Louisiana Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

Car accidents are quite frequent in almost every state, including Louisiana. It can be helpful to understand Louisiana car accident statistics as a way to prepare and avoid one yourself. However, even the most careful preparation might not completely shield you from an accident. If you are a victim of a car accident, you might be able to recover damages for your injuries and other expenses with an experienced Baton Rouge car accident lawyer.

Car Accident Statistics in Louisiana

Louisiana is a relatively small state but still has its fair share of car accidents. It is well over the typical ratio of deaths in the United States due to fatal vehicle accidents. As of 2021, the average number of fatalities due to vehicle crashes per 100,000 people was 12.9 people, but Louisiana’s number of fatalities was 21 deaths per 100,000 people. There are a variety of factors that could impact this number, including:

• Type of Vehicle: The type of vehicle someone drives does have an impact on how likely they are to get into a fatal car crash. In Louisiana, there were around the same amount of fatalities associated with cars as there were with SUVs, but there was also a large number of pedestrian fatalities. Semi-truck and bicycle accidents were relatively uncommon.
• Number of Vehicles: Louisiana actually had more single-vehicle deaths than multiple-vehicle deaths in 2021, despite the idea that two-vehicle accidents are more common. Single-vehicle deaths could occur when drivers are in rural areas or under the influence and run off the road or into trees or poles.
• Driving Under the Influence: Louisiana has a uniquely high rate of drivers involved in fatal accidents who were driving over the legal limit of blood alcohol content. This fact emphasizes the importance of not driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Seatbelts and Other Restraints: One of the biggest indicators of crash fatalities was whether or not someone was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The majority of accidents that resulted in fatalities involved drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts, which is somewhat above the national average.
• Local Area: Most fatal accidents occurred in urban areas, but a surprising number occurred in rural areas as well. Possible explanations include things like road conditions, driving under the influence, and less vigilance on the road with fewer cars. Regardless of where you are driving, it is important to always pay attention to the road and environment around you.

What Do I Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana?

Anyone who drives is susceptible to a car accident, no matter how many precautions they take. If you are involved in a car accident, there are some important steps you can take as soon as it happens to minimize damages and collect evidence for a personal injury claim.

The first step is to evaluate the condition of everyone in the vehicle. If there are injuries, call 911. If you call 911, an ambulance is likely on the way, so remain at the scene instead of driving to the hospital.

After this, it is a good idea to call the local police department or highway patrol to inform them of the accident, especially if no one is injured and 911 is not needed. Calling police to the scene can result in a police report, which is a key piece of evidence used when filing a personal injury claim.

If you are in a safe place and in the condition to do so, you can also document as much evidence as possible surrounding your accident. Take pictures of your car, any other vehicles or property involved, and the surrounding environment. You can also document injuries you or other passengers sustained.

After a police report is filed and injured people are attended to, consult with a personal injury attorney shortly afterward to review your case and see what you may be entitled to.

FAQs

Q: What Do I Do if the Other Driver Is Uninsured?

A: If you have car insurance in Louisiana, then it is likely that you have coverage for an uninsured driver in your policy. If the other driver is uninsured, you could file a claim with your insurance company. In some cases, the coverage might be too small of an amount to effectively cover your injuries, so it might be necessary to file a claim against the driver. However, if the driver was uninsured, they might not have many assets.

Q: How Many Fatal Car Accidents Are There in Louisiana?

A: In 2021, Louisiana had 887 fatal car crashes that resulted in 972 deaths. Many of them involved drunk drivers, distracted drivers, speeding, and one driver as opposed to a collision between two vehicles. Additionally, 53% of occupants in fatal car crashes were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of collision.

Q: Should I Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?

A: In some cases, injuries sustained in car accidents do not appear severe at first but worsen over time. This is why it is so important to see a doctor after a car accident to review your injuries as soon as possible. Seeing a doctor early on can prevent future issues and offer some evidence to prove your injuries in a personal injury claim.

Q: Why Does Louisiana Have So Many Car Accidents?

A: Louisiana has so many car accidents due to a number of reasons. Louisiana has a higher rate of car accidents and fatalities than the national average. Louisiana has a higher rate of drunk drivers involved in fatal car accidents than most states, leading to more car accidents. The number of accidents might also have to do with the quality of roads. Distracted driving also plays a large role in car accidents.

Lawyers Equipped With Knowledge

In the unfortunate event that you are a victim of a car accident, there is help available. A personal injury attorney can help gather evidence to support your claim. This can help you receive damages for things like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. For more information on your personal injury claim, schedule a consultation with Day Law Group today.