Seven Common Causes of Accidents in New Orleans

Posted in Car Accidents,Distracted Driving,Drunk Driving Accidents,Impaired Driving,Truck Accidents on July 20, 2020

Car accidents do not happen without an intervening factor. Human behavior is typically responsible for an accident occurring, although sometimes there are other factors at play. Louisiana has 3,425,435 licensed drivers and hosts 53.1 million annual visitors which means car accidents happen with regular frequency in New Orleans. Some of the most common causes of accidents include

1. Drunk Driving — there are hundreds of drunk driving arrests which occur during Mardi Gras annually, but this is not the only time people fail to consider the problems associated with driving under the influence. If you are one of the hundreds of people who suffer an injury, you should know it is possible to hold drivers who fail to exercise common sense accountable for their actions.
2. Distracted Driving — sometimes drivers get careless. Despite Louisiana’s hands-free law, there are still many drivers who talk on their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Some drivers still insist on updating their social media pages, texting, or otherwise using an electronic device putting others on the road in danger. Keep in mind, there are other distractions including talking with someone in the car, preventing an argument between children in the back seat, or changing the settings on a GPS or radio. Distracted drivers are a danger to everyone on the roadways including those who are walking, riding a bicycle, or operating a motorcycle.
3. Fatigued Driving — oftentimes, we fail to consider what happens when we are behind the wheel of the car without sufficient rest. One reason truck drivers have strict rules regarding driving after certain rest requirements are made is because a lack of rest can cause a slower reaction time. Many people believe fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Drivers who work overnight shifts, and drivers who suffer from insomnia can all be a threat to those of us who operate our vehicles on New Orleans roadways.
4. Poor Weather Conditions — we never know what to expect from New Orleans weather. We can go from a beautiful sunny day to flash floods before we know it. Unpredictable storms often crop up making driving a challenge and some drivers refuse to slow down and drive safely for the conditions. Accidents can also occur when drivers take to the road shortly before it starts raining since there is often a coating of oil on the road that, when mixed with rain, can wreak havoc causing slippery conditions.
5. Reckless Driving/Speeding — drivers are often surprised to learn that reckless driving has a special place in Louisiana law. In fact, La. Stat. tit. 32 § 58 specifically states “Any person operating a motor vehicle on the public roads of this state shall drive in a careful and prudent manner, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. Failure to drive in such a manner shall constitute careless operation.” This does not stop incidents of road rage or other behavior. Speeding is always a concern, given that most drivers travel around five miles per hour or more over the speed limit. These speeds slow down reaction time and can make drivers less attentive to the surrounding traffic.
6. Automobile Defects — blown out tires, defective brakes, and a host of other problems can result in serious roadway accidents. Should the car behind you have their brakes fail, you are likely to be involved in a rear-end collision which could result in a serious injury or death. In some cases, these defects are caused by poor maintenance, but in many cases, they are the result of a manufacturers defect which can complicate your accident claim. You should seek the guidance of a New Orleans car accident attorney so you understand your rights and the parties responsible can be held accountable for your losses.
7. Road Impediments — animals in the roadway, construction zones, and potholes are just a few of the impediments which can result in a car accident. Drivers who fail to pay attention to impediments in the roadway can cause accidents. This can mean serious damage to your vehicle, or serious injury for you and your passengers. Depending on the type of problem which occurred, there may be a government entity involved which often makes insurance claims more complicated for victims.

If you are a New Orleans car accident victim, you may have a claim against the driver who was being irresponsible. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and repair or replacement of their vehicle.

For most car accident victims, there is uncertainty about the steps they should take to protect themselves following a car accident including using caution when speaking with an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies will often try to make a quick settlement in order to get out of paying for long-term medical care or lost wages. This is why it is especially important for a car accident victim to seek legal advice as soon after an accident as possible.

You cannot count on an insurance company to treat you fairly because they are protecting their shareholders and their bottom line. The best option for the insurer is to pay your immediate bills and settle with you for as little as possible. Remember, this is not personal, for the insurance company, it is business. This is why you need someone who has experience dealing with accident claims on your side serving as your advocate.

Regardless of the cause of a roadway accident, if you suffered an injury because someone else behaved recklessly or negligently, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit to get reimbursed for your lost wages, medical bills, and damage to your car. We have a proven track record of doing the right thing for each of our clients and making sure we hold those responsible for your injuries accountable to you financially. Contact the Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC today at 504-500-5000 and schedule a free consultation today and let us help you protect your rights following a car accident in New Orleans.