An Allentown intersection accident lawyer understands how dangerous and legally complex crashes at busy crossings can be. Intersection accidents often involve high-impact T-bone and angle collisions that cause severe injuries and leave victims facing long recoveries, mounting medical bills, and lost income.
Munley Law’s auto accident lawyers bring decades of experience handling complex right-of-way and multi-vehicle collision cases throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. These cases demand detailed knowledge of Pennsylvania traffic laws, signal timing analysis, and fault determination when multiple drivers or traffic controls are involved. These are skills Munley Law has refined through years of successful litigation.
With over $1 billion recovered for injured clients, nationally recognized trial lawyers, and accolades including Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers honors, Munley Law has built a reputation for results. When you hire our Allentown attorneys after an intersection accident, you get a legal team with the experience, resources, and courtroom reputation needed to pursue maximum compensation and hold negligent drivers fully accountable.
Call Munley Law today for a free consultation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Dangerous Are Intersection Accidents?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, 25% of all traffic-related fatalities, and 50% of such injuries in the United States, occur at or near intersections. Allentown’s busy intersections create unique hazards where multiple traffic streams converge, creating complex scenarios that often result in serious crashes. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were over 1,033 car accidents at intersections across the city in 2024 alone.
Pennsylvania’s right-of-way laws become critical in intersection accident cases, as determining which driver had the legal right to proceed through the intersection often determines liability. These laws cover scenarios involving traffic signals, stop signs, yield signs, and uncontrolled intersections, each creating different legal obligations for approaching drivers.
The physics of intersection crashes often result in more severe injuries than other collision types. T-bone crashes, where one vehicle strikes another’s side, frequently cause serious injuries to occupants on the impact side who have less structural protection than in frontal crashes. Angle collisions and head-on crashes at intersections can result in devastating injuries due to the combined speed of both vehicles.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Allentown, PA?
While intersection crashes can happen anywhere, certain Allentown intersections see a significantly higher number of serious accidents due to heavy traffic, road design, and limited visibility. Based on local crash reports, client case histories, and traffic flow data, the following intersections are among the most dangerous in the Lehigh Valley:
- Route 22 at Cedar Crest Boulevard: This high-speed corridor is one of the most heavily traveled routes in the region. Rear-end collisions and sideswipes are common here, especially during rush hour, when congestion leads to frequent sudden stops and merging errors.
- I-78 at the “Cemetery Curve” (Lehigh Street Exit): Known locally for its sharp bend, this stretch is notorious for rollover crashes and jackknife accidents involving large trucks. Visibility issues and high speeds make it one of the area’s most dangerous spots.
- Hamilton Boulevard and Cedar Crest Boulevard: One of Allentown’s busiest intersections, this location features multiple turn lanes and complex traffic patterns. T-bone and left-turn collisions frequently occur as drivers misjudge gaps or rush through yellow lights.
- Tilghman Street at 7th Street: This urban intersection sees a high volume of foot traffic alongside busy vehicle lanes. Red-light running and pedestrian accidents are common, particularly during morning and evening commuting hours.
- MacArthur Road (Route 145) near the Lehigh Valley Mall: With frequent congestion, multiple access points, and distracted drivers navigating retail traffic, this stretch experiences a high rate of rear-end and side-impact crashes—many occurring in or near parking lot entrances.
- Five Points Intersection (Hamilton, Front, and Auburn Streets): This confusing intersection combines several converging roads and unclear right-of-way scenarios. Failure-to-yield crashes and sideswipes are especially common here.
As Allentown considers adding roundabouts to high-risk intersections along Hamilton Street, understanding how these circular designs affect right-of-way rules and crash liability is important for drivers in the Lehigh Valley.
PennDot data indicates that there were 321 intersection fatalities across Pennsylvania in 2024. Lehigh County was 7th on the list of highest traffic accidents in Pennsylvania and 9th on the list of highest traffic-related fatalities. If you were injured at any of these intersections or another location in the Lehigh Valley, Munley Law can help. Our team understands the unique legal and traffic dynamics of these local crash hotspots and will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
What are the Most Common Causes of Allentown Intersection Accidents?
Running Red Lights represents one of the most dangerous intersection violations. Drivers consciously choose to proceed through intersections after signals have changed. Pennsylvania law is clear about drivers’ obligations to stop for red signals, making liability determination more straightforward in these cases.
Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way occurs when drivers fail to properly assess traffic conditions before entering intersections. This includes failing to yield to oncoming traffic during left turns, not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, or proceeding when other vehicles have the legal right-of-way.
Improper Left Turns create particularly complex liability scenarios, as turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic while navigating intersection timing. Pennsylvania courts have established specific precedents for determining fault in left-turn intersection crashes.
Rolling Through Stop Signs or failing to come to complete stops before proceeding through intersections violates Pennsylvania’s vehicle code and frequently leads to side-impact collisions with devastating consequences.
Distracted Driving at Intersections has become increasingly common as drivers focus on devices rather than complex intersection traffic patterns, leading to failures to observe traffic signals or other vehicles’ right-of-way.
How Is Fault Determined in Intersection Accidents?
Successfully proving liability in intersection crashes requires a comprehensive investigation of traffic control devices, signal timing, and witness testimony. Munley Law’s approach begins with a detailed analysis of intersection design and traffic signal operation, often involving traffic engineering experts who can testify about proper intersection function and signal timing.
Traffic camera footage provides vital evidence, capturing the exact events leading to intersection crashes. We systematically investigate all potential sources of video evidence, including municipal traffic cameras, nearby business security systems, and dashboard cameras from other vehicles.
