As one of the many parts of driving, intersections mostly occur on the normal day-to-day life of an individual; however, uncontrolled intersections usually have their own set of challenges. The aim of this article is to describe about uncontrolled intersections, their injuries, and the possible ways in which medical record review services can help lawyers in them pertaining cases.
What is an Uncontrolled Intersection?
An uncontrolled intersection is the area of which two or more roads cross and there are no traffic control signage, lights, or signal assisting or coordinating the flow of vehicles. Such intersections are typical in countryside places that are not densely populated. Although these parts of the road may have lesser congestion, they do carry a great deal of potential for accidents.
Key Characteristics of Uncontrolled Intersections
• Absence of Traffic Control: There are no signals or sign boards to show directions for the right of the traffic.
• Increased Possibility of Accidents: There is higher probability of accidents associated with misunderstanding that has the right of way.
• Typical Spots: They are often seen in sparsely populated outlying regions or highly populated city outskirts.
Illinois Traffic Laws Relating To Uncontrolled Intersections
The legal understanding of uncontrolled intersections can be cumbersome even for the most seasoned of lawyers. Nevertheless, Illinois laws set the bar for drivers when they are near such/uncontrolled intersections and while driving.
Right-of-Way Rules
- Yield to the Right- If two cars arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the left should give way to the vehicle on the right.
- When Entering a Through Highway: Vehicles driving on a highway must always be prioritized.
- Pedestrian Safety: All pedestrians will always be given priority at all corners and road junctions.
- Emergency Vehicles: All vehicles classified as emergency vehicles must be yielded to regardless of where the intersection is.
Common Causes of Accidents at Uncontrolled Intersections
Accidents at uncontrolled intersections can often be attributed to several common factors:
• Not Yielding: Not giving the right away estmates has the potential of putting people in danger of head on collisions.
• Uncontrolled Speeds: Over speeding results issufficient time availabile for one to react to danger and inflates the cases of accidents.
• Distracted Driving Habits: Closing attention, use of phones or other forms of deadening ones attention.
• Unreliable Visibility: Traffic obstructions can prevent a driver from clearly seeing other traffic.
• Taking Over: Some drivers may think that they have priority when in fact they do not.
How to Safely Navigate Uncontrolled Intersections
To minimize the risk of accidents, drivers should adhere to the following safety tips:
- Slow Down: Begin lowering your speed as you get closer to an uncontrolled intersection.
- Stay Alert: Anticipate the appearance of vehicles of any kind and even pedestrians.
- Use the Communication System: Switch on your indicators, for other drivers to know the direction you are taking.
- Yields When Debating: When guessing what direction should you go, be on the safe side of whatever choice you select.
- Always Observe for Other People: You should systematically observe for other persons particularly pedestrians before the vehicle sets off.
Legal Implications of Accidents at Uncontrolled Intersections
Accidents at uncontrolled intersections can lead to serious legal consequences. The at-fault driver is typically the one who failed to yield or engaged in reckless behavior.
Importance of Medical Records Review
For attorneys, having accurate and comprehensive medical records is essential in establishing the extent of injuries and the impact on the victim’s life. Medical records review services can assist in:
• Providing Evidence: Standardizing medical paperwork.
• Proving Causation: Confirming that an injury corresponds to the accident.
• Adjusting Claims: Including costs associated with treatment, rehabilitation, disability, and emotional distress.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Fatal Crash in Kendall County
• Overview: A fatal collision occurred in 2020 at a neglected intersection close to Yorkville, which resulted in the death of two teenage girls.
• Challenges: Splitting blame with opposing witness accounts.
• Solutions: Medical record reviews did not help. The witnesses were claiming too many contradictory things.
• Compensation: The parents were awarded damages for the two girls’ wrongful death.
Case Study 2: Double Fatality in LaSalle County
• Overview: In 2021 during a clash at an uncontrolled intersection, both motorists died.
• Challenges: No evidence supported what came first, the crash or the death.
• Solutions: Medical records and the expert testimony proved helpful for fixing liability.
• Compensation: The victims’ families were paid for their damages and losses.
Conclusion
For drivers, as well as many other road users, uncontrolled intersections pose considerable danger, and knowledge of the surrounding laws is vital to creating order within such chaos. From a lawyers’ perspective, medical records review services can work wonders for cases by revealing necessary details and evidence needed to support the case.
