The right of way laws in Louisiana allow for pedestrian safety while making sure that traffic continues to flow. Drivers and pedestrians in the state are legally obligated to follow these regulations and must yield to the party that possesses the right of way.
Individuals that cause an accident due to a failure to yield the right of way could be held legally responsible for any damages caused by accident. These damages can include loss of wages, pain and suffering from injuries, and medical expenses.
Intersections
Intersections are the most common locations for car accidents in the state. In most cases, these accidents are caused by individuals that violate one or more of the following laws:
- A yield sign at an intersection is a message to the motorist to slow down and yield to any approaching traffic. The driver can continue on his or her way once there’s no more traffic.
- All pedestrians have the right of way when crossing a street.
- Motorists making left turns should yield to vehicles traveling straight at an intersection.
- A driver that drives onto a paved road from an unpaved road must yield to cars already moving on the paved road.
- When traffic lights malfunction, drivers should approach intersections with cautious. The first vehicle arriving at the intersection should be allowed to cross first.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 442 fatal crashes at various intersections throughout Louisiana, between 2014 and 2016. Officials consider right of way car accidents to be some of the most common in the state.
Pedestrians and Emergency Vehicles
Pedestrians in Louisiana have the right of way when traveling through a crosswalk. This right of way extends to situations where traffic lights are not working.
Motorists must yield to pedestrians that are blind, need a walking aid, or use a guide dog, regardless of traffic signals. If this means coming to a complete stop until the individual is clear of the roadway, this is required.
The law also stipulates that no pedestrian can make a sudden movement away from the curb and into the path of traffic in a way that provides the motorist no legitimate way of avoiding an accident.
All motorists must yield to emergency vehicles when flashing lights and sirens are in use. Drivers should pull over to the side of the road to facilitate the passing of these vehicles when necessary.
Contact an Attorney
Individuals involved in any right of way accidents in Louisiana should not attempt to handle these matters on their own. These are complex matters that require the attention of a skilled accident attorney.
The attorneys at E. Orum Young Law Offices have fought on behalf of accident victims in Louisiana for well over three decades. Any individuals in the Monroe, Louisiana area that have been hurt in an accident and feel they had the right of way should contact us at (318) 450-6453 for a free case evaluation. Our Trial Guarantee ensures that we will take your case to trial per your request.
