drivers to slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic and pedestrians. Failure to yield when required by law makes the violating driver responsible for resulting damages.
Common Types of Fresno Intersection Accidents
Different intersection layouts and traffic patterns give rise to specific collision types with unique fault considerations. Understanding these scenarios helps establish liability and build stronger compensation claims.
T-Bone and Side-Impact Collisions
T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle’s front end strikes another vehicle’s side. These crashes often happen when drivers run red lights, fail to yield at left turns, or misjudge traffic gaps. The striking vehicle typically bears primary responsibility, but shared fault applies if the struck vehicle was speeding or entered on a questionable signal.
Side-impact collisions cause severe injuries because vehicle sides offer minimal protection compared to front and rear crumple zones. Victims often suffer broken ribs, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
Left-Turn and U-Turn Accidents
Left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a protected green arrow. Accidents happen when drivers misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles, fail to see motorcycles and bicycles, or turn on red or yellow lights. The turning driver is usually liable, but fault can shift if oncoming traffic was speeding excessively or ran a red light.
U-turns at intersections are particularly dangerous because turning vehicles cross multiple lanes of traffic. Many intersections prohibit U-turns at certain times or completely, making violators automatically liable for any resulting crashes.
Rear-End Collisions at Intersections
Rear-end crashes at traffic lights typically result from following too closely or distracted driving. The trailing driver usually bears full responsibility for maintaining a safe distance and stopping in time. However, lead vehicles can share fault if they stop abruptly without cause or if their brake lights are nonfunctional.
Chain-reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles require careful analysis to determine each driver’s contribution to the overall collision sequence.
What Evidence Proves Fault in Intersection Crashes
Successful intersection accident claims require comprehensive and swift evidence gathering. Our legal team acts immediately to preserve all available proof of negligence and liability.
Official Reports and Violations
Police Reports and Citations
Official police reports document the initial assessment of fault, witness information, and traffic citations issued for Vehicle Code violations (like running red lights or speeding). We use these citations as strong evidence of negligence.
Video and Surveillance Data
Traffic Camera and Surveillance Footage
Many intersections have traffic cameras, red-light cameras, or business surveillance. This footage provides objective evidence of signal phases and driver actions. Because this evidence is often quickly overwritten, we immediately send preservation letters to secure it.
Technical and Vehicle Data
Signal Timing and Engineering
We obtain signal timing records from the city or county. This technical data shows exactly when lights were red, yellow, or green, resolving disputes over signal phases. Engineering studies can also reveal if design flaws or malfunctioning signals contributed to the crash.
Vehicle Data and Reconstruction
Modern vehicles contain Event Data Recorders (EDRs) or “black boxes” which capture speed and braking data before impact. We work with experts to download this data and use physical evidence (skid marks, damage patterns) to reconstruct the collision sequence.
Injuries Common in Intersection Accidents
Intersection crashes often cause severe injuries due to high impact speeds and side-impact forces. The complex nature of these accidents can result in multiple types of trauma requiring extensive medical treatment.
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries occur when occupants’ heads strike windows, dashboards, or door frames during impact. Even mild concussions can cause lasting cognitive problems, memory issues, and emotional changes. Severe brain trauma may require lifelong care and rehabilitation.
Skull fractures, facial injuries, and eye damage are also common in intersection accidents, particularly in side-impact collisions where airbags provide limited protection.
Neck and Spinal Injuries
Whiplash is common among victims of intersection accidents due to sudden acceleration and deceleration forces. More serious spinal injuries include herniated discs, vertebral fractures, and spinal cord damage that can cause partial or complete paralysis.
Neck injuries often don’t show symptoms immediately, but can develop into chronic pain conditions requiring ongoing treatment and therapy.
Broken Bones and Internal Injuries
The force of intersection collisions frequently causes broken arms, legs, ribs, and pelvic bones. Internal organ damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
Chest injuries from seatbelts and airbags, while preventing more severe trauma, can still cause significant pain and require medical treatment.
California Laws Governing Intersection Accidents
California’s traffic laws establish clear rules for intersection navigation, and violations of these statutes create presumptions of negligence in accident cases. Understanding these legal requirements helps establish fault and build strong compensation claims.
Right-of-Way Statutes
Vehicle Code Section 21801 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to vehicles that have entered intersections first or are approaching closely enough to constitute an immediate hazard. Left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a protected signal.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks under Vehicle Code Section 21950. Drivers must exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians, even if they’re crossing against signals.
Traffic Signal Requirements
Vehicle Code Section 21453 requires drivers approaching red lights to stop before entering an intersection and remain stopped until the signal turns green. Right turns on red are permitted after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic.
Yellow lights require drivers to stop if they can do so safely, not to speed up and attempt to clear intersections before the lights turn red.
Damages You Can Recover
Intersection accident victims can pursue both economic and non-economic damages to compensate for their losses. The severity of these crashes often results in substantial compensation awards.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
You can recover all reasonable medical costs related to your accident injuries, including emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. Future medical expenses for chronic conditions or permanent disabilities are also recoverable based on medical expert testimony.
Medical liens from health insurance companies or government programs may reduce your net recovery, but don’t affect the total value of your claim.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Compensation includes wages lost during recovery and any reduction in future earning ability due to permanent injuries. We work with vocational experts and economists to calculate lifetime income losses for seriously injured clients.
Lost benefits, overtime opportunities, and career advancement prospects are also compensable elements of wage loss claims.
Pain, Suffering, and Quality of Life
Non-economic damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment caused by your injuries. These damages often exceed economic losses in severe injury cases and require skilled legal advocacy to maximize recovery.
Permanent disabilities, scarring, and disfigurement increase non-economic damage awards significantly.
What to Do After an Intersection Crash
Your actions immediately following an intersection accident can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Taking proper steps protects both your health and legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Call 911 for emergency medical response even if injuries seem minor initially. Some severe conditions like internal bleeding or brain trauma don’t show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if untreated.
Follow all medical recommendations and attend every appointment to document the full extent of your injuries for your claim.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, street signs, and any visible injuries if you’re able to do so safely. Get contact information from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses who witnessed the crash.
Note weather conditions, lighting, and any factors that may have contributed to the accident occurrence.
Avoid Insurance Company Traps
Don’t give recorded statements to other drivers’ insurance companies without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters use these statements to minimize or deny claims later. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing at the accident scene, as these statements can be used against you.
Notify your own insurance company about the accident, but limit your statement to basic facts about when and where it occurred.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Case
California’s pure comparative negligence system allows you to recover damages even if you contributed to the accident. Your percentage of fault reduces your total compensation, but you can still obtain substantial recovery in most cases.
For example, if you’re found 20% at fault in a $100,000 case, you would recover $80,000. Our attorneys work to minimize your assigned fault percentage through thorough investigation and expert testimony.
Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto accident victims to reduce their payouts. Having experienced legal representation ensures your fault percentage is fairly assessed based on the actual evidence.
Time Limits for Filing Your Claim
California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to seek compensation in court.
Government liability claims have shorter deadlines, typically six months for claims against cities or counties for dangerous road conditions or signal malfunctions.
Property damage claims have a three-year statute of limitations, but it’s best to resolve these quickly to avoid evidence loss and witness memory fade.
Why Choose Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
Our firm has represented intersection accident victims throughout Fresno for decades, building a reputation for aggressive advocacy and maximum recoveries. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and have the resources to handle complex liability disputes.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without upfront costs while ensuring our interests align with maximizing your recovery.
Our team of Fresno intersection accident lawyers is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance during this difficult time. We handle all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Fresno Intersection Accident Lawyer FAQs
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Intersection Accident?
Yes, California’s comparative negligence law allows recovery even when you share fault for the accident. Your percentage of responsibility reduces your compensation, but you can still obtain substantial damages if the other driver was primarily at fault.
What Should I Do if the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me After My Intersection Crash?
Politely decline to give any recorded statements and refer them to your attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that can be used to minimize or deny your claim later. Let your legal team handle all communications with other insurance companies.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Intersection Accident Case in Fresno?
Case resolution time varies based on injury severity, liability disputes, and insurance company cooperation. Simple cases may settle within months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed fault can take one to two years to fully resolve through negotiation or trial.
Contact a Fresno Intersection Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an intersection collision in Fresno, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The experienced legal team at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Our Fresno intersection accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we successfully recover damages for your injuries and losses.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward obtaining the justice and financial recovery you need to move forward with your life.
