According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all motor vehicle crashes in 2008 in the United States were at intersections. One of the leading causes of intersection accidents is when drivers run red lights or stop signs and then hit innocent victims. Potential causes of intersection accidents include when drivers are:
- Turning left or right
- Crossing over
- Speeding
- Driving aggressively
When drivers are not paying attention, it can result in a crash. People are mistaken when they believe serious injuries cannot happen at an intersection. Crashes could lead to life-changing results, including amputations, back injuries, broken bones, or death.
Understanding Statistics Behind Intersection Accidents
Statistics published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reveal that, in 2017, there were 10,301 fatalities involving intersections. That data further indicates that 890 deaths were the direct result of red-light running at intersections. In addition, according to the Department of Transportation:
- Every 20 seconds, someone runs a red light.
- Nearly 9,000 fatalities have occurred as a result of red-light running in the last decade.
- In the last thirty days, one in three drivers reported running red lights.
- An average of seven fatal crashes and more than 1,000 crashes involving injuries occur daily at intersections.
About Intersection Laws in Louisiana
There are many laws about intersections in Louisiana, which you can find 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
- RS 32:123 — Stop signs and yield signs
These laws, as well as many others, determine how a judge and jury assess fault in an intersection accident case.
An Attorney Can Fight for Compensation on Your Behalf
Determining who is at fault during an intersection accident falls on examining police reports, state laws, and witness claims. An intersection accident lawyer can help gather evidence to bolster your case and seek compensation for damages on your behalf. However, you must take immediate action. Evidence disappears quickly, and it must be secured while it is still accessible.
As a part of handling and building your intersection accident case, an investigation should be conducted regarding what happened. This investigation might require your legal team to:
- Obtain access to accident reports
- Identify witnesses and conduct interviews
- Collect and analyze liability and negligence evidence
- Determine the facts of your case, as well as the circumstances leading to your accident
- Collect medical records, as well as any additional evidence of your damages and injuries
- Build a case supporting a compensation claim
A Lafayette, Alexandria, or Marksville intersection accident lawyer can help you seek a settlement on your behalf or go to trial if needed.
Louisiana Time Limits for Filing Personal Injury Actions
According to Louisiana Civil Code 3492, you have one year following the date of your intersection accident to take legal action. That means you should take action now. If our legal team cannot file suit during the year of your accident or injury, the court could prevent us from ever collecting compensation.
Recoverable Damages in Intersection Accident Cases
You may qualify for recovering damages for your expenses and losses due to your intersection accident. While this varies among cases, recoverable damages could include:
- Bodily injury
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Wrongful death
Get Help from an Intersection Accident Attorney in Lafayette, Alexandria, and Marksville
If you, a loved one, or someone else you know suffered injuries resulting from an intersection accident, the Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers team is ready to help. Let us protect your rights by reviewing your case and pursuing the compensation you may be eligible to receive. Contact our team today at (337) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation.