Intersection collisions are common in New Orleans and throughout the country. Because vehicles may be approaching from opposite directions at high rates of speed, an intersection collision can result in severe injuries. Injuries sustained in these types of crashes range from broken bones, lacerations, and whiplash to traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries, amputations, and death.
Drivers must use extreme caution when approaching intersections to avoid a crash. A driver who causes a crash at an intersection can be held liable for any damages arising from the accident. If you are injured in an accident, call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your right to file an injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Some Laws Regarding Intersections in Louisiana
Some drivers may not understand who has the right of way when approaching an intersection. Below are several of the laws for intersections in Louisiana.
- Approaching an Intersection — When approaching an intersection without any signs or signals at the same time as another driver, the driver on the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right.
- Stop Signs —You must come to a complete stop at these intersections to check for oncoming traffic. You must yield the right of way to any vehicle that has entered the intersection. At a four-way stop sign, the driver who arrives at the intersection first should proceed through the intersection. If two or more drivers arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.
- Left-hand Turns — When making a left-hand turn at an intersection, you must yield the right of way to vehicles traveling in the other direction when the vehicle is in the intersection or close enough to the intersection to create a dangerous situation if you proceed to turn in front of the vehicle.
- Inoperable Traffic Lights — You may approach intersections when the traffic lights are out. If this happens, treat the intersection as an all-stop intersection unless a traffic officer is present to direct the flow of traffic.
- Yellow Flashing Lights —When approaching an intersection with yellow flashing lights, you can proceed but must use caution (i.e. slow down and check for oncoming traffic before proceeding through the intersection).
- Red Flashing Lights — Red flashing lights at intersections operate under the same system as an all-stop or four-way stop sign.
- Private Drives or Roads — When entering a highway from a driveway or private road, you must stop and check for oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists traveling on the road have the right of way.
We urge all drivers to be familiar with all the traffic laws for Louisiana to help reduce the risk of a car accident.
Call a NoLA Traffic Accident Attorney for Help
If you are injured in a traffic accident, you need a trusted, experienced NoLA traffic accident attorney to fight for your right to recover full compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. Damages from an intersection collision can total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For a free consultation to discuss your traffic accident, call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free appointment with a New Orleans accident attorney.