Vaughn Wamsley is a trusted Carmel car accident lawyer with over three decades of experience helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Intersection crashes are among the most dangerous and unpredictable types of vehicle accidents.
Whether it’s a reckless left turn, a driver blowing through a stop sign, or someone misjudging a yellow light, intersections are where vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists all converge—often with devastating results.
If you were injured in a crash at an intersection in Carmel or the surrounding areas, we are here to help. As an experienced auto accident attorney in Carmel, IN, we guide you through the legal process with compassion, precision, and determination. From day one, our mission is to secure the compensation you deserve and to help you rebuild your life after a traumatic collision.
Why Intersection Crashes Are Especially Dangerous
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 40% of all crashes occur at intersections. In Indiana, the 2022 Crash Facts report revealed that more than 48,000 collisions happened at four-way intersections and over 20,000 at T-intersections.
Some of the most common causes of intersection crashes include:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving (especially texting or mobile phone use)
- Speeding or running red lights
- Illegal or improper turns
- Poor visibility or obstructed views
These are not just minor incidents. Many result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. As a car wreck lawyer in Indiana, we have represented clients suffering from spinal injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disabilities—all from preventable crashes at intersections.
Understanding Indiana’s Right-of-Way Laws
In Indiana, right-of-way laws play a critical role in determining fault in intersection crashes. Drivers must yield the right-of-way under the following conditions:
- At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way.
- If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.
- Drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic going straight.
- Vehicles entering a road from a driveway or private road must yield to traffic already on the main road.
- When traffic lights are malfunctioning or out of order, intersections must be treated as four-way stops.
Failure to follow these rules can result in a finding of negligence, which may entitle the injured party to compensation. As your accident attorney in Carmel, we will gather the evidence needed to show how the at-fault driver violated these laws and caused your injuries.
What to Do After an Intersection Accident
If you’re involved in an intersection crash, take the following steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention—even if you feel okay initially.
- Take photos of the vehicles, intersection, traffic signals, and your injuries.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation.
- Contact our office as soon as possible.
Prompt action helps preserve evidence, support your claim, and protect your rights. Our role as your Carmel intersection car accident lawyer begins the moment you reach out. We investigate every aspect of the crash—from road conditions to vehicle positions—to build a powerful case.
Common Injuries in Intersection Accidents
Some injuries are immediately apparent. Others, like soft tissue damage or traumatic brain injuries, may not surface for days or even weeks. Common injuries we see from intersection crashes include:
- Whiplash and neck trauma
- Herniated discs and spinal cord injuries
- Concussions or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Fractures and broken bones
- Facial disfigurement
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
We work with medical professionals to document every injury and ensure that your current and future care is included in your claim. As your auto accident attorney in Carmel, IN, we fight for the full value of your pain and suffering—not just your medical bills.
How We Investigate and Prove Fault
Every case starts with a thorough investigation. We gather:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera or red-light footage
- Crash scene photos
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Black box data, if available
We also consult with accident reconstruction specialists and engineers when necessary. If a traffic signal is malfunctioning, we investigate whether the city or a third-party contractor may share liability for the issue. Indiana law allows victims to bring claims against government entities when their negligence contributes to a crash, but time is limited, so prompt legal action is essential.
Indiana’s Comparative Fault Rule
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. That means if you are partially at fault for an accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
This makes it critical to have a strong legal advocate. Insurance companies often try to shift the blame to the victim to avoid paying. As your accident attorney in Carmel, we push back with facts, evidence, and a deep understanding of Indiana’s personal injury laws.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Depending on the details of your case, we may seek compensation for:
- Emergency room care and hospital bills
- Surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages (if you lost a loved one)
Each claim is unique. We take the time to understand the full impact the accident has had on your life and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
When Intersection Design Contributes to a Crash
When intersection accidents occur, one of the most overlooked elements is the presence and condition of traffic control devices. Malfunctioning signals, missing stop signs, or poorly marked crosswalks may shift partial liability to the municipality or state.
We investigate whether road maintenance crews followed standard inspection protocols and if prior complaints about a specific intersection were ignored. These factors are particularly critical when seeking compensation, especially if a government entity is held responsible.
Our Legal Process
Our legal process begins with a detailed intake consultation. We listen to your account of what happened, assess your injuries, and begin formulating a legal strategy. From there, we initiate communication with insurers, preserve key evidence, and ensure medical providers retain accurate records.
For complex crashes, we may engage accident reconstruction specialists who can provide expert analysis and courtroom testimony if necessary.
Hidden and Long-Term Injuries
Intersection crashes often cause injuries beyond broken bones and bruises. Many clients suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), soft tissue damage, spinal cord injuries, and long-term emotional trauma, such as PTSD.
We ensure that insurance adjusters do not minimize these “invisible” injuries. Psychological evaluations, therapy costs, and future medical treatment must all be factored into your settlement.
Wage Loss and Future Earnings
We understand how stressful it is to miss work due to an accident. Indiana allows victims to claim compensation for both past and future lost wages. If your injuries limit your ability to return to your previous job or earn at the same level, we calculate projected losses using industry-standard methods.
We may also consult vocational experts to demonstrate diminished earning capacity over time.
Complex Liability in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
In some cases, intersection collisions involve multiple vehicles or commercial trucks. These scenarios often create complicated chains of liability. We examine driver logs, black box data, and federal trucking regulations to determine whether a commercial driver violated safety rules.
Multiple defendants may be liable, including delivery companies, contractors, or even product manufacturers, if a vehicle malfunction contributed to the crash.
Real Client Results
We represented a client who was T-boned in a Carmel roundabout by a driver who failed to yield. Our investigation revealed that the at-fault driver had a history of reckless driving. We secured a six-figure settlement that covered our client’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim in Indiana?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Indiana’s statute of limitations. Claims against a government entity may require notice within 180 days.
Will insurance cover my medical expenses?
Possibly—but insurers often offer lowball settlements. We make sure your full medical costs, including future treatment, are accounted for before negotiating or accepting a settlement.
Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Indiana’s comparative fault rule allows recovery as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
Why Choose Vaughn Wamsley?
- We are familiar with Carmel intersections and Indiana traffic laws.
- We’ve recovered millions in damages for injured clients.
- We handle everything—insurance, paperwork, and court filings—so you don’t have to.
- We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call Us Today
If you were injured in an intersection accident in Carmel, do not try to fight the insurance companies alone. We are here to protect your rights and help you get your life back on track. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation with a Carmel intersection car accident lawyer who genuinely cares. We are ready to fight for you.
