New Orleans Accident Statistics

Alcohol Main Cause of Louisiana Boating Accidents

Statewide (July 29, 2022) – Alcohol use was listed as the top cause of boating accidents in Louisiana. In 2020, there were 24 boating fatalities, and 2 of those involved alcohol, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). In 2021, the number of alcohol-related boating fatalities jumped up to 8. Alcohol is the primary contributing factor in fatal boating accidents nationwide, accounting for 19% of all boating-related fatalities.

Operating a boat under the influence frequently leads to major injuries and criminal charges. Contact the Louisiana boating accident lawyers at Mike Brandner Injury attorneys if you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in a boating accident. Source: LDWF

Top Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Louisiana

Statewide (June 30, 2022) – Louisiana has seen a drastic increase in traffic fatalities in the past year. In 2021, the state reported almost 1,000 fatal traffic accidents, the highest number since 2007. The number of fatal car accidents in Louisiana averaged 3 deaths per day in 2021. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD), 40% of all traffic deaths were caused by alcohol or other substance impairment in 2021. Along with impaired driving, 50% of Louisiana’s fatal car accidents in 2021 were caused by not wearing a seatbelt. The additional crashes were determined to be caused by distracted driving or other factors.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries or wrongful death brought on by someone else’s negligence, contact one of our Louisiana car accident attorneys. Source: LaDOTD

LaDOTD Emphasizes Safety on Walk to School Day

Statewide (October 4, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) reminds citizens that “Walk to School Day” is on October 6, 2021. The agency encourages parents and guardians to teach their children how to walk and bike to school safely. By teaching kids the rules of the road and strong safety practices, hundreds of Louisiana bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents can be avoided every year.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys encourages you to participate in Walk to School Day events in your local community. We also ask motorists to drive carefully in or near school zones. By working together, we can make the roads safer for students throughout Louisiana, whether they bike or walk to school. Source: LaDOTD

LaDOTD Releases Debris Removal Website

Statewide (September 8, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) has announced the release of a “debris removal website” in the wake of Hurricane Ida. Louisianans can view debris collection sites in order to plan their routes and avoid car accidents. After a hurricane, fallen trees and other large pieces of debris increase the chances of getting into a car accident.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that you and your family are safe. Please follow our post-hurricane safety tips to remain safe. If you need assistance filing a hurricane insurance claim, please contact us immediately. Many insurance companies will try to minimize your hurricane losses and Mike Brandner offers free consultations and help getting the most money that you may deserve. Source: LaDOTD

LaDOTD Explains How Speed Limits Are Set

Statewide (August 6, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) has released a YouTube video that explains how speed limits are set throughout the state. The organization uses radar guns to measure speed and uses a mean “safe” speed that’s used by 85% of the drivers scanned.

Aggressive driving violations that resulted in car accident fatalities peaked in 2007 at 640 deaths according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC). The number has steadily declined as the state adjusted speed limits appropriately and has held steady at the low 400s since 2011. That said, instances of speeding increased in Louisiana and across the country as people sheltered in place due to COVID-19. Source: LaDOTD

Heavy Traffic Expected Around MSY This Weekend

Kenner (July 2, 2021) – State officials expect passenger activity at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to be near pre-pandemic levels during Fourth of July weekend. The sudden increase in traffic combined with a flyover that’s still under construction could lead to additional car accidents and work zone accidents around MSY.

Although Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is thrilled that more people will be visiting New Orleans, we also encourage everyone to use caution while driving to and from MSY. The additional traffic and flyover construction zones increase your chances of a car accident. Should you get into a car accident at or near MSY, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: Nola.com

DOTD Reminds Motorists to Not Drive Around Barricades

Statewide (June 1, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) is calling for motorists to not drive around barricades. Summertime brings an increase in construction zones, which can impede traffic. In addition to being illegal, driving around work zone barricades can lead to car accidents and endanger construction workers.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys echoes LaDOTD’s advice. Please be mindful of work zones, approaching them slowly and with caution. Our firm has served many clients that have suffered a personal injury in a work zone accident. Being careful in and around these areas will help keep you, your passengers, and other motorists safe. Source: LaDOTD

LaDOTD Holding Contest to Curb Distracted Driving

Statewide (May 20, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) is holding a contest geared towards young drivers to educate them on the perils of distracted driving. According to the agency, Louisiana ranked 7th in the nation for distracted driving fatalities in 2019. That year, 186 people were killed and 479 were seriously injured in distracted driving car accidents.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys applauds LaDOTD’s efforts. Car accidents caused by distraction are easily avoidable with the proper precautions. Unfortunately, some people do not show the proper consideration to their fellow motorists, while some are ignorant how deadly simple distractions can be. Contests like this one help inform drivers just how serious this issue is in Louisiana. Source: LaDOTD

