Updated May 2026 | Zarzaur Law, P.A.
Intersections are a prime place for an automobile accident to occur. Each year, roughly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities and about one-half of all traffic injuries in the United States are attributed to intersections. The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) intersection safety and design research facilitates the implementation of short-term safety improvements, and defines and evaluates long-term, higher payoff strategies to improve intersection safety.
In 2023, 1,086 People Were Killed in Crashes Involving Red-Light Runners and More Than 135,000 Were Injured. – (Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2023)
What Are Common Accidents That Occur at Intersections?
The most common causes of intersection car crashes are disobeying a traffic signal and failing to yield the right of way. Running a red light, trying to get through the intersection on a yellow light, and even unintentionally misjudging the traffic signal are all leading causes of intersection car crashes:
- Speeding: Speeding is dangerous under any circumstance. However, when a driver is speeding through a busy intersection, this can cause serious accidents.
- Violating traffic laws: If a driver is attempting to make illegal U-turns, turn without checking to see if there is oncoming traffic, or fail to yield to pedestrians or bicyclists, this can cause serious intersection accidents.
- Impatience: Drivers will see a traffic light turn yellow and hit the gas pedal to avoid having to wait for the red light to turn green again.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking, reaching for something, or any other type of distracted behavior will keep them from paying attention to what is going on around them.
- Drunk Driving: This goes without saying that this is dangerous and will often lead to fatalities.
- Drowsy Driving: In almost the same frame as distracted driving, drowsy driving can reduce reaction times and as a result, a driver may not be able to react fast enough to avoid another vehicle who runs through a red light.
Which Is The Most Common Crash Accounting For 45% Of Crashes?
Most of these crashes involve left turns. Nationally, intersection crashes account for more than 45 percent of all crashes, the second largest category of accidents, led only by rear-end collisions. According to the FHWA, roughly one-quarter of traffic fatalities and about half of all traffic injuries in the U.S. each year are attributed to intersections.
In 2022, 12,036 traffic fatalities nationally involved an intersection, including 4,204 at signalized intersections and 1,272 specifically involving red-light running at signalized intersections. (Source: FHWA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2022)
Florida Statistics for Intersection Crashes
Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for intersection-related crashes. In recent years, Florida has recorded over 250,000 injuries and more than 3,300 fatalities annually from all traffic crashes, with intersections accounting for a significant share of those incidents.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) tracks intersection-specific crash data in its annual Traffic Crash Facts report. Drivers in Florida face heightened risk at intersections due to high traffic volumes, tourist drivers unfamiliar with local roads, and the state’s year-round pedestrian and bicycle activity.
That amounts to a rate of injury and fatality that makes intersection accidents among the most dangerous types of vehicle crashes there are.
Types Of Intersection Accidents
While nearly any sort of accident can happen at an intersection, some crash types are more prevalent than others.
- T-bone Collision: This occurs when the front of one car impacts the side of another. Side-impact crashes like this are particularly dangerous for any occupant on the side of impact. Most vehicles manufactured in recent years are equipped with side-impact airbags to help minimize injuries.
- Rear-End Collision: These occur when a vehicle suddenly stops or slows either before or in the intersection and the car behind them impacts it from behind. This is a frequent source of whiplash injuries. Rear-end collisions can occur anywhere and are one of the most common accident types on the road.
- Angle Collision: Two cars can impact any number of ways, and angle collisions are the catchall name for accidents that aren’t head-on, rear-end, or T-bone.
- Head-on Collision: These are rare accidents in intersections, but not unheard of. This usually results where someone violates the right of way and fails to maintain their lane. Because of the high speeds involved, they are particularly dangerous.
Who Has Right Of Way?
Who has the right-of-way in Florida? The answer is no one! The law only says who must yield (give up) the right-of-way. Every driver, motorcyclist, moped rider, bicyclist and pedestrian must do everything possible to avoid a crash.
Stop Signs
You must yield the right-of-way to all other traffic and pedestrians at stop signs. Move forward only when the road is clear. At four-way stops, the first vehicle to stop should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Open Intersections
An open intersection is one without traffic control signs or signals. When you enter one, you must yield the right-of-way if:
- A vehicle is already in the intersection.
- You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road.
- You enter a paved road from an unpaved road.
- You plan to make a left turn and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction.
When two cars enter an open intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are a type of intersection which improves traffic flow and reduces traffic crashes. Most roundabouts do not require stopping, which allows vehicles to move continuously through intersections at the same low speed. Roundabouts are designed to move all traffic through a counterclockwise direction. Vehicles approaching the roundabout yield to circulating traffic, however, drivers must obey all signs to determine the correct right-of-way in the roundabout.
Multiple Lane Intersections
Sometimes a one or two-lane road intersects a much larger road or highway. In this circumstance, drivers on the smaller road should yield to vehicles on the larger road.
Highway On/Off Ramps
Getting onto and off highway exit ramps can be tricky, especially if there are many lanes or a lot of traffic. Drivers on an access ramp must yield to vehicles traveling on the exit ramp.
