Intersection accidents in Newport Beach can happen when drivers run red lights, fail to yield to oncoming traffic, or make unsafe turns. When one mistake causes a serious crash, injured motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists may have grounds to seek compensation.
A Newport Beach car accident lawyer at Sweet James can investigate what caused the collision, identify who may be responsible, and help you seek payment for your losses. Our attorneys have more than 25 years of experience helping injured people.
Our Newport Beach intersection accident lawyers will explain your rights and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Call us for a free consultation. We take calls 24/7.
Our Intersection Accident Attorneys in Newport Beach Can Handle Your Injury Claim
After an intersection crash, you may have questions about medical bills, missed work, and who should pay for the damage. Sweet James helps injured people find answers and pursue claims against drivers and other parties whose careless actions caused a collision.
A California car accident lawyer from our team can review the police report, speak with witnesses, and examine evidence that shows how the crash occurred. We’ll also look at the full cost of your injuries before discussing a possible settlement.
We Have Insight Into How Insurance Companies Handle Claims
Before founding Sweet James, James Bergener represented insurance carriers. His experience gives our legal team insight into how insurers evaluate injury claims, challenge evidence, and determine settlement offers.
We focus exclusively on accident and personal injury cases. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees or case costs unless we recover compensation for you.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents in Newport Beach
Intersection crashes often involve drivers who fail to follow traffic rules or don’t pay attention to nearby vehicles. An accident may happen when a motorist tries to beat a yellow light or turns across another driver’s path. A Sweet James car accident lawyer can investigate these actions to determine who may be responsible for a collision.
According to the California Highway Safety Improvement Program Implementation Plan, 27.7% of fatal or serious injury crashes in the state occurred within 250 feet of an intersection, including ramps and rail crossings, between 2018 and 2022.
Common causes include:
- Entering an intersection after the signal turns red
- Turning left without allowing oncoming vehicles to pass
- Looking at a phone instead of watching traffic
- Driving too fast to stop safely when traffic changes
- Making right turns without checking for pedestrians or cyclists
These crashes can occur along busy routes such as Pacific Coast Highway and Newport Boulevard, where drivers encounter turning traffic and crosswalks.
Injuries and Damages in Newport Beach Intersection Accidents
Accidents that happen at intersections can cause serious injuries, especially when a vehicle is struck from the side. People involved in these crashes may suffer broken bones, head injuries, neck and back injuries, or damage to the spinal cord.
Some may need emergency treatment at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, followed by weeks or months of medical care.
The cost of an intersection accident can extend beyond the initial hospital visit. Depending on your injuries and how the crash has affected your life, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses, including those for emergency care and physical therapy
- The income you missed while healing from your injuries
- Treatment and rehabilitation you may need later
- Lost earning ability if your injuries limit the work you can perform
- Physical pain and changes to your daily activities
- The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle
Your Newport Beach personal injury lawyer from Sweet James will review medical records, lost income, and other evidence to assess the value of an injury claim. Our legal team will also consider how your injuries may affect your health and ability to work in the future.
Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Crash at an Intersection
When an intersection accident causes a fatal injury, grieving families may struggle with the loss of a loved one while facing unexpected expenses and difficult legal decisions. If your loved one suffered a fatal injury in an accident, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Certain surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. These claims may cover funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of a loved one’s companionship.
Our Newport Beach wrongful death lawyers can explain your family’s legal options, investigate the crash, and help you pursue damages. Contact Sweet James today for a free consultation.
Determining Fault After an Intersection Crash
Fault in an accident that happens at an intersection often depends on traffic signals, right-of-way rules, and the actions of each driver. A driver who had a green light may still share responsibility if they were speeding or driving carelessly.
Evidence can help establish what happened. Sweet James may review photographs, witness accounts, vehicle damage, and reports prepared by the Newport Beach Police Department.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you may recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the crash. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Parties That May Be Liable for an Intersection Accident
Depending on what caused the collision, liable parties may include:
- A negligent driver
- An employer, if their employee caused the crash while performing job duties
- Vehicle manufacturers, if defective brakes, steering parts, or other vehicle parts contributed to the crash
- Government agencies, if unsafe road design, faulty traffic signals, or poorly maintained roads played a role in the crash
Sweet James can identify all parties who may share responsibility for the crash and help you pursue claims against them.
Our Firm’s Experience Handling Intersection Accident Claims
The Newport Beach intersection crash attorneys at Sweet James have handled car accident claims involving drivers who failed to stop or yield at intersections.
In one California case, our firm obtained a $2.75 million settlement for a client who suffered neck and back injuries after another driver entered an intersection with nonworking traffic signals at high speed and struck multiple vehicles. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Deadlines for Filing an Intersection Accident Lawsuit
Under CCP § 335.1, California generally gives injured people two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, the deadline is two years from the date of death.
Exceptions may apply, and claims involving government agencies can have shorter notice deadlines. The Newport Beach intersection accident lawyers at Sweet James can review your case, identify filing deadlines, and explain what legal action may be available.
Get Help Today for an Intersection Crash in Newport Beach, CA
If you were injured in an intersection collision, Sweet James can help you examine your options for seeking compensation. Our team includes more than 400 legal professionals, and we offer assistance in Spanish.
Our Newport Beach intersection accident attorneys can answer questions about your case and explain what to expect during the legal process. Real Lawyers. Real Results. Contact us today to discuss your injuries, concerns, and possible next steps.