Flooding Dangers Near New Orleans

Statewide (April 20, 2021) – Recent storms have caused flooding of the Mississippi River and Pearl River. This has created hazardous driving conditions in the areas north and northeast of New Orleans. If you plan on driving in these areas, please be wary of flooding, as it can lead to a car accident.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys urges you to avoid these areas, if possible, until the flooding subsides. If you need to travel to or from these areas, please follow our flash flood safety tips. Should you or a loved one suffer an injury caused by a flash flood car accident, please contact us as soon as possible. Source: AP

Seat Belt Use Reduces Passenger Deaths

Statewide (March 25, 2021) – The Louisiana Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) claims that seat belt use reduces the risk of death of front seat passengers in a car accident by 45%. While the state achieved an all-time high of 87.8% seat belt usage, officials would like to see that number get as close to 100% as soon as possible.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you and your family that Louisiana has primary seat belt laws. Drivers and passengers 13 and older are required to wear safety belts. Making sure that your household understands the importance of seat belt use and always uses them while inside an automobile greatly reduces everyone’s chance of a catastrophic injury in the event of a car accident. Please buckle up! Source: SHSP

Louisiana Sees Increase In Boating Accidents

Statewide (July 28, 2022) – According to a U.S. Coast Guard report, Louisiana experienced an 18% rise in recreational boating accidents in 2020 compared to 2019. There were a total of 23 fatal boating accidents in both 2020 and 2021, with 24 deaths in 2020 and 27 deaths in 2021. In Louisiana, 124 watercraft accidents were reported in 2020, compared to 111 in 2021. While the total accidents decreased, the number of boating accident deaths increased by 12.5%.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys wants everyone to exercise caution when boating. Our lawyers have experience obtaining compensation for victims of boating accidents. Call us today if you’ve been hurt in a Louisiana boating accident. Source: Houma Today

Traffic Deaths In Louisiana Reached Record High in 2021

Baton Rouge (January 19, 2022) According to The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD), the state hit a record high number of highway related deaths in 2021. LaDOTD says there were 914 car accidents and 997 deaths on the roads in 2021. The previous record, which was set in 2007, has now been surpassed.

Accidents and deaths went up from 2020. That year, there were 762 accidents and 828 deaths. Accident statistics show that intoxicated and distracted driving cause most accidents. Alcohol contributed to 40% of state roadway deaths between 2017 and 2020.

Contact Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys if you or a loved one have been harmed in an automobile accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Source: DOTD

Fatal Car Crashes More Common After 8:00 P.M.

Statewide (January 7, 2022) – According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), fatal car accidents were more common after 8:00 p.m. in 2021. The hour between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. was particularly dangerous, with 8.45% of the year’s car crash fatalities occurring during this time.

Fatal crashes were least common between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., representing just 1.43% of 2021’s fatal car accidents. As expected, daylight hours are generally safer, as visibility is higher and most drivers are at work. Evenings tend to be more dangerous since there’s more traffic, less visibility, and more instances of drunk driving. Source: CARTS

Pedestrian Fatalities Continue to Rise

Statewide (October 15, 2021) – Data from the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) shows that pedestrian accident fatalities continue to rise. The agency has projected a 9% increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2020 and a five-year increase of 24%.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that you do everything possible to keep pedestrians safe. Motorists should be particularly careful while driving through areas with heavy foot traffic. If you’re out and about in New Orleans, please follow these pedestrian safety tips. By working together, we can reverse the alarming trend of increased pedestrian fatalities. Source: CARTS

New Year’s Eve is Not the Most Dangerous Holiday

Statewide (September 16, 2021) – When people think of holiday car accidents, they often think of New Year’s Eve. While that is the most dangerous holiday in many states, it’s not so for Louisiana. According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), the most dangerous holidays in Louisiana in 2020 were Mardi Gras and Thanksgiving.

Mardi Gras and Thanksgiving had 514 and 476 car accidents in 2020, respectively. Those accidents made them the most dangerous holidays in Louisiana for the year. The New Year’s Eve period, listed as December 30 to January 1, had 273 accidents, by comparison. Source: CARTS

DUI Injuries Down in July 2021

Statewide (August 19, 2021) – Car accident injuries involving alcohol were down in July 2021 compared to July 2020. According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), there were 240 vehicular injuries involving intoxicated drivers in July 2020 and 202 in July 2021.

