Intersections, Merging, and Accident Liability at Dorsett and I-270

In September 2021, highway I-270 northbound past Dorsett Road was closed because of a multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer, as reported on Fox 2 Now. The intersection is particularly hazardous and has a large volume of traffic exiting and entering I-270, even more dangerous for drivers during rush hour. Multiple lanes of traffic merge and split on either side of the interstate, and Dorsett Road corkscrews, with eastbound and westbound lanes crossing each other. To make the traffic situation even worse, Dorsett Square shopping center is located only a block west of I-270.

Who Can Be Affected by an Intersection Accident?

Any commuter traveling through this area could be affected by an intersection accident at Dorsett and I-270. Potential accident victims include:

• Out-of-state travelers
• Commuters to and from the airport
• People who work in St. Louis
• Shoppers at Dorsett Square
• Visitors to other businesses in the area

What Are the Possible Injuries in an Intersection Accident?

A crash at an intersection such as Dorsett and I-270 can cause serious injuries to individuals involved. These accidents often occur as T-bone collisions, rear-end collisions, or head-on collisions. Common intersection accident injuries include:

• Facial lacerations
• Traumatic brain injury
• Rib fractures and punctured lungs
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Fractured bones

How Is Liability Determined for an Accident at Dorsett and I-270?

Missouri is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning the at-fault driver’s car insurance should cover damages and injuries. Liability is determined based on who was at fault for the crash. Missouri uses a comparative negligence system in which each driver involved can be assigned a percentage of fault for the accident. Damages are reduced according to the degree of fault for the accident assigned to an injured party.

Unlike some other states, Missouri allows a party who is assigned more than 50% of responsibility for the wreck to claim damages. Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys can investigate your accident to determine fault and liability and secure evidence to support your claim.

How Do You Safely Navigate the Dorsett and I-270 Area?

It is best to avoid intersections such as Dorsett and I-270 during peak traffic times if possible. If it cannot be avoided, the following tips can help you navigate more safely:

• Pay attention to your surroundings: Drive defensively and watch the vehicles around you. Inadequate surveillance is a leading contributing factor to intersection crashes.
• Maintain your distance: Try to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Do not follow another vehicle too closely through an intersection, where a crash is more likely to occur.
• Obey speed limits: The faster you are traveling, the more time and distance you will need to avoid a crash. If you are speeding, you will have less time to react if another driver makes a sudden lane change or unexpected turn.
• Use your turn signal: Always let other drivers know your intentions before you change lanes or execute a turn.
• Enter intersections carefully: Even though you have the right of way when the light has turned green, another driver still in the intersection could cause a crash.
• Get in the correct lane before you reach the intersection: Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection.
• Watch out for the right hook and the left cross: Try to ride in the farthest right, non-turning lane.

If you have been injured in an intersection crash, call Page Law at 1-800-CAR-CRASH (800-227-2727). Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers can evaluate your accident and pursue all available forms of compensation. We will give your case the quality service and focus it deserves. Our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.