New Orleans Accident Statistics

Possible Hurricane Expected Next Week

Statewide (August 21, 2020) – A pair of tropical storms are expected to hit the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. One of them, Tropical Storm Laura, is expected to hit Louisiana on Wednesday and could be elevated to a category one hurricane. Please remember to check the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast over the next week before leaving home or work.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys urges you to read our New Orleans hurricane safety tips to prepare for the incoming storm. Tropical storms and hurricanes greatly increase the chances of boat accidents and car accidents. Should you or a loved one suffer an accident during the storm, please contact us immediately. Source: NWS

Tropical Storms Lead to Flash Flooding Accidents

New Orleans (July 24, 2020) – July’s heavy rains look to continue as Tropical Storm Hanna hits Southern Louisiana. 21.1% of Louisiana properties are at risk of damage due to flooding, the second-highest percentage in the nation. Flash floods also increase the likelihood of car accidents. New Orleans is particularly susceptible to flooding, due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you to always check the weather forecast before driving. If you must drive during heavy rains, please follow our flash flooding safety guide. Remember that our team of experienced legal professionals is available to assist you 24/7 if you’ve gotten into an accident because of flash flooding. Source: NOLA.com

La DOTD Reminds You That Text Can Wait

Statewide (June 15, 2020) – As part of its Safety Monday initiative, the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) would like to remind you that “text can wait.” The use of mobile phones is one of the leading causes of distracted driving. Although you may be expecting an important phone call or message, it’s more important for you to keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the steering wheel. Doing so helps ensure your safety and the safety of your fellow drivers.

Unfortunately, distracted driving is on the rise as mobile phones become more robust. Should you or a loved one get into a car accident due to another driver being distracted, please contact us immediately. Our staff is available 24/7 for all your legal needs and to help you find the proper medical assistance. Source: LaDOTD

Possible Flooding This Weekend

New Orleans (May 8, 2020) – Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to hit New Orleans this weekend. Weather threats include wind in excess of 60 mph, hail greater than one inch in diameter, and isolated tornadoes. The inclement weather is expected to result in heavy flooding throughout the city.

Flash floods are a significant cause of car accidents in New Orleans. Mike Bradner Injury Attorneys urges you to avoid driving this weekend if possible. If you need to go out, please exercise extreme caution. If you get into an accident because of another’s negligence during the severe storms this weekend, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: NOLA.com

More Bicyclists Means More Accidents

Statewide (April 30, 2020) – According to KATC, the number of Southern Louisiana bicyclists on the road has increased by 200% in the last month. While it’s great that people are going out to exercise using social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, the potential for a bicycle accident is higher. Many inexperienced and infrequent bike riders may be unfamiliar with traffic rules and how to properly use safety equipment.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys urges you to be extra cautious with so many inexperienced bikers on the road. While there are a number of bicycle accident causes, adding novices to the mix makes things potentially more dangerous for everyone. Should you or a family member get into a bicycle accident, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: KATC

Distracted Driving Fatalities Skyrocket

Statewide (March 9, 2020) – The Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) reported 51 traffic fatalities caused by distracted driving in 2019. That figure is an 82% increase from 2018. The agency also reported that more than 35% of the 2019 distracted driving deaths were caused by the use of electronic devices.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hope that the drivers in your family do everything possible to keep their focus on the road. More and more people are, unfortunately, playing games or checking social media on their phones instead of driving safely. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury due to a distracted driver, we can help you get the highest compensation possible. Call us for immediate assistance. Source: CARTS

Alcohol Involved in Nearly 40% of Car Crash Fatalities

Statewide (February 13, 2020) – According to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), alcohol was involved in 39.8% of all fatal car accidents in Louisiana in 2019. While factors like unsafe road conditions, reckless driving, and speeding also led to fatal car crashes, alcohol was one of the biggest contributing factors last year.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys would like to remind you that driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is a serious offense. Not only can it lead to serious punishment, but it can also destroy lives. If you and your loved ones have been in a car wreck involving someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys can help you seek compensation. Source: CARTS

Hazardous Weather Can Lead to Maritime Accidents

Statewide (January 17, 2020) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “Hazardous Weather Outlook” advisory for Southeast Louisiana. Coastal areas of the region are expected to be hit by a potent storm. The agency warned that, “Southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots and seas 6 to 9 feet are expected.”

