Intersection Accident Lawyer in Denton

Intersection crashes are among the most serious types of collisions on Denton roads. Whether it happened at the busy interchange of I-35 and University Drive (US-380), near the Golden Triangle Mall on Loop 288, or at a smaller side-street crossing in a neighborhood like Southridge, the injuries can be life-changing and the legal questions can be complicated. If another driver ran a red light, blew through a stop sign, or failed to yield the right of way and hit your vehicle, you have rights under Texas law. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys represents injured people in Denton and throughout the surrounding area. This page, written by the attorneys at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, explains what you need to know about intersection accident claims and how our firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Results in any case depend on the specific facts and law involved, and past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result in your case.

Table of Contents

• Why Intersection Accidents Are So Dangerous in Denton
• Texas Laws That Apply to Intersection Accident Claims
• Common Causes of Intersection Crashes in Denton
• What to Do After an Intersection Accident in Denton
• How Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys Handles Intersection Accident Cases
• FAQs About Intersection Accident Lawyers in Denton

Why Intersection Accidents Are So Dangerous in Denton

Denton is a fast-growing city, and its roads reflect that growth. The stretch of US-380 (University Drive) near Texas Woman’s University sees constant traffic from students, shoppers, and commuters. Loop 288 funnels vehicles past the Golden Triangle Mall and the Southridge neighborhood. I-35 splits into I-35E and I-35W right through the heart of the city, creating a web of on-ramps, off-ramps, and high-speed merges. All of these corridors feed into intersections, and intersections are where crashes happen.

Crashes occurring at or related to intersections claimed 1,050 lives across Texas in 2024 alone. That number reflects the statewide toll, but Denton contributes to it. According to TxDOT’s 2024 data, a reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds in Texas, with 4,150 deaths and over 251,000 injuries statewide. Locally, the numbers are just as sobering. In 2023, Denton experienced a concerning number of intersection crashes, totaling 1,364 collisions, involving 2,862 vehicles and affecting 3,791 people.

What makes intersection crashes so dangerous is the angle of impact. A T-bone collision, for example, sends one vehicle directly into the side of another, where there is far less structural protection than at the front or rear. Drivers and passengers often suffer whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord damage. Even crashes at lower speeds can cause serious soft tissue injuries that linger for months. The City of Denton recognizes this problem. The Vision Zero initiative operating in Denton is built around the Safe System Approach, with a commitment by local officials to achieve zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users within a set timeframe. That commitment is encouraging, but it does not help you today if you are already hurt. That is where a knowledgeable injury attorney comes in.

Texas Laws That Apply to Intersection Accident Claims

Texas law is specific about how drivers must behave at intersections, and those rules form the foundation of most intersection accident claims. Chapter 545 of the Texas Transportation Code governs the operation and movement of vehicles, including right-of-way rules that apply at every intersection in Denton.

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.151, a driver approaching an intersection controlled by a stop sign or traffic signal must stop and yield before entering. An operator who is required to stop and yield the right-of-way at an intersection and who is involved in a collision is presumed not to have yielded the right-of-way. That presumption matters enormously in a personal injury claim. It shifts the burden to the other driver to explain why the collision was not their fault.

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.152, a driver turning left at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard. Left-turn crashes are among the most common intersection collisions in Denton, especially on multi-lane roads like Carroll Boulevard and Teasley Lane. Additionally, under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.153, if a driver is required to yield and is involved in a collision after driving past a yield sign without stopping, that collision is prima facie evidence that the driver failed to yield the right-of-way.

Texas also follows a modified comparative fault rule under Section 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Under this rule, an injured person can recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. If the injured party is found partially at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. This means that even if you made a small mistake at the intersection, you may still recover a substantial amount. The key is having strong evidence and a clear legal strategy.

Common Causes of Intersection Crashes in Denton

Knowing why intersection crashes happen helps build a stronger case. Most intersection accidents in Denton come down to driver behavior, not bad luck. Driver behavior causes the vast majority of preventable crashes on Texas roads. Speed, inattention, and poor decisions behind the wheel create dangerous situations that lead to injuries and deaths.

Running red lights is one of the top causes. A driver who blows through a signal on University Drive or at the I-35 and US-380 interchange puts everyone around them at serious risk. Failure to yield, particularly during left turns, is another major factor. Distracted driving, including texting and eating behind the wheel, causes drivers to miss stop signs entirely. Failure to yield the right of way, including running stop signs, failing to yield when turning left, or ignoring traffic signals, is one of the leading contributing factors in Texas crash data.

Speeding through intersections reduces the time a driver has to react and dramatically increases the force of impact. Drunk and drug-impaired driving also contributes heavily to intersection crashes, especially late at night. The intersection of I-35 and US-380 (West University Drive) in Denton saw 53 car accidents in 2023 alone. This interchange sees a mix of high-speed interstate traffic, local traffic, and traffic from nearby businesses like Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, creating a complex and dangerous situation. If any of these factors caused your crash, the at-fault driver can be held legally responsible for your losses.

