Car accidents happen everyday in New Orleans. Many of these crashes are caused by speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving. These negligent behaviors lead to hundreds of collisions and serious injuries each year.
If you were hurt in a car accident, understanding what caused the crash is critical. The cause often determines fault and legal liability. Proving this on your own can be difficult. A New Orleans car accident lawyer can handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
Lane Departures, Intoxication, and Distractions Cause Many Crashes
Orleans Parish ranked sixth in Louisiana for fatal crashes in 2022, along with Allen, Caddo, DeSoto, Lincoln, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. Several Factors contribute to collisions in our city.
Lane and Roadway Departures
Lane and roadway departures are one of the leading causes of crashes in Louisiana according to CARTS. These accidents occur when a vehicle drifts out of its lane or leaves the roadway entirely.
Lane departure crashes often involve other dangerous behaviors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue
These crashes can result in collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects.
Drinking and Driving
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes. Between 2017 and 2020, intoxicated driving was involved in 40% of Louisiana highway fatalities, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
This rate is well above the national average. If a drunk driver cause your injuries, you may have legal options—even if the driver was never criminally charged.
Distracted or Inattentive Driving
Distracted driving has increased significantly over the years. Common distraction include:
- Texting or talking on a phone
- Scrolling social media
- Using navigation apps
Under La R.S. 32:300.5, texting while driving is illegal. Even if the distracted driver did not receive a citation, you can still pursue a personal injury claim.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of serious crashes. According to the National Safety Council, 29% of all traffic fatalities are linked to excessive speed.
Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries. It also makes seat belts and other safety systems less effective, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes.
Failure to Yield
New Orleans has heavy traffic, especially in the French Quarter. Drivers mus remain alert for:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Tour buses
- Other vehicles
Failure to yield the right of way often causes side-impact and intersection crashes.
Many Car Accidents in New Orleans Are Preventable
Most crashes occur because drivers fail to pay attention or engage in risky behavior. While not every accident can be avoided, many result from preventable negligence.
Additional Factors That Contribute to New Orleans Car Accidents
According to the Louisiana Traffic Records Data Report (2022):
- Approximately 42,400 injury crashes occured
- About 68,00 people were injured
- 852 fatal crashes resulted in 906 deaths
Other factors that can worsen or cause collisions include:
- Driving on a suspended or invalid license
- Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog
- Vehicle malfunctions, including tire blowouts or brake failure
- Poor roadway conditions, including potholes and uneven streets
- Unfamiliar traffic patterns affecting tourists
Together, these are all common causes of car accidents in New Orleans
Failure to Use Seat Belts and Child Retraints
Not wearing a seat belt does not cause crashes, but it greatly increases injury severity.
According to the NHTSA:
- Half of vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unretrained
- Seat belts saved over 374,000 lives between 1975 and 2017
- National seat belt usage was nearly 92% in 2022
Louisiana’s seat belt usage rate remains below the national average, which may contribute to more severe injuries statewide.
Who Is Liable for Car Accidents in New Orleans?
Human error causes most traffic accidents. Speeding, distraction, and intoxication are all forms of negligence. In many cases, another driver may be legally responsible for your injuries.
However, liability may also fall on:
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Bars or restaurants that overserved alcohol
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance
- Trucking or commercial companies
- Rideshare companies
A car accident attorney can identify all liable parties, gather evidence, and calculate your damages. Acting quickly is critical because Louisiana law allows only one year to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Explore Your Legal Options With a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured—or lost a loved one—in a New Orleans car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. This may include medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we understand the local court system and the challenges accident victims face. Our team is committed to protecting your rights and pursuing full compensation.
Call 504-525-5211 today to schedule a free case review.
