Louisianans should be aware of the dangers on the road. Regardless of vigilance, adherence to safety protocol and attentiveness, there is a constant risk of injuries and fatalities in a car crash. Accidents can happen for many reasons. It is wise to keep track of the number of auto accident fatalities in the state and in the different locations on an annual basis as this can provide clues as to where the danger lies. After an accident, it is also important to think about the future and consider a legal filing with help from a qualified attorney.
In what could be perceived as a positive development, there was a reduction in the number of fatal traffic accidents in Louisiana in 2018 when compared to 2017. Louisiana State Police says that their latest statistics showed there were 655 deaths from auto accidents in 2018. That was a drop from 758 in 2017 – nearly 14 percent fewer. Different areas of the state reported a lowering of fatal crashes. One location in Southwest Louisiana saw a drop of six fatalities.
Troopers believe that drivers who are under the influence and drive while distracted are frequent reasons why there is an accident. There is an increased amount of attention being paid to drivers who show signs of indulging in these risky behaviors and law enforcement seeks to put a stop to it. Tips from witnesses who see drivers who are possibly committing DUI or are distracted can also be beneficial before a crash occurs.
The number of fatal car accidents might have lowered slightly from 2017 to 2018, but there remains a relatively stagnant number of crashes with fatalities. The previously mentioned area had a total in the same range of 29 to 35 from 2015 to 2018, indicating that the dangers on the road remain regardless of how intently law enforcement seeks to encourage drivers and witnesses to report it or put a stop to it themselves.
For those who are in an auto accident and suffer injuries or have lost a loved one in an accident, it is important to know their rights to be compensated for medical costs, lost wages, lost companionship and more. A law firm that understands how to pursue compensation after car accidents can help.
