The Most Dangerous Intersections in New Orleans

Serious and fatal car accidents frequently occur at crossroads

Dangerous intersections in New Orleans pose a significant threat, with many car accidents taking place at intersections resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Intersection accidents can be caused by various factors, including speeding drivers in New Orleans, distracted driving incidents in Metairie, or red-light runners on the West Bank Expressway. It only takes one negligent driver to cause a catastrophic collision at a busy intersection.

However, not all intersections carry the same level of risk. Several elements can contribute to the danger, such as heavy traffic, limited visibility, insufficient signage, complex road layouts, lack of pedestrian safety measures, frequent speeding, and a history of previous accidents.

What are the most dangerous intersections in Louisiana?

With a dense population, high-volume traffic, and accessible neighborhoods, New Orleans experiences thousands of intersection accidents every year. About half of all traffic accidents in the city are at or near a crossroads. This type of accident often results in serious injuries and may be fatal - especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

Left turns present the most opportunities for collision, followed by crossovers. Right turns rarely lead to accidents. In New Orleans, fatal intersection accidents are increasing because of drivers who run red lights. Crash data analysis reveals New Orleans’ most dangerous intersections include:

Canal Street at S Jefferson Davis Pkwy
Broad Ave (US-90), Duels St, Republic St
Westbend Pkwy, Gen de Gaulle Dr, Garden Oaks Dr
Canal Street and North Claiborne Ave
Charles Ave and Napolean Ave (this crossroads has an especially high bicycle accident rate)
Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road
Claiborne Ave and MKJ Blvd
Magazine St and Washington Ave (a high foot traffic area where pedestrians are at a higher risk for injury)

Almost any crash configuration can happen at a crossroads. Still, common types of intersection crashes include head-on collisions between oncoming vehicles, side impact collisions (aka “T-bones”), sideswipes, and accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists. Rear-end collisions (rear-enders) are also very common at intersections. This type of serious crash can happen when a distracted driver hits another vehicle stopped at a light or when a driver following too closely doesn’t leave enough room to hit the brakes when traffic slows or stops, among many other scenarios.

Why intersection accidents happen

Intersections are natural spots for crashes. Traditional intersections, the most common type, can facilitate direct turning movements involving two or more roads but can present as many as 70 or more opportunities for a single driver to get into a collision. These are called “crash points.”

Outside of illegal maneuvers like red-light running and cutting off oncoming traffic, left turns that require drivers to cross lanes of opposite travel are the most dangerous actions. Interestingly, fewer accidents occur in crossovers, in which a vehicle on a minor road drives over at least two lanes of traffic to cross a major street,

Driver error is the most common cause of intersection accidents and is a factor in nearly all (96 percent) crossroad crashes. However, the most frequently cited harmful events preceding intersection accidents are:

Turning with an obstructed view and other types of inadequate surveillance were factors in 44-50 percent of intersection accidents.
Misunderstanding the intentions of other drivers, a factor in 8 percent of accidents.

Other common factors include:

Weather conditions like “super fog” – a combination of thick swamp fog and smoke that can overwhelm New Orleans streets, causing blackout-like conditions and serious, multi-vehicle accidents – contribute to about 25 percent of intersection accidents. The most frequently identified bad weather conditions associated with intersection accidents are cloudiness, followed by rain and fog.
Speeding, aggressive driving, road rage, 23 percent
Illegal maneuvers, 7 percent
Distracted driving, 6-13 percent
Misjudging the gap or other’s speed, 5 percent

Common intersection accident injuries

Intersection accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, often due to the high-impact nature of these collisions and the multiple directions from which vehicles may be struck. Here are some of the most frequent injuries sustained in intersection accidents:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

One of the most common injuries in intersection accidents is whiplash, which occurs when the neck is suddenly jolted back and forth. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and long-term complications if not treated properly.

Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are common in high-speed collisions. These injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

The force of an intersection collision can cause serious back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal cord damage. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and in severe cases, paralysis.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Fractures and broken bones are common in intersection accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Chest and Abdominal Injuries

The impact of a collision can cause blunt force trauma to the chest and abdomen, leading to injuries such as broken ribs, internal bleeding, and damage to internal organs.

Facial Injuries

Airbag deployment, shattered glass, and impacts with the steering wheel or dashboard can cause facial injuries, including cuts, bruises, and fractures. These injuries may require surgical intervention and can result in permanent scarring.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons is common in intersection accidents. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain and may take a long time to heal fully.

Psychological Injuries

The trauma of an intersection accident can also lead to psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These mental health issues can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and require professional treatment.

After a crash, medical expenses can quickly become overwhelming. There is often disagreement about who had the right of way, and recovering compensation can be complex. The at-fault driver may deny responsibility, and proving fault can be difficult without the right evidence.

Given that most intersection accidents occur at speeds below 40 mph, insurance companies may also question the seriousness of a victim's injuries. That’s why it’s so important to seek immediate medical attention after an accident to properly diagnose and treat any injuries.

Legal issues in intersection accidents

Each car accident is unique, and the legal issues that arise can vary based on the specific circumstances of the crash. Legal professionals play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and ensuring a fair resolution. After filing an intersection car accident claim, various legal issues may arise, including:

Right of way disputes. Arguments over which driver had the right of way are a common legal issue in situations where traffic signals or signs are involved.
Negligence. To get out of paying crash victims what they are entitled to, negligent drivers and their insurance companies often blame victims for being negligent themselves.
Witness testimonies. Not all witnesses see things the same. Challenges may arise regarding the credibility and reliability of witness testimonies and who is telling the truth.
Traffic violations. Violations of traffic laws, such as running a red light or speeding, can become central issues in an intersection accident claim.
Insurance coverage disputes. Issues related to insurance coverage, such as disputes over liability or coverage limits, may complicate the resolution of the claim.
Multiple claims. In cases involving multiple vehicles or parties, determining liability and negotiating settlements with insurance companies can become more complex. Still, a lawyer with experience handling pile-ups and multi-vehicle accident cases can help.
Government liability. In some cases, if poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, there may be legal issues involving government liability. If the condition of the road itself contributed to the accident, there could be legal issues involving road maintenance and responsibility.
Product liability. If an intersection accident is the result of an equipment malfunction caused by defective brakes or a blown tire, the victim may be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit against the manufacturer of the defective part.

Claims involving intersection accidents are complex

The legal team at The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC in New Orleans knows it only takes one serious crash to change someone’s life forever. One wrong move by a negligent driver, especially in an overcrowded intersection, risks the lives and well-being of everyone around them.

Attorney John S. Williams is a trusted and experienced car accident lawyer who holds negligent drivers accountable. If you were injured or a loved one died in a New Orleans intersection accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We can answer your questions, explain your potential legal options, and help you decide the best next steps.

Click here to download a printable PDF of this article, “The Most Dangerous Intersections in New Orleans.”