Here’s something to think about:
Intersection collisions are some of the most common — and most dangerous — crashes on Texas roads. If you’ve been hit at a Houston intersection, you’re probably asking the same questions most people do: Who is at fault? What happens next? How do I get compensation? And most importantly, when should I call a car accident lawyer in Houston?
This guide walks you through everything that happens during and after an intersection crash — from the impact itself to insurance claims, medical treatment, fault disputes, lawsuits, and how a Houston car accident attorney at Orange Law Firm can protect your rights.
Why Intersection Collisions Are So Common in Houston
You already know Houston is packed with busy roadways — Westheimer, I-10, 59, Beltway 8, Highway 6, FM 1960, Katy Freeway, and more. Intersections are hot spots for crashes because they combine:
- Heavy traffic
- Left turns
- Speeding drivers
- Distracted driving
- Red light running
- Right-of-way confusion
- Unprotected left turns
- Poor visibility
Even when you do everything right, you can get blindsided by someone else’s mistake. That’s why so many people end up needing a Houston car accident lawyer after getting hit at an intersection.
The Most Common Types of Intersection Collisions
Not every crash at an intersection looks the same. The type of accident affects who may be liable and how insurance companies will try to fight your claim.
1. T-Bone (Side-Impact) Crash
Another driver runs a stop sign or red light and slams into the side of your vehicle. These are often severe because the side of the car has less protection.
2. Rear-End Collision
A driver slams into your back bumper while you’re stopping at a light or waiting to turn.
3. Head-On Collision
Someone crosses into your path or drives the wrong way when turning.
4. Left-Turn Accidents
A driver makes a left turn without yielding and hits you head-on or sideswipes your vehicle.
5. Failure to Yield
Drivers turn or enter the road without waiting their turn.
6. Multiple-Vehicle Crashes
Chain-reaction crashes can happen when one driver’s mistake causes several impacts.
No matter what kind of crash you were in, a Houston intersection accident lawyer can help figure out fault and get the evidence the insurance companies try to hide.
What Happens in the Moments After a Crash
Even though things may feel chaotic, what you do in the minutes after an intersection collision can protect your health and your case.
1. You’ll Feel Shock and Adrenaline
Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. You might feel “fine” in the moment even if you’re injured.
2. Cars May Block Traffic
Intersections become instantly congested when cars can’t move or debris spreads.
3. Bystanders May Call 911
Police and EMTs often arrive quickly in major intersections.
4. The Other Driver May Blame You
Don’t admit fault or apologize — even casually. Texas insurance companies use that against you.
5. Police Will File a Crash Report
This report is key for your claim. If the officer doesn’t show, you can file your own within 10 days.
Once you leave the crash scene, the next steps depend on whether you get medical treatment, how you report the claim, and whether you call a Houston personal injury lawyer early.
Common Injuries from Intersection Accidents
Even at low speeds, intersection crashes put your body under sudden force. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
You may experience:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Back injuries
- Concussions
- Chest, shoulder, or rib injuries
- Arm, wrist, or hand impacts
- Hip and leg trauma
- Airbag burns or fractures
- PTSD, anxiety, or sleep issues
Never wait to get checked out. Insurance adjusters love to argue that “you must not be hurt if you didn’t see a doctor right away.” Seeing a doctor also protects your health and your legal claim.
A Houston car accident attorney will also make sure your medical records support your case and prevent the insurance company from twisting your words.
Who Is At Fault in an Intersection Crash?
Fault usually comes down to negligence — who made the unsafe move.
These are the most common driver errors seen by Houston car accident lawyers:
- Running a stop sign
- Running a red light
- Illegal or unsafe left turn
- Speeding through a light change
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS, etc.)
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Turning across oncoming traffic
- Rolling stop at a sign or light
- Ignoring flashing lights or turn arrows
Sometimes, more than one person is responsible. Texas follows modified comparative negligence, which means:
- If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation.
- If you’re more than 50% at fault, the insurance company will try to deny your entire claim.
- Any percentage of fault assigned to you reduces your compensation.
That’s exactly why you shouldn’t speak to the other driver’s adjuster before contacting a Houston car accident lawyer.
Why Intersection Crashes Often Lead to Legal Disputes
You might assume the other driver has to pay because they hit you — but that’s not how insurance companies work. Their goal is to deny, delay, or underpay your claim.
Here are the most common disputes in intersection cases:
- The other driver claims you ran the light.
- The insurance company says there’s no proof of fault.
- They allege you “weren’t paying attention.”
- They argue your injuries are “pre-existing.”
- They minimize the property damage to discredit your injuries.
- They offer a lowball settlement hoping you’ll accept fast.
- They try to use your recorded statement against you.
A Houston accident attorney steps in to block those tactics, gather evidence, and build a strong case.
How a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Proves Fault
You don’t need to handle the legal fight alone. When you contact Orange Law Firm after an intersection crash, your lawyer steps in quickly to protect you and gather the proof you need.
Here’s how an attorney builds your case:
✅ Investigates the Scene
- Intersection layout
- Traffic light timing
- Police reports
- Tire marks
✅ Secures Video Footage
- Traffic cameras
- Business surveillance
- Dash cams
- Intersection recordings
✅ Gets Witness Statements
Independent eyewitness testimony can destroy the other driver’s lies.
✅ Reviews Vehicle Damage
Impact location and pattern often show who caused the crash.
✅ Retrieves Cell Phone & Data Records
To prove distracted driving if the other driver was texting.
✅ Obtains Black Box / Event Data Recorder Info
Modern vehicles track speed, braking, and steering before impact.
The sooner you contact a car accident lawyer in Houston, the more evidence can be preserved.
What Compensation You Can Recover
When someone crashes into you at an intersection, you can claim damages for both economic and non-economic losses.
Here’s what you may be entitled to:
Economic Damages
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital care
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic treatment
- Imaging (MRI, X-rays, CT scans)
- Prescription medication
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Transportation and rental costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD and anxiety
- Physical impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
In severe cases, a Houston personal injury lawyer can also pursue punitive damages.
Why You Should Not Handle It Alone
Insurance companies delay, deny, and devalue claims every day. Without a lawyer, you’re an easy target.
When you hire a Houston car accident attorney at Orange Law Firm, you get:
- Protection from insurance adjusters
- Help getting medical care
- Guidance on property damage
- Full calculation of your damages
- Negotiation of your settlement
- Lawsuit preparation if needed
- A legal team that doesn’t get paid unless you win
Q1: Who is at fault in most intersection collisions in Houston?
Fault depends on the driver who violated traffic rules, like running a red light or failing to yield. A Houston car accident lawyer can investigate and prove liability.
Q2: Should I call a car accident attorney after an intersection crash?
Yes. Insurance companies often dispute fault. A lawyer protects your rights and helps you recover compensation.
Q3: What if I don’t feel pain immediately after the accident?
You should still get medical care. Many injuries from intersection collisions appear hours or days later and delayed treatment can hurt your claim.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer at Orange Law Firm
When someone crashes into you at an intersection, the aftermath can turn your life upside down — physically, financially, and emotionally. You don’t have to deal with the insurance company alone.
At Orange Law Firm, a skilled Houston car accident attorney will:
✅ Investigate the crash
✅ Prove fault with evidence
✅ Handle all insurance communication
✅ Help you get medical treatment
✅ Fight for full compensation
✅ Take your case to court if needed
You deserve justice. You deserve answers. You deserve a law firm that puts you first.
Call Orange Law Firm today to speak with a Houston car accident lawyer about your intersection collision. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win for you.