Car accidents typically rise in the summertime, due to younger drivers and holiday celebrations that involve alcohol, such as Fourth of July. With more drivers and tourists on the road in 2021 due to easing COVID-19 restrictions, it’s surprising that car crash injuries involving alcohol were down in July 2021. However, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys appreciates that more people are on the road and that those people are safer from DUI accidents. Source: CARTS

Motorcycle Crashes and Fatalities Expected to Increase

Statewide (July 8, 2021) – The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) has projected an increase in motorcycle accidents and fatalities for 2021. The agency currently expects a 2.5% increase in motorcycle crashes and a 3.2% increase in motorcycle accident fatalities. This is based on current numbers through the first half of 2021 and patterns from previous years.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys encourages all motorcycle riders to exercise strong safety practices. This is especially important while riding at night and for new motorcycle riders. Considering learning, improving, or brushing up on safety skills by taking a state-approved motorcycle safety course. The safer we all ride, the safer everyone will be. Source: CARTS

Cost of Car Accidents Injuries on the Rise

Statewide (June 10, 2021) – According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), the costs related to car accident fatalities and injuries have risen every year since 2016. Fatality costs increased from $1.52-billion in 2016 to $1.63-billion in 2021, while serious injury expenses rose from $393-million in 2016 to $422-million in 2021.

While the costs of car accidents in Louisiana are on the rise, that doesn’t necessarily mean that victims are getting the money that they deserve. Insurance companies use shifty tactics to increase their profits, while short-changing their customers. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys can help make sure that you are fairly treated in the event of an accident. Source: CARTS

Light Trucks and Vans Most Common Vehicle for Fatalities

Statewide (May 6, 2021) – For the second year in a row, it appears that light trucks and vans will be the most common vehicles involved in car accident fatalities. The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) projects that nearly 42% of crash fatalities will involve this class of automobile. These heavier vehicles are more frequently involved in fatalities because they’re more prone to rollovers and their weight results in a stronger crash impact.

If you’ve been involved in a van or light truck accident that resulted in an injury, contact Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys immediately. Our team of legal professionals is available 24 hours a day to help you find the medical care you need and start the legal process to make sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. Source: CARTS

Distracted Driving on the Rise

Statewide (April 9, 2021) – The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) projects a 10% increase in distracted driving car accidents in Louisiana in 2021. Distracted driving has been one of the fastest growing causes of car accidents nationally, and more people are starting to drive this year as COVID-19 vaccinations increase. Those two trends combined indicate that Louisiana is likely to have the highest number of distracted driving accidents in the last five years.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you to educate yourself on the causes of distracted driving and to make sure the drivers in your household are aware of the dangers it poses. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making it a great time to review your safety practices. Should you get into an accident caused by a distracted driver, we’re available to help you 24/7. Source: CARTS

Two Men Hurt By Boat Propellers in Lake Charles

Calcasieu Parish (August 1) – Two men were injured in two different boating accidents near Lake Charles on Saturday, July 30. The first accident happened on the Old Sabine River. A man was alone when his 15-foot aluminum boat flipped, was ejected from the boat, and hit the propeller. The second incident occurred in the Calcasieu Ship Channel. The boat driver asked a passenger to drive the boat while he dove into the water. The man slipped and fell over the boat, and struck the propeller. Both boating accident victims were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys can help if you’ve been injured in a boating accident. Contact us today for a free case consultation. Source: WBRZ

Man Killed in Lake Pontchartrain, Driver Charged with DWI

New Orleans (July 24, 2022) – A 21-year-old died in a boating accident involving an inebriated driver, LDWF reported July 24. Hunter Prevost died Saturday after falling off a 25-foot boat and being struck by its propeller. Lane Keenan, 22, was driving while drunk, according to LDWF investigators. Keenan was charged with vehicular homicide, DWI, and reckless operation of a vessel. In Louisiana, vehicular homicide carries a 5-to-30-year jail sentence.

Contact one of our Louisiana boat accident attorneys if you or a loved one have sustained injuries or wrongful death as a result of someone else’s negligence. Source: Fox8

Monroe and West Monroe Police find local woman wanted for Manslaughter

West Monroe (May 13, 2022) – On May 9, 2022, Candace Gill fled from the police on Highway 165 after an officer attempted a traffic stop. Gill, who was previously wanted in connection to a theft, took local police on a one-mile chase that resulted in the death of an adult passenger as well as Gill’s five-week-old daughter. Gill was arrested on May 11, 2022 and is currently being held at Ouachita Correctional.