Extreme weather conditions increase the chances of a maritime accident. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that everyone exercises caution in the coastal areas of Louisiana this weekend. People with small crafts should keep them docked, unless absolutely necessary. Should you get into a maritime accident, our attorneys have extensive knowledge of admiralty laws and will fight hard to earn you maximum compensation. Source: NWS

Chances of Fatal Crashes Increase with Age

Statewide (December 4, 2019) – For most people, reflexes get slower and vision worsens with age. This can be fatal for older drivers and their fellow motorists. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOT), there are 382,577 licensed drivers in the state between the ages of 65-74 and 168,082 between the ages of 75-84. While there are less than half the number of drivers in the latter group, their fatal car crash rate is twice as high.

While Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys appreciates everyone’s right to drive, we also encourage you to make sure that you’re physically capable of driving safely no matter your age. Please check with your physician and eye doctor to make sure that your reflexes and eyesight are appropriate for driving. Doing so will keep you and other motorists safe. If you happen to get into a car accident because of a negligent driver, please contact us as soon as possible. Source: LaDOT

Louisiana Leads in Child Safety Seat Laws

Statewide (November 11, 2019) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 675 children 12 and under died in car accidents in 2017. The agency also reported that more than 9,000 died in the last decade. In many cases, the deaths could have been avoided if proper child seat safety procedures were followed.

Louisiana has recently been lauded for its child safety seat laws, which are considered to be among the best in the country. Laws like the ones Louisiana has adopted are a huge reason why automotive child fatalities are declining. However, some accidents, injuries, and deaths are unavoidable. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is here to take care of all your legal needs in the event of a car accident involving children. Source: CDC

Mobile Phones Are the Leading Cause of Distracted Driving

Statewide (October 24, 2019) – According to a Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) survey, mobile phones are the leading cause of distracted driving in the state. Cell phone usage accounted for 16.1 percent of distracted driving among survey participants. The usage included mobile phone manipulation (7 percent), holding phone to ear (6 percent), phone in hand (2.2 percent), and Bluetooth device usage (0.9 percent).

Distracted driving is a hugely preventable cause of car accidents in Louisiana. Everyone at Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys strongly encourages you to keep your full attention on the road while driving. If you’ve been involved in an accident because of a distracted driver, please contact us immediately. Source: LHSC

Louisiana Drunk Driving Over the National Average

Statewide (October 1, 2019) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) have reported some alarming figures on driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Louisiana. According to the organization, DWI activity in the state is well over the national average. The agency reported 5.2 deaths per 100,000 people in Louisiana, versus a national average of 3.2. Additionally, 2.5 percent of Louisianans reported driving after drinking too much, versus 1.9 percent nationally.

Driving while intoxicated is dangerous to you, yours passengers, and your fellow drivers. Unfortunately, in Louisiana, it’s more common than in other parts of America, and that leads to needless car accidents. Mike Bradner Injury Attorneys strongly urges you to do everything you can to avoid DUIs. Use a designated driver, taxi, or ride-sharing service if you plan on drinking. Source: CDC

Alcohol Involved in Majority of Labor Day Deaths

Statewide (September 4, 2020) – The Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) reported that alcohol was involved in five of the six 2019 Labor Day Weekend crash fatalities in Louisiana. Four of the alcohol-related deaths occured on the Sunday of the holiday weekend. Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of New Orleans car accidents, especially on holidays.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that you and your family have a safe Labor Day Weekend. If you plan on drinking then please use a designated driver, taxi, rideshare service, or public transportation in order to avoid getting into a car accident. Should you get into an accident caused by a drunk driver, our team is available 24/7 to assist you. Source: CARTS

Fatal Crashes Down Sharply

Statewide (August 1, 2020) – Although summer normally brings an increase in Louisiana car accidents, fatal crashes were down sharply in July. According to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), there were 17 fatal crashes in July 2020, compared to 58 in July 2019. However, part of the decrease is due to fewer drivers on the road because of COVID-19.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is thrilled that there have been fewer car accident fatalities this summer. Please note that our staff urges you to be especially cautious as normal activities resume. Many motorists will be unaccustomed to driving and may not be as sharp as they usually are, which can lead to accidents. Should you or a loved one get into a car accident, our team is available to help you 24/7. Source: CARTS

Offshore Accidents on the Rise

Statewide (July 6, 2020) – The Center for American Progress has reported that offshore accidents were up 21% in the two-year period of 2018 to 2019 compared to the two previous years. The organization analyzed data from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and concluded that the increase in maritime accidents is related to regulatory rollbacks to offshore drilling regulations.

