Red Light and Stop Sign

Red Light and Stop Sign Accidents

Running red lights and stop signs causes some of the most devastating car accidents on Louisiana roads. When drivers ignore traffic signals and enter intersections against the right-of-way, they often strike other vehicles at full speed with catastrophic consequences. These T-bone collisions are particularly dangerous because vehicle sides offer far less protection than front and rear structures designed to absorb crash forces.

At Smiley Injury Law, our New Orleans car accident lawyers represent victims of intersection accidents caused by red light runners and stop sign violators throughout Louisiana. We investigate these crashes thoroughly, gather evidence of traffic signal violations, and pursue maximum compensation for the serious injuries these preventable accidents cause.

The Dangers of Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Running red lights killed 1,086 people in 2023 and injured more than 135,000, with half of those killed being passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or occupants of other vehicles rather than the violating driver—making red light running one of the most dangerous traffic violations because it causes side-impact collisions at full speed where victims have no opportunity to avoid the crash. Traffic signals exist to manage the orderly flow of vehicles through intersections, and drivers who ignore these signals demonstrate clear negligence that makes them fully liable for resulting accidents.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that red light running crashes happen frequently and are often deadly. Despite widespread awareness that running red lights is dangerous—81% of drivers consider it very or extremely dangerous—27% admit to doing so in the past 30 days.

Red Light Running Statistics

Understanding the scope of intersection crashes illustrates the serious dangers of traffic signal violations.

National Statistics

According to IIHS data:

• 1,086 people were killed in red light running crashes in 2023
• More than 135,000 people were injured in red light running crashes
• Half of those killed were not the red light runner—they were passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists
• Red light running fatalities increased 22% from 2017 levels

An IIHS analysis found that a driver runs a red light at busy intersections on average every 20 minutes. During peak travel times, violations occur even more frequently.

Intersection Crash Data

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports:

• Signalized intersections represent approximately one-third of all intersection fatalities
• A large proportion of signalized intersection fatalities involve red light running
• Approximately 21.6% of all fatal crashes occur at intersections
• Another 7.8% of fatal crashes are intersection-related

Who Runs Red Lights

IIHS data reveals patterns among red light violators in fatal crashes:

• More likely to be male
• More likely to be younger
• More likely to have prior crashes or alcohol-impaired driving convictions
• More likely to be speeding at the time of the crash
• More likely to be alcohol-impaired
• Less likely to have a valid driver’s license

Red Light Requirements

Louisiana law requires drivers facing a steady red signal to stop before entering the intersection and remain stopped until the signal changes to green. Exceptions for right turns on red require:

• Coming to a complete stop
• Yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic
• Proceeding only when safe

Stop Sign Requirements

Louisiana law requires drivers at stop signs to:

• Come to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the crosswalk
• Yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection
• Proceed only when safe to do so

“Rolling stops” where drivers slow but don’t fully stop violate the law and constitute negligence.

Yellow Light Guidance

While Louisiana law doesn’t require stopping for yellow lights, drivers must stop if they can safely do so. Entering an intersection after the light turns red—regardless of when it was yellow—violates the law.

Negligence Per Se

Traffic signal violations establish negligence per se in Louisiana. This means the violation itself proves the driver breached their duty of care—you don’t need additional evidence that the behavior was unreasonable. This significantly strengthens accident claims against red light runners and stop sign violators.

Proving Red Light and Stop Sign Violations

Building a strong case requires gathering evidence that proves the at-fault driver violated traffic signals.

Traffic Camera Footage

Many New Orleans intersections have traffic cameras that may capture:

• The at-fault vehicle entering the intersection
• Traffic signal status at the time of entry
• The collision itself
• Events leading up to the crash

Our attorneys work quickly to preserve this footage before it’s overwritten.

Red Light Camera Evidence

Some intersections have automated red light cameras that photograph vehicles running red lights. While primarily used for traffic enforcement, this evidence can support civil claims.

Witness Testimony

Witnesses who observed the crash may testify about:

• Traffic signal status when each vehicle entered the intersection
• Which driver had the right-of-way
• The at-fault driver’s speed and behavior
• Whether the driver attempted to stop

Police Reports

Officers investigating intersection crashes document:

• Signal timing and functionality
• Witness statements
• Physical evidence of vehicle positions
• Citations issued for signal violations

A citation for running a red light provides strong evidence of negligence.

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation
• Future medical costs – Anticipated ongoing treatment and care needs
• Lost wages – Income lost during recovery
• Lost earning capacity – Reduced future earnings from permanent impairment
• Property damage – Vehicle replacement and damaged property

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering – Physical pain from injuries
• Mental anguish – Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in activities
• Disfigurement – Scarring and permanent physical changes
• Loss of consortium – Impact on family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages

When intersection crashes cause fatalities, surviving family members may recover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
• Mental anguish and grief

Comparative Fault in Intersection Crashes

Louisiana follows pure comparative fault under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323. You can recover damages even if partially at fault, with recovery reduced by your fault percentage.

Insurance companies may argue you should have seen the red light runner coming or taken evasive action. However, drivers with the right-of-way are entitled to assume other drivers will obey traffic signals. Our car accident attorneys protect clients from unfair fault allocation.

Statute of Limitations

Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, you have one year from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Evidence in intersection crashes—including traffic camera footage and surveillance video—may be deleted quickly if not preserved. Contact an attorney immediately to protect critical evidence.

If you’ve been injured by a driver who ran a red light or stop sign in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, Smiley Injury Law can help you hold the negligent driver accountable. Our experienced car accident attorneys investigate intersection crashes thoroughly and pursue maximum compensation.

Contact Smiley Injury Law today for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 (504) 822-2222

📍 201 St Charles Ave, Ste 2500, New Orleans, LA 70170

🌐 www.smileyinjurylaw.com

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.