Witness testimony becomes particularly valuable in intersection cases, as multiple observers often have different vantage points of the crash sequence. We conduct thorough witness interviews to establish which driver entered the intersection first, the status of traffic signals, and other critical facts that determine right-of-way.
Physical evidence analysis focuses on vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, and debris fields that indicate vehicle speeds and impact angles. This evidence helps reconstruct the crash sequence and often contradicts inaccurate driver statements about intersection accidents.
Police reports in intersection cases require careful analysis, as responding officers must determine fault based on limited information and may not thoroughly investigate complex right-of-way scenarios. Our attorneys understand how to build cases beyond initial police determinations when necessary.
Why are there Complex Liability Issues in Intersection Crashes?
Intersection accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties, creating complex legal scenarios that require specialized expertise. Municipal liability may arise when traffic signal malfunctions, inadequate signage, or poor intersection design contribute to crashes. Pennsylvania law provides specific procedures for pursuing claims against government entities responsible for intersection safety.
Comparative negligence frequently applies in intersection cases where both drivers may bear some responsibility for crashes. Pennsylvania’s 51% rule means that even drivers contributing to intersection accidents can recover compensation if they are less than 51% at fault. Our attorneys understand how to minimize clients’ comparative fault while maximizing compensation.
Multiple vehicle intersection crashes create additional complexity when determining how liability is distributed among several drivers. Chain reaction crashes that begin with one driver’s violation but involve multiple vehicles require careful analysis to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Commercial vehicle intersection accidents often involve additional liable parties, including trucking companies, cargo owners, or vehicle maintenance providers. These cases require understanding federal trucking regulations and how they apply to intersection driving obligations.
Pedestrian accidents at intersections create complex liability scenarios where multiple parties may share responsibility. While Pennsylvania law generally gives pedestrians the right-of-way in marked crosswalks, liability can be complicated when pedestrians cross against signals, outside crosswalks, or in poorly designed intersection areas. Drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians even when pedestrians violate traffic laws.
Additionally, municipalities may bear liability when inadequate crosswalk design, poor lighting, or malfunctioning pedestrian signals contribute to intersection pedestrian accidents.
“Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in
compensation for our clients.”
Daniel W. Munley
Severe Injuries Common in Intersection Crashes
The perpendicular nature of many intersection collisions creates injury patterns distinct from other crash types.
- Side-impact injuries frequently affect the head, neck, and torso of occupants on the collision side, often resulting in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries.
- T-bone crashes provide minimal protection for occupants compared to frontal collisions, as vehicle sides have less structural reinforcement and shorter crumple zones. This often results in more severe injuries even at lower speeds compared to other collision types.
- Multiple impact injuries occur when intersection crashes involve several vehicles or when initial impacts cause vehicles to rotate and strike additional objects. These complex crash sequences can cause numerous injury patterns that require comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment.
- Pedestrian injuries in intersection accidents are often catastrophic, as intersections represent conflict points where vehicles and pedestrians share space. Pennsylvania’s pedestrian right-of-way laws create specific obligations for drivers approaching crosswalks and intersection areas.
Why Choose Munley Law for Intersection Accident Cases?
Intersection accident cases require personal injury attorneys to understand traffic engineering, signal timing analysis, and complex right-of-way laws. Munley Law’s intersection accident attorneys work with traffic safety experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and municipal engineering consultants who can analyze intersection design and operation to support our clients’ cases.
Our team has extensive experience handling intersection accidents involving Pennsylvania’s most complex intersections, from simple stop-sign controlled intersections to multi-lane signalized intersections with dedicated turn lanes and pedestrian signals. We understand how these different intersection types create different legal obligations and liability scenarios.
Munley Law has successfully recovered substantial compensation for intersection accident victims, including a $17.5 million jury verdict in a car accident death case. Additionally, our attorneys are regularly recognized and awarded accolades from prestigious organizations, including Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Irish Legal 100, and Martindale-Hubbell. Daniel Munley has garnered national recognition with the Lawyers of Distinction organization, which highlights attorneys across the nation for their professional achievements, and several of our attorneys, including Robert Munley III, Caroline Munley, and Marion Munley, are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which recognizes lawyers who have won million-dollar or multi-million-dollar verdicts or settlements.
We bring this proven track record to every intersection crash case, fighting to ensure that negligent drivers and responsible parties face full accountability for their failures to observe right-of-way laws.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
FAQs About Intersection Accidents in Allentown
Who is Usually at Fault in an Intersection Accident?
Fault in an intersection crash depends on right-of-way laws, traffic signals, and driver behavior. Common at-fault parties include drivers who run red lights, fail to yield, or make unsafe left turns.
What if Both Drivers Share Fault for an Intersection Crash?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Are Intersection Accidents More Serious Than Other Car Crashes?
Yes, side-impact and angle collisions often cause more severe injuries because vehicle sides offer less protection than front or rear crash zones.
Can I File A Claim if a Traffic Signal Malfunctioned?
Yes, if a signal failure, poor signage, or unsafe intersection design contributed to an intersection crash, a municipality or government entity may share liability under Pennsylvania law.
What Evidence is Most Important in an Intersection Accident Case?
Key evidence in an intersection accident case includes traffic camera footage, witness statements, vehicle damage analysis, skid marks, and expert reconstruction of signal timing and right-of-way violations.
Contact an Allentown Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an intersection accident in Allentown, contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation with our specialized intersection accident attorneys.
We will evaluate your case and explain how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your intersection crash injuries.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning personal-injury attorney and champion of plaintiffs’ rights. For decades he’s won multi-million verdicts and settlements and is recognized as a national leader in truck and rideshare litigation,including a record $26 million truck settlement in Northeastern Pennsylvania and a $20 million recovery in 2024 for life-altering commercial-vehicle injuries.
