Are you more or less likely to die in a Louisiana car accident than in years past? Are DUI deaths on the rise in the Pelican State? Are motorcycle helmets really saving lives in Louisiana? These are some of the questions that can be addressed by looking at the most recent Louisiana traffic accident statistics. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from the year 2008, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 912 fatal traffic accidents reported on Louisiana roads in 2008. That’s more than an 8% decrease from 2007 and is the lowest total recorded over the previous 5-year-period. More than 60% of fatal car accidents in 2008 were single-vehicle-crashes. Fatal Car Accidents in Louisiana in 2008 Of the 912 Louisiana traffic fatalities in 2008, 37% of them occurred when driving or riding in a passenger car. Meanwhile, 19% of those who died in a vehicle fatality were in a pickup truck, while 15% were in a “utility” vehicle (such as an SUV). Another 3% of those killed in a traffic accident died in a van. Louisiana Drunk Driving Fatalities Louisiana traffic accident statistics show that 338 people died in drunk driving accidents in 2008. That means that more than 1 out of every 3 vehicle fatalities occurred during a collision in which someone was legally intoxicated. Fortunately, the number of Louisiana drunk driving deaths plunged almost 10% from the previous year. Driving while intoxicated is defined by Louisiana law as having a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Motorcycle Fatalities in Louisiana In 2008, a total of 80 people died in Louisiana while operating or riding on a motorcycle, accounting for 9% of all of the Louisiana traffic fatalities in that year. That figure represents an over 10% drop from the amount of motorcycle deaths in 2007 and an almost 16% decline from the total number in 2006. Surprisingly, only 40% of those who died in motorcycle accidents in 2008 were not wearing helmets. Louisiana law now requires a helmet to be worn by all motorcycle riders, a measure that was only recently passed. More than 27% of the people killed in motorcycle accidents were between the ages of 20 and 29. Only about 6% of the fatalities were teenagers. Whenever a traffic fatality occurs, there is a possibility that a Louisiana wrongful death lawsuit could result if there was negligence involved (such as in a drunk driving accident). These lawsuits are much more likely to succeed if the plaintiff engages the services of a Louisiana wrongful death lawyer. Contacting a Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney Our firm understands that your Louisiana car accident isn’t simply a statistic; and that every case comes with its own unique circumstances that require special attention. Speaking with an experienced Louisiana personal injury attorney after an accident can help you understand your legal rights and options, and if necessary, help you file a personal injury lawsuit to help you recover compensation for your losses. The Louisiana personal injury lawyers at J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney can help you recover damages for medical bills, ongoing medical treatment, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. Contact us to schedule your FREE legal consultation today – (866) 248-0580.
J. Price McNamara
Attorney
Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!
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