Additionally, two other people in a vehicle Gill struck during the chase, suffered non-life threatening injuries. Gill has been charged with manslaughter, negligent injury, and several other charges related to the accident and a previous theft.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys today. Source: KTVE/KARD

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Statewide (January 17, 2022) – The United States government has launched a website where people can sign up to receive free at-home COVID-19 tests. Starting January 19, 2022, people can go to COVIDtests.gov and receive four free tests per household. The tests and shipping costs are free. People will not be required to enter credit card information in order to receive the tests.

In related news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its mask guidelines. Citizens are advised that N95 and KN95 offer better protection against COVID-19 than surgical masks, which are still superior to cloth masks. No matter what type of mask you use, it’s important to achieve a tight seal for optimal protection. Source: COVIDtests.gov

Market Street Wharf Fire

New Orleans (October 21, 2021) – The abandoned Market Street Wharf caught fire on October 16, 2021 at approximately 11:00 p.m. At its peak, the fire stretched for more than four city blocks. A nearby fireworks display for the Krewe of Iris carnival started at 10:30 p.m. Law enforcement is still determining whether the fireworks caused the fire.

Since Market Street Wharf is abandoned, civilians were not in any immediate danger and nobody was treated for burn injuries. However, fireworks displays are common in New Orleans, so it’s a good idea to make sure that your family is familiar with the basics of fire safety. Should you or a loved one suffer a burn injury because of negligence, contact Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys for immediate assistance.

Source: Nola.com

LaDOTD Urges Caution During Rain

Statewide (September 29, 2021) – With much of the state receiving heavy rainfall, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving. Inclement weather is responsible for a large number of car accidents every year. Heavy rain limits visibility, makes roads slick, and increases braking distance.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys echoes LaDOTD’s advice. If possible, avoid driving during a rainstorm. If you need to drive then please view our safety tips on driving during or after a storm. Please share these tips with your family and friends to increase their safety. Should you get into a car accident during a Louisiana rainstorm then please contact us for immediate help. Source: LaDOTD

LaDOTD Urges You to Plan a Safe Labor Day

Statewide (August 23, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) is encouraging residents and visitors to plan a safe Labor Day weekend. Many people use the long weekend to celebrate the end of the summer. These celebrations often include alcohol, which can contribute to car accidents.

LaDOTD urges people to plan for a sober ride home, not let someone get behind the wheel if they’re intoxicated, and make sure their guests have a sober ride home. If you plan on attending a Labor Day weekend event that has alcoholic beverages, please be sure to follow LaDOTD’s suggestions and read our tips on preventing drunk driving accidents. Source: LaDOTD

Fines Doubled on “Highway Safety Corridors”

Statewide (July 16, 2021) – Governor John Bel Edwards signed Louisiana House Bill 654 into law on June 29, 2021. The new law aims to make Louisiana highways safer by doubling fines for traffic violations on roads designated as a Highway Safety Corridor. By making the penalties so steep, the state believes that people will drive more safely, which will reduce the number of car accidents.

Additionally, the law establishes a Safety Corridor Advisory Group. The group will use crash data to optimize Louisiana Highway Safety Corridors to lower car accidents, while still keeping traffic flow optimal. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys appreciates the state’s efforts to make Louisiana roads safer for everyone. However, accidents will still occur, so note that our team is available 24/7 in the event you are injured in a Louisiana highway accident. Source: Louisiana State Legislature

Extreme Weather Possible This Weekend

New Orleans (June 16, 2021) – A tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to bring heavy rains and flash floods this weekend. The potentially affected areas include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. If the system continues to grow, it could be elevated to a tropical storm.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you to drive with caution during hurricane season. From now until November, New Orleans is expected to be hit by heavy rainfall, winds, and flooding, increasing your chances of a car accident. Should you suffer an injury due to an accident during a tropical storm or hurricane, please contact us immediately. Source: NOLA.com

Federal Agency Investigating Death of Offshore Worker

New Orleans (May 25, 2021) – The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is investigating the death of an offshore contractor that died at a Fieldwood Energy well in the Gulf of Mexico. The contractor perished during a non-emergency casing pressure test. Fieldwood claims that no one else was injured during the test.

The rights of offshore workers, especially contractors, are often seemingly abused by large corporations. If you have been injured while working offshore or lost a loved one in an offshore accident then contact the New Orleans maritime lawyers at Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys. Our team has the experience and skill to help you and your family obtain compensation for a maritime accident. Source: AP