Intersection Accident Lawyer in Massachusetts

Intersection Accidents in Massachusetts

Intersections are the most common site of vehicle collisions in Massachusetts. The crossing of traffic from multiple directions, the interaction of different signal phases, and the variety of turning movements create complex situations where right-of-way errors, signal violations, and driver inattention cause crashes. T-bone collisions, where one vehicle strikes the side of another at an intersection, are among the most dangerous types of crashes because the struck vehicle’s occupants are exposed to direct lateral impact with limited structural protection. Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey represents intersection accident victims throughout Massachusetts.

Common Intersection Accident Causes

• Red light violations where a driver enters against a red signal
• Failure to yield right of way at uncontrolled intersections
• Stop sign violations where a driver enters without stopping and yielding
• Left-turn failures to yield to oncoming traffic
• Driver inattention caused by phone use, eating, or other distraction
• Obstructed sight lines from parked vehicles, vegetation, or signage
• Malfunctioning traffic signals that fail to assign clear right of way

Establishing Right of Way and Fault

The key factual question in most intersection accident cases is who had the right of way. Evidence that establishes right of way includes traffic signal timing records showing what light was displayed for each direction at the time of the crash, traffic camera footage capturing the signal status and vehicle positions, witness testimony from people who observed the intersection from different vantage points, the police report and any citations issued, and accident reconstruction analysis that can establish vehicle speeds and positions from physical evidence alone. Attorney Lavey pursues all of this evidence promptly in every intersection accident case.

T-Bone Collisions and Injury Severity

T-bone collisions at intersections expose the side of a vehicle to direct impact, and the structural protection on a vehicle’s side is less robust than at the front or rear. Occupants on the struck side face direct lateral impact with minimal structural buffer. Side airbags provide some protection, but high-speed T-bone impacts can cause traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, thoracic and abdominal injuries, and pelvis and lower extremity fractures in the occupant closest to the point of impact. Attorney Lavey documents these injuries comprehensively with specialist medical support.

Municipal Liability for Signal Malfunctions

When a malfunctioning traffic signal contributed to an intersection accident, the municipality responsible for maintaining the signal may share liability alongside the at-fault driver. Traffic signal maintenance records, reports of prior malfunctions at the same intersection, and engineering analysis of the signal system can establish the municipal responsibility. Claims against municipalities require compliance with Massachusetts Tort Claims Act presentment requirements within a specific deadline. Attorney Lavey evaluates signal system conditions and municipal liability in every intersection accident case.

Frequently Asked Questions