Intersections are a common site for accidents, and Lafayette, LA, is no exception. With multiple lanes of traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists all converging at one point, the potential for collisions is high.
After an intersection crash, the fallout can be overwhelming—medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of it all can feel never-ending. Fortunately, Louisiana law gives you a path to recovery through a personal injury claim. By filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you can seek compensation for damages related to the accident. Let Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers provide the support and guidance you need through the process.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact the offices of our Lafayette car accident lawyers at (337) 473-2991 to receive a free consultation.
Causes of Intersection Crashes
Intersection crashes happen for a variety of reasons, mainly driver error or negligence. Understanding the causes can help reduce the risk:
- Running red lights or stop signs: One of the most common causes of intersection crashes is drivers failing to stop at red lights or stop signs. Whether due to distraction, speeding, or reckless driving, this can result in T-bone or side-impact collisions.
- Failure to yield: Many intersection crashes occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. This can happen during left turns, when merging into traffic, or when approaching a yield sign. Failing to yield can lead to head-on or side-impact collisions, often at high speeds.
- Distracted driving: With so much happening at intersections, drivers need to be focused on the road. Distracted driving—due to cell phones, eating, or in-car distractions—can lead to intersection crashes.
- Speeding: Speeding through an intersection increases the likelihood of a crash. Drivers may not have enough time to react to a changing light or the presence of other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- Impaired driving: Drugs or alcohol slow reaction times and cloud judgment.
The above are just a few examples of possible causes of intersection crashes in Lafayette, LA. No matter why your accident happened, the Lafayette personal injury attorneys at Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
Common Injuries in Intersection Crashes
While every accident is different, certain injuries are more commonly associated with these types of crashes:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden jolt from a collision can cause whiplash or other neck injuries. These injuries often occur in rear-end collisions but can also happen in T-bone or head-on crashes.
- Broken bones: The impact of an intersection crash can result in broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and face.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Intersection crashes can cause head injuries, from concussions to traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have long-lasting effects, including cognitive impairments and memory loss.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord is a life-altering injury that can result in paralysis, loss of mobility, and chronic pain. Intersection crashes, especially those involving high-speed impacts, can lead to these devastating injuries.
- Internal injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs, internal bleeding, or broken ribs. These injuries are often not immediately apparent, making it critical to seek medical attention after any accident.
You may have a claim no matter what injuries you suffered.
What to Do After an Intersection Crash
The following steps are vital in the immediate aftermath of the crash and can be key to any future legal action.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately noticeable.
- Call the police: A police report is crucial for documenting the accident and assigning fault.
- Document the scene: If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle and any visible injuries. This provides a clearer picture of what happened.
- Collect witness information: If there are witnesses to the accident, be sure to collect their contact information. Their statements can be invaluable in proving fault in your case.
After you have done the above, it is a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney.
What If I Was Partially at Fault?
Louisiana is one of a handful of states in the U.S. that follows the “pure comparative negligence” law. This means that even if you are found partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover. But your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Pure comparative negligence means that even if you are found to be more at fault than the other driver, you can still recover some of your damages. However, the determination of who was more at fault can be contentious. Hiring an attorney to get to the bottom of that can be very helpful.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win the case or secure a favorable settlement. The fee is collected at the end of the case and is usually a percentage of the total recovery, typically ranging from 33% to 40%. The exact percentage can vary based on the complexity of the case and whether it settles early or goes to trial.
One major advantage of a contingency fee arrangement is that it aligns the lawyer’s interests with the client’s. The attorney only earns their fee if the client receives compensation, ensuring both parties are working towards the same goal.
Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation With an Experienced Lafayette Car Crash Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in an intersection crash in Lafayette, don’t wait to seek legal help. Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for your rights. Contact our law firm in Lafayette, LA, today for a free consultation with a Lafayette intersection crash lawyer, and let us help you navigate the road to recovery.