It is also worth noting that intersections near Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas generate significant pedestrian and student traffic. Unfamiliar drivers, out-of-state visitors, and teen drivers all increase the risk at these crossings. Every one of these scenarios creates a potential negligence claim under Texas law.

What to Do After an Intersection Accident in Denton

The steps you take in the hours and days after an intersection crash directly affect the strength of your claim. First, call 911. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any intersection accident case. Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, TxDOT is responsible for collecting and analyzing crash data submitted by Texas law enforcement officers on the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report form (CR-3). That CR-3 report documents the officer’s findings, including who appeared to be at fault and what traffic laws may have been violated.

Seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma often do not show symptoms immediately. A gap in medical treatment can be used by the insurance company to argue your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Go to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton on North I-35 or another nearby emergency facility and get a full evaluation.

Gather evidence at the scene if you can do so safely. Take photos of the vehicles, the intersection, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. The sooner this evidence is collected, the better. TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) tracks crash data statewide, and the public can access available crash data through TxDOT’s CRIS Query tool. Your attorney can use this data to support your claim.

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 601.151, any collision resulting in bodily injury, death, or property damage of at least $1,000 triggers financial responsibility requirements. Every driver involved must be able to show proof of insurance. If the other driver was uninsured, you may still have options through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used to reduce your claim. The personal injury lawyers at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf from day one.

How Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys Handles Intersection Accident Cases

Intersection accident cases require a thorough investigation. At Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, we work to gather every piece of evidence that supports your claim. That includes the CR-3 police report, traffic camera footage from nearby signals, witness statements, cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected, and any available surveillance video from businesses near the crash site. Near high-traffic areas like the Alamo Drafthouse on US-380 or the commercial corridors along Loop 288, business cameras often capture exactly what happened.

We also work to identify every liable party. In some cases, fault does not rest entirely with the other driver. An employer may be liable if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash. A vehicle manufacturer may bear responsibility if a defect contributed to the collision. In rare cases, a government entity may be responsible if a poorly designed or maintained intersection contributed to the crash.

Our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We represent clients in Denton County and are familiar with the local courts, including the Denton County Courthouse on West Hickory Street. We know how to build cases that hold up, whether through negotiation or in front of a jury. If you were injured by a negligent driver at a Denton intersection, you deserve answers and real legal support. A skilled car accident lawyer can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you are owed, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs.

Texas law gives most injury victims two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Missing that deadline generally means losing your right to recover anything. Do not wait. Call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and we will tell you honestly what your case may be worth. Our firm also serves clients in the broader DFW area, and if you need a car accident attorney in a neighboring community, we can help connect you with the right resources. We also work with clients who need a car accident lawyer in Arlington, a car accident attorney in Dallas, or a car accident lawyer in Fort Worth.

FAQs About Intersection Accident Lawyers in Denton

How do I prove the other driver ran a red light or stop sign at a Denton intersection?

Proof often comes from multiple sources. The police CR-3 report may note a traffic violation. Traffic camera footage from TxDOT or the City of Denton can capture the moment of impact. Nearby business surveillance cameras are another strong source. Eyewitness statements from people who saw the crash are also valuable. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.151, a driver who collides with another vehicle at an intersection is legally presumed not to have yielded the right of way, which gives your attorney a strong starting point for building your case.

What if both drivers share some blame for an intersection crash in Texas?

Texas uses a modified comparative fault system under Section 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. As long as you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you were 20 percent at fault and awards $100,000, you would receive $80,000. An attorney can help gather evidence to minimize any fault assigned to you and maximize your recovery.

How long does it take to settle an intersection accident claim in Texas?

The timeline varies depending on the severity of your injuries, how clear the liability is, and whether the insurance company cooperates. Minor injury cases with clear fault may resolve in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take a year or longer. Your attorney will work to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible while making sure you receive full and fair compensation. Settling too quickly, before you know the full extent of your injuries, can leave significant money on the table.

Can I still file a claim if I did not call the police after the intersection crash?

Yes, but it makes your case harder. A police report is one of the strongest pieces of evidence in any accident claim. Without one, you will need to rely more heavily on photos, witness statements, medical records, and other documentation. If you did not call police at the scene, report the crash to the Denton Police Department as soon as possible and seek medical attention right away. An attorney can help you build a case even without a formal police report, though acting quickly is important.

What compensation can I recover after an intersection accident in Denton?

Texas law allows injured accident victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, future medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. The value of your specific claim depends on the facts of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of the evidence. Contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 for a free, no-obligation review of your case.

Content prepared by Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, primary practice location: Denton, Texas. This page is attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any other matter. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts and applicable law.

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