Yield To Other Drivers In These Circumstances
- At a yield sign
- To pedestrians in a crosswalk
- To persons using a seeing eye guide dog
- To persons using a white cane with or without a red tip
- At uncontrolled intersections where vehicles are already in the intersection
- At “T” intersections where you must yield to vehicles on the through road
- When turning left in which case you must yield to oncoming pedestrians, cars, etc.
- When driving on an unpaved road that intersections with a paved road
- When returning to the roadway after the car is parked
Safety Rules For Pedestrians
- Look to the left and the right before stepping off any curb.
- Cross only at intersections or designated crosswalks. Drivers are always more alert for pedestrians when they approach intersections.
- Cross with the green light or “WALK” signal. Make sure you have enough time to cross. Although the motorist must yield, the motorist may not see you in time.
- While walking along a highway, always walk on the shoulder on the left side, facing traffic. Wear light colored clothing or use a flashlight to make you more visible to drivers at night.
- Always follow the speed limit, regardless of the type of intersection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intersection Car Accidents in Florida
What is the most common type of accident at an intersection?
The most common intersection crash type is the angle collision, which includes T-bone (side-impact) crashes. These typically happen when one driver runs a red light or fails to yield the right-of-way. Left-turn crashes are also extremely common; nationally, a significant share of intersection fatalities involve a vehicle turning left across oncoming traffic. Rear-end collisions at intersections, often caused when one driver stops suddenly and the car behind them cannot react in time, are a close second.
What percentage of car accidents happen at intersections?
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), intersection crashes account for more than 45 percent of all traffic crashes in the United States. Roughly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities and about half of all traffic injuries in the U.S. each year occur at or near intersections. In 2022, more than 12,000 traffic fatalities involved intersections nationally.
Who is at fault in an intersection accident in Florida?
Fault in a Florida intersection accident is determined by which driver violated a traffic law or failed to exercise reasonable care. Common examples of fault include running a red light, failing to yield the right-of-way, making an illegal turn, or driving while distracted or impaired. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule (as of 2023), meaning you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault — but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What should I do immediately after an intersection car accident in Florida?
After an intersection accident, you should:
- Stay at the scene and call 911 — Florida law requires reporting crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask injury symptoms for hours or days.
- Document the scene — photograph vehicle damage, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Gather information from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses, including names, contact information, and insurance details.
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements about the accident to the other driver.
- Contact an experienced Florida car accident attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.
What are the most dangerous types of intersection crashes?
The most dangerous intersection crashes by severity are:
- T-bone (side-impact) collisions: The side of a vehicle offers far less protection than the front or rear. Occupants on the struck side face the highest risk of serious injury or death.
- Head-on collisions: Rare at intersections but extremely deadly due to the combined speed of both vehicles.
- Red-light-running crashes: In 2023, 1,086 people were killed nationally in crashes involving red-light runners, with half of those victims being pedestrians, bicyclists, or occupants in other vehicles.
- Left-turn crashes: Drivers making left turns across oncoming traffic consistently account for a disproportionate share of serious intersection injuries.
How do I prove fault in a Florida intersection accident?
Proving fault in an intersection accident typically requires gathering multiple types of evidence, including the police crash report, witness statements, traffic camera or dashcam footage, cell phone records (for distracted driving claims), and expert accident reconstruction testimony. Physical evidence such as skid marks, point of impact, and vehicle damage patterns can also establish who had the right-of-way and who caused the crash. An experienced personal injury attorney can help preserve this evidence and build a strong case before it disappears.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an intersection accident in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims from car accidents is two years from the date of the crash (per the 2023 legislative change). Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering any compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. It’s critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your accident so that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected well before any deadlines approach.
What damages can I recover after an intersection car accident in Florida?
Florida car accident victims may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses: past and future treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription costs
- Lost wages: income lost while recovering, as well as reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Property damage: the cost to repair or replace your vehicle
- Loss of consortium: compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with a spouse or family member
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance pays first, but if your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue the at-fault driver for full damages.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for an intersection accident in Florida?
Yes — under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law (effective March 2023), you can still recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your total compensation will be reduced proportionally by your degree of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver.
When should I hire a car accident lawyer after an intersection crash?
You should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an intersection crash — ideally before speaking with any insurance company. Insurance adjusters work for their company, not for you, and early statements can be used to minimize your claim. An attorney can help you understand your rights, gather and preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for maximum compensation. At Zarzaur Law, consultations are always free, and we don’t get paid unless you win.
If you’ve been the victim of an accident, it’s important that you don’t make any rash decisions. Put yourself in the best possible position to receive the justice you deserve. It is also important to consult with a Board Certified Trial lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to help you. We know accidents can be stressful and want to make the process as easy as possible for you. Call Zarzaur Law, P.A. today at (855) Hire-Joe, or by requesting a free case review via our online form.
Sources:
https://highways.dot.gov/research/research-programs/safety/intersection-safety
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366
https://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2020/07/20/statistics-of-intersection-accidents-87902
https://www.123driving.com/dmv/drivers-handbook-right-of-way/
https://blog.firsttimedriver.com/blog/determining-who-has-right-of-way/