Failing to stop at a red light, trying to run a yellow light, and not yielding the right of way to another driver are some of the most common causes of intersection accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), out of the more than 36,000 fatal auto accidents that occurred in 2019, more than 10,000 involved an intersection.
The research goes on to say that every year about one-half of all traffic injuries in the United States happens at intersections. These types of crashes can lead to life-changing injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, amputations, spinal problems, or death. If you or a loved one suffered an intersection accident caused by another driver, you could recover compensation for your damages via an insurance claim or lawsuit. Contact our Lafayette personal injury law firm for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
Whether your accident occurred on Canal Street in New Orleans or Johnson Street in Lafayette, our law firm can build a strong case against the driver who hit you and caused your injuries. Our team can determine the cause of your accident and collect the evidence needed to prove the other driver’s liability.
The most common causes of intersection accidents include:
- Running a red light or stop sign – According to FHWA statistics, every 20 minutes, someone runs a red light. When other drivers on the road do not have time to react, a collision with injuries can result.
- Not yielding the right of way – Drivers must follow the rules of the road to maintain safety and not violate traffic laws. If a driver did not yield the right of way to you at an intersection, causing an accident, then that driver should be held legally accountable for their actions.
- Attempting to run a yellow light – Many drivers will speed up to an intersection in an attempt to beat a yellow light. If the other driver did this and the action led to your crash, that driver can be held liable for your damages.
- Distracted driving – If a driver is not paying attention to the traffic signal ahead and is instead on their cell phone, texting, or otherwise distracted, this could be the direct cause of your intersection collision.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientAbout Intersection Laws in Louisiana
There are many laws about intersections in Louisiana which drivers must follow. You can find them in Section 32 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. Examples of those laws include:
- RS 32:104 – Turning movements and required signals
- RS 32:121 – Vehicle approaching or entering an intersection (identifies which driver must yield the right of way)
- RS 32:123 – Stop signs and yield signs
Our car accident attorneys in Lafayette know the traffic laws of Louisiana. We can use this knowledge while investigating your case to identify fault, prove liability, and seek compensation on your behalf.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWhat Our Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
Determining who is at fault during an intersection accident falls on examining police reports, state laws, and witness claims. An intersection accident lawyer from our firm can help gather evidence to bolster your case and seek compensation for damages on your behalf. However, you should consider taking action as soon as you are able. Evidence disappears quickly – you want to secure it while it is still accessible.
Your lawyer will do the following for you:
- Obtain the police report
- Gather evidence to support your case (e.g., your medical records, photographs of the vehicle damage and your injuries, any surveillance video or red-light camera video from the scene of the accident)
- Identify witnesses and conduct interviews, including expert testimony from accident reconstruction experts, economists, life care planners, etc.
- Prove liability and negligence based on the facts that led to your accident
- Negotiate with the insurance companies
- Determine a value for your case and pursue a fair settlement
- Prepare for trial and present your case to a judge and jury if the other side refuses to settle
Our Lafayette intersection accident lawyer will never leave you in the dark. Our team will update you on every important development in your case while you focus on your recovery.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientDamages You Could Recover in Your Intersection Accident Case
An intersection crash caused by negligence could leave you in the hospital, in a lot of pain, and missing days or weeks of work. You could receive financial recovery for your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages:
Economic damages are those financial losses you suffered due to the accident and your subsequent injuries. These can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Damage to your vehicle and other personal property
- Other out-of-pocket costs
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are more difficult to put a value on because they account for your physical and emotional losses due to the accident. These can include:
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and/or permanent disability
If you lost a loved one in an intersection accident, please accept our deepest condolences. You may be entitled to file a wrongful death action and collect additional damages on behalf of your family member. A member of our team can discuss the details of your case and determine if you qualify during a free case evaluation.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientStatute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Lafayette, LA
Please bear in mind that you must file your personal injury or wrongful death case as soon as possible in Louisiana. According to CC Art. 3492, you have two years following the date of your intersection accident to take legal action. You also only have two years to seek a wrongful death action per CC Art. 2315.2.
If you miss this statutory deadline to file, the court could prevent you from ever collecting compensation. The sooner you reach out to our firm, the sooner we can get to work on your case and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Now for Assistance in Your Case
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an intersection accident that was someone else’s fault, the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to help you seek justice.
Let us protect your rights by reviewing your case and pursuing the compensation you need to move forward. Contact our team today at (337) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation, and we do not get paid unless you receive a settlement.
