Car Accidents at Intersections in Connecticut
Intersections are one of the most common locations for car accidents to occur. These accidents also have a higher chance of resulting in serious injury. This combination of how frequently they happen and how badly people get hurt is what makes intersection accidents so dangerous.
At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we know how quickly a routine drive can turn into a serious accident when another driver runs a red light or fails to yield. Our firm has represented injured clients throughout Connecticut for decades, and we understand intersection-related crashes and how they’re handled under state law. That experience matters when you’re trying to recover physically and financially after a crash.
If you were injured at an intersection, you may have a lot of questions, such as who is at fault, how insurance companies will respond, and what your legal rights really are. We’ve helped many people in this situation understand the legal process, hold drivers accountable, and move forward after their accidents.
Why Intersection Accidents Are So Common in Connecticut
According to a study by the University of Connecticut, about 35% of all car accidents between 2022 and the middle of 2025 occurred at an intersection or were related to an intersection. Half of these accidents (more than 60,000) occurred at four-way intersections.
Why is this? Intersections require constant decisions: when to yield, when to go, whether another car is turning. Drivers are also often distracted by their phones or other screens in their car. Intersections combine multiple directions of traffic, often with pedestrians, bikes, and turning vehicles trying to move at the same time.
Some of the most common causes of these crashes include:
- drivers failing to yield
- speeding through yellow or red lights
- distracted driving
- rolling through stop signs
- weather conditions
- poor road design
- lack of proper signs
No matter how it happens, an intersection crash often leads to serious injuries because the impact happens on the side of the vehicle, where there is less protection for the driver and passengers.
Understanding Right of Way and Traffic Law Issues
Determining who had the right of way is often one of the most important issues in an intersection crash. Connecticut traffic laws are specific about who must yield in different situations.
For example, at four-way stop signs, the first driver to stop has the right of way. When two vehicles stop at the same time, the one on the right goes first.
At all intersections, a driver turning left across traffic must yield to oncoming vehicles unless they have a green arrow. When entering an intersection with a flashing yellow light, drivers must proceed with caution. They don’t have the right of way over traffic with a green light.
Another traffic law issue is red light running. A driver might speed up to “beat the light” or simply not pay attention and go through a red light. In some cases, a vehicle may be partway through the intersection when the light changes.
We’ve handled cases where the facts were disputed, which is why we always do a thorough investigation. We gather police reports, camera footage, witness accounts, and black box data to show the real sequence of events. We also have access to accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
Our Approach To Intersection Cases
At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we approach every case by preparing as if it will go to trial. This commitment gives our clients a stronger position during settlement negotiations and also ensures that nothing is overlooked. We have handled a wide range of intersection accident cases, and we try to uncover details that the insurance company overlooks or tries to minimize.
We also understand the human side of these accidents. Most of our clients come to us during difficult moments. They are unsure of what they should do next. To help with this uncertainty, we walk our clients through the legal process, then concentrate on their well-being and recovery. This way, our clients can work on healing and moving forward, while we handle the legal matters.
One case that highlights our work involved a client who was hit at an intersection and suffered whiplash injuries to her neck and back. The insurance company minimized her injuries and offered her $6,000. We were able to secure a $127,601 jury verdict on her behalf. This is why you should never face insurance companies without a car accident lawyer.
Fault Isn’t Always Clear After an Intersection Crash
In many intersection collisions, both drivers insist they had the green light or right of way. That can make it difficult to know whether you have a valid claim. Insurance companies often use this confusion to their advantage, hoping injured victims will accept a small settlement or drop the claim altogether.
We encourage anyone injured at an intersection to reach out to a lawyer before making decisions about fault or settlement. Even if you’re unsure what happened or think you might share some responsibility, you may still be entitled to compensation under Connecticut’s comparative fault rules.
Connecticut law allows you to recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault. That means if another driver was primarily responsible, even if you made a mistake too, you may still have a case. We’ve helped clients who were unsure about fault understand their options and build a strong claim based on facts.
Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Motorcycles
Intersection accidents don’t only involve cars. It’s extremely common for pedestrians, cyclists, and riders to be struck in intersections. We have experience with all of these situations.
The injuries in these cases are often more severe and require more recovery time. It’s also important to consider future medical expenses and physical limitations you may have.
Medical Care, Lost Wages, and Long-Term Impact
Beyond the physical injuries caused by their accident, many people also face financial challenges. Medical bills begin to pile up, and insurance may not cover everything. If you can’t return to work, even for a short time, the income loss can strain your finances. Some clients also experience emotional distress, like a general fear of driving, trouble sleeping, or anxiety around intersections.
Our firm looks beyond the surface when handling these cases. We calculate not just the cost of current medical care, but also future treatment, lost earning capacity, and how the injury affects your daily life. We’ve worked with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial professionals to document these damages fully and present a complete picture to insurers or juries.
What to Do After an Intersection Crash
If you’ve been hit at an intersection, the first priority is always your health. Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some symptoms take time to appear, and early treatment can be important for your health.
If you can, take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Get contact information for any witnesses and make a note of traffic signals, signs, or road conditions. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened. Instead, speak with a lawyer who can help you understand what steps to take next.
The sooner a lawyer gets involved, the more they can do to preserve evidence, contact witnesses, and protect your legal rights. Insurance companies will often contact victims quickly, asking for recorded statements or offering quick settlements. You do not have to speak to them alone. We can handle those communications on your behalf and focus on getting you the support and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Tremont Sheldon P.C.
Tremont Sheldon P.C. has established itself as an experienced and compassionate personal injury firm. We assist clients in Bridgeport, Stratford, Shelton, and across Connecticut. For more than 60 years, we’ve represented injured individuals and their families with honesty, skill, and determination. Intersection crashes require more than just basic legal knowledge. They require a team that understands traffic laws, accident dynamics, and how to prove a claim when the facts are in dispute.
Our attorneys listen, answer your questions, and take the time to learn what matters to you. We prepare every case for trial, not because we expect it to go there, but because it puts us in a stronger position to negotiate fair results. We don’t settle for less than what you need to recover.
At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we’re ready to help you understand your rights and options. Call us at 203-212-9075 or fill out our online contact form. We’d love to speak with you and see how we can help.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We are personal injury lawyers and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you. We also offer free consultations to help you understand your options.
How long do I have to file a claim after a crash?
Connecticut generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are also circumstances where this time limit is a lot shorter. In any situation, it’s best to start sooner, while evidence and witness memories are still fresh.
What if both drivers claim they had the green light?
These cases are common and often come down to witness statements, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage, and other evidence. Our team has experience reconstructing accident scenes and working with experts to show what really occurred.
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Connecticut follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you were less than 51% responsible, you can still file a claim. Your damages will be reduced based on your share of fault.
What kinds of compensation can I recover?
You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost income, future treatment costs, property damage, and pain and suffering. In more serious cases, damages may also include long-term care or permanent disability.
What if I was hit by a driver who ran a red light?
That’s a strong basis for a negligence claim. We can investigate whether traffic cameras or witnesses support your account and work to hold the driver accountable for violating traffic laws.