An intersection can bring a pedestrian, a cyclist and a motorist into the same space. Under Louisiana law, priority depends on traffic signals, crosswalk markings, turning movements and who lawfully entered the intersection first.
When a collision occurs, it is crucial to determine fault. Legal guidance can help an injured person understand the applicable road rules and also evaluate whether the motorist, cyclist or pedestrian failed to exercise reasonable care in an intersection crash scenario.
Pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks
At an intersection, a pedestrian has the right of way when crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. If signals are operating, the pedestrian must follow the “Walk” or “Don’t Walk” display. At an intersection without working signals, a driver must stop and yield when a pedestrian is in the roadway the vehicle is traveling on or turning onto.
How Louisiana treats bicycles at intersections
Under Louisiana law, a person riding a bicycle on a highway has the same rights and duties as a vehicle driver. A cyclist must obey stop signs and traffic lights, yield when required and signal a turn when practicable. For example, a bicycle rider making a left turn must submit to approaching traffic.
What duties do motorists have?
While a green light gives a go-ahead for movement, it does not provide an unrestricted right of way. A turning driver must yield to pedestrians lawfully using an adjacent crosswalk and traffic already in the intersection. Before turning right on red, the motorist must stop and yield to lawful traffic and pedestrians. Right of way is a legal responsibility, not permission to ignore an apparent danger.
Louisiana’s comparative-fault system can impact compensation when an injured person shares responsibility. Thankfully, prompt legal review can help clarify who had the right of way and preserve the necessary evidence in the aftermath of an injurious crash.