Car accidents happen often in Fox Chase, Philadelphia, because drivers must deal with two tricky intersections within a one-mile stretch of Oxford Avenue. A driver turning across oncoming traffic at Verree Road faces a similar risky turn just 0.82 miles north at Rhawn Street, with a train crossing in between. Under Pennsylvania law, people hurt by a careless driver can file a personal injury claim to get money for medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering.
At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, our Fox Chase, Philadelphia car accident lawyers regularly help clients injured in crashes caused by turns across state roads. We carefully look at the layout of each intersection, what drivers can see, and traffic conditions at the time of the crash. This discussion explains how the setup of these intersections creates crash risks for drivers.
Roughly One Mile of Oxford Avenue Holds Two Junctions in Philadelphia’s Fox Chase
The same turning dangers repeat at two Oxford Avenue intersections just 0.82 miles apart on the same road, with eight side streets in between. Oxford Avenue carries Pennsylvania Route 232 through the area. Going north, the road crosses Verree Road before continuing toward Rhawn Street, where the route turns.
This road layout comes from older street planning rather than modern traffic designs. Between the two main intersections, the SEPTA Fox Chase Line crosses Oxford Avenue at street level. According to historical records from Fox Chase station, this spot is the train line’s last remaining street-level road crossing.
Why Do Turns Across Oxford Avenue Cause Car Accidents in Fox Chase, Philadelphia?
Oxford Avenue is a two-lane state highway without a center divider. Drivers making a left turn must cross lanes of oncoming cars without a turn lane or a traffic light arrow to protect them. Because drivers have to guess when it is safe to turn, misjudging the timing by even a second or two can lead to a severe T-bone or angle crash.
Local businesses also create extra turning traffic away from the main intersections. For example, a Meineke auto shop is about 0.08 miles from the Rhawn Street intersection, and Fox Chase Tire & Auto Center is close by at 7801 Oxford Avenue. Convenience stores and fast food restaurants increase traffic congestion.
In addition, businesses such as Fox Chase Lock & Key bring in steady traffic. Every shop driveway creates another place where cars must turn across busy traffic lanes.
How Do Repeated Turns Along One Corridor Add Risk in the Fox Chase Area of Philadelphia?
Risks add up because drivers must make quick turning choices one after another. A single drive down this road may force a driver to judge gaps in traffic several times in a short distance.
Traffic backups are just as dangerous as speeding cars. Vehicles often pile up at Oxford Avenue and Rhawn Street, the busiest traffic bottleneck in the area. Without left-turn lanes, drivers waiting to turn must stop directly in active traffic lanes.
Traffic also stops at the train crossing between the two Oxford Avenue intersections whenever a train goes by. Once the gates go up, backed-up cars move forward in tight groups, leaving no room to make safe left turns. Drivers delayed by train stops can get impatient and try to make unsafe turns.
Where Does Verree Road Fit Into the Fox Chase, Philadelphia, Junction Cluster?
Verree Road connects with Oxford Avenue and Rhawn Street to form a triangle of roads. It meets Rhawn Street 0.58 miles from the Oxford Avenue-Rhawn Street intersection, a corner built around old property lines instead of modern road standards.
Knowlton Mansion, an 1881 estate built for banker William Rhawn, still sits at this intersection. Verree Road connects Rhawn Street and Oxford Avenue. Drivers turning from Verree Road onto the main state road hit sudden jumps in traffic. The Verree Road-Rhawn Street corner feeds straight into crowded turning spots.
Why Are Commuter and School Hours the Hardest Times to Turn in Philadelphia’s Fox Chase?
Train riders and school traffic cause heavy rush-hour crowds along these narrow roads. Because the Fox Chase Line stops at Rhawn Street, commuter traffic spikes during morning and evening rush hours, while local school dismissals bring another wave of cars in the afternoon.
Vision Zero Philadelphia places this area in the Central Northeast planning district. Area traffic reports show an average of five fatal crashes and nine severe injuries each year, with about 6% of local roads listed on the city’s High Injury Network.
Fall weather makes it harder to see during evening rush hour, while wet leaves on the road can make tires slip when vehicles try to turn.
What Evidence Shows How a Turning Car Accident Happened in Fox Chase, Philadelphia?
Key evidence used to prove who was at fault is often collected right at the crash scene. Vehicle damage and where the cars stop show how the crash happened and who had the right of way. Photos of the scene help show the order of events.
Damage patterns help show whether a crash was a left-turn side impact or a rear-end hit. Witness statements are also key, since drivers in intersection crashes rarely see everything the other car did. In addition, security cameras from nearby businesses may record video of the accident. At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, our Fox Chase car accident lawyers quickly gather this important evidence before it is deleted or lost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turning Car Accidents in Fox Chase, Philadelphia
- Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Collision at One of These Junctions?
The driver making the left turn is usually considered at fault, because left-turning drivers must let oncoming traffic pass until it is safe to turn. However, more than one driver can share blame if speeding, running a stop sign or light, or blocked views helped cause the crash.
- What Money Can I Recover After a Car Accident Near the Fox Chase Rail Terminus?
Injured drivers and passengers can ask for money to cover medical bills, future care costs, lost pay, lower earning capacity, car repairs, and pain and suffering.
- Should I Accept the First Offer From the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
First settlement offers are often made before you know the full cost of your injuries and long-term care. Taking an early payout can permanently stop you from asking for more money later. It is best to talk with a lawyer before giving recorded statements or accepting insurance payouts.
After a Crash, Contact Our Fox Chase, Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a turning crash along Oxford Avenue, dealing with injuries and insurance adjusters can be overwhelming. Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer represents crash victims throughout Northeast Philadelphia. Our Fox Chase, Philadelphia car accident lawyers know the specific traffic risks and dangers of this road section. Call 215-985-0138 or fill out our online form to get a free consultation. With offices in Philadelphia as well as Cherry Hill and Marlton, NJ, we help clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Add Rand Spear as a preferred source on Google – allowing you to see our updates faster and customize your Google feed.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