Maritime laws, sometimes referred to as admiralty laws, are very different when it comes to personal injuries. If you’ve suffered because of an accident that took place while working on a ship, offshore rig, or waterway vessel, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys may be able to assist you. Our attorneys are well versed in the intricacies of maritime laws and will do everything possible to help you receive maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. Source: Nola.com

Car Crashes Are the #1 Cause of Workplace Deaths

Statewide (June 25, 2020) – The National Safety Council (NSC) claims that car accidents are the leading cause of workplace deaths in America. Road hazards, distracted driving, and impaired driving are among the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. In order to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers, please obey all traffic laws, follow posted speed limits, and avoid distracted driving.

If you or a family member have gotten into a work-related car accident, please contact Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys as soon as possible. Our compassionate staff and accomplished attorneys will make sure that you receive the care you need and fight for your maximum compensation. Source: NSC

Fatal Car Crashes Down Sharply in April

Statewide (May 15, 2020) – Car accident fatalities were down sharply in April according to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS). The agency reported that 30 fatal crashes occurred in April 2020, compared to 65 in April 2019. However, there were fewer drivers on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor John Bel Edwards’ stay-at-home order.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that you and your family are staying healthy and safe during the coronavirus outbreak. As the state eases COVID-19 restrictions, please be especially cautious on the road. Many people will be unaccustomed to driving and not be at their sharpest. Should you and your family get hurt in a car accident because of another’s recklessness, contact us for immediate assistance. Source: CARTS

Hit and Run Accidents on the Rise

Statewide (April 9, 2020) – Hit and run car accidents are on the rise in Louisiana according to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS). The agency reported 3,688 injuries caused by hit-and-runs in 2014 and 4,161 suffered in 2019. Those figures represent a 12.8% increase over five years.

Drivers that cause hit and run car accidents are reckless and irresponsible. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a hit and run car accident, please contact Mike Bradner Injury Attorneys immediately. Our compassionate staff and skilled attorneys will do everything possible to see that you receive justice and a fair settlement for your suffering. Source: CARTS

Louisiana Pedestrian Fatalities Down, National Deaths Up

Statewide (March 2, 2020) – Preliminary statistics from the (GHSA) show that pedestrian fatalities in Louisiana were down in 2019. The agency reported 64 pedestrian accident deaths, a 16% decrease from the 2018 figures. Unfortunately, national pedestrian fatalities reached 6,590 in 2019, the highest total in America since 1988.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that pedestrian deaths will continue to decline in Louisiana, as well as across the country. Motorists need to be especially mindful of pedestrians, while those walking need to pay close attention to surrounding traffic. If you or a family member have been involved in a pedestrian accident, our proficient attorneys can help you win the compensation that you deserve. Source: GHSA

May Most Dangerous Month for Crashes in 2019

Statewide (February 3, 2020) – Louisiana State University’s Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) reported that May had the highest number of car accidents in 2019. There were 177 car crashes in May 2019, accounting for 10% of the annual total. In 2018, March was the most dangerous month with 167 car accidents.

No matter the month, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that the drivers in your family do everything in their power to keep themselves and fellow motorists safe on the road. Being familiar with defensive driving practices is a fantastic way to start. If an unavoidable accident happens to you and your loved ones, contact us for prompt assistance. Source: CARTS

Fatal Crashes Down in 2019

Statewide (January 6, 2019) – Fatal car crashes in Louisiana were down significantly in 2019. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s (LaDOTD) final statistics for the year, there were 583 fatal car accidents statewide. That’s approximately 19 percent fewer fatal car wrecks than the agency reported last year (718).

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is grateful that Louisiana roads are getting safer. If motorists follow proper safety procedures and the state government continues to improve road safety, 2020 could be the safest year yet. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, no matter how safe drivers are no matter the road conditions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car wreck, contact us for immediate assistance. Source: LaDOTD

November 2019 Had the Fewest Traffic Deaths

Statewide (December 13, 2019) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that 24 fatal crashes took place in November 2019. This is the fewest number of Louisiana traffic fatalities in 2019