Every driver in El Paso has witnessed it: vehicles racing through yellow lights, distracted drivers failing to yield, or pedestrians caught in crosswalks as traffic flows unpredictably. Intersection accidents represent one of the most frequent types of collisions in El Paso, accounting for a significant portion of personal injury claims throughout the region. Understanding how common these accidents are and what causes them can help you protect your rights if you’re injured at one of our city’s busy intersections.
At the Ruhmann Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys in El Paso have represented numerous clients who suffered serious injuries in intersection collisions. These accidents often result in complex liability questions and disputed insurance claims that require experienced legal advocacy.
The Scope of Intersection Accidents in El Paso
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, intersection-related crashes consistently rank among the leading causes of traffic accidents throughout Texas, and El Paso is no exception. Our city’s unique layout, with major thoroughfares like I-10, Loop 375, and Mesa Street carrying heavy traffic volumes, creates numerous high-risk intersection points where accidents frequently occur.
Intersection accidents in El Paso happen for various reasons. Left-turn collisions occur when drivers misjudge oncoming traffic speed or attempt to beat changing signals. Red-light running remains a persistent problem, particularly at intersections where drivers become impatient with signal timing or are distracted by mobile devices. Rear-end collisions at intersections result from following too closely or failing to notice stopped traffic ahead.
Common Types of Intersection Collisions
T-bone or broadside collisions represent some of the most dangerous intersection accidents. These occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, often because a driver ran a red light or failed to yield the right-of-way. The impact frequently causes serious injuries to occupants on the struck vehicle’s side, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones.
Head-on collisions can happen at intersections when drivers make improper left turns or drift into oncoming traffic lanes. Though less common than other intersection accidents, head-on crashes typically produce catastrophic or fatal injuries due to the combined force of both vehicles.
Pedestrian accidents at intersections pose unique dangers in El Paso, particularly in high-traffic areas near UTEP, downtown, and major shopping districts. Drivers making right turns often fail to check crosswalks, or they become distracted while waiting for signals to change. Pedestrian accidents leave victims vulnerable to life-altering injuries.
Contributing Factors to El Paso’s Intersection Accident Problem
Several factors make intersection accidents particularly common in El Paso. Our city’s rapid growth has strained existing road infrastructure, with some signals and intersection designs struggling to handle current traffic volumes. The mix of local commuters, commercial trucks serving the border region, and tourists unfamiliar with El Paso’s roadways creates challenging conditions.
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of intersection accidents. Drivers checking phones, adjusting navigation systems, or engaging with passengers often fail to notice changing signals or vehicles entering intersections. Similarly, aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding, racing through yellow lights, and failing to yield appropriately, contribute to collision frequency.
Poor intersection design or inadequate signage can also play a role. Confusing lane configurations, obstructed sight lines, and malfunctioning traffic signals create dangerous conditions that increase accident risk.
Establishing Liability in Intersection Accidents
Determining fault in intersection accidents requires a thorough investigation. Traffic signal timing records, surveillance camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis all help establish what happened and who violated traffic laws. Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you share any fault for the accident, and you’re barred from recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault.
Insurance companies often dispute liability in intersection cases, particularly when both drivers claim they had the right-of-way. Having legal representation ensures evidence is properly preserved and analyzed to support your claim.
Protecting Your Rights After an Intersection Accident
At Ruhmann Law Firm, our car accident attorneys in El Paso conduct comprehensive investigations into intersection collisions. We obtain police reports, interview witnesses, secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted, when possible, and work with accident reconstruction professionals when necessary to establish how the collision occurred and who bears legal responsibility.
The Ruhmann Law Firm was opened with a single philosophy: People deserve a voice for justice. Too often, the plaintiffs’ voice is drowned out by insurance companies that can afford teams of defense lawyers, downplaying the severity of the injury, blaming the victim for shared responsibility, and putting their own spin on the facts. Standing up for yourself in our adversarial system of civil litigation is nearly impossible without the strength and commitment of an experienced, knowledgeable trial lawyer.
We represent clients throughout Texas who have been hurt or lost their loved ones to negligent circumstances. We understand that no one leaves their house expecting to have their lives changed because of a personal injury, but it happens every day at El Paso’s intersections.
As a client of our firm, you deserve the highest levels of personal service and attention as we pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost earnings, and all other damages.
If you’ve been injured in an intersection accident in El Paso or anywhere in West Texas, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers at 915-234-1639 or reach out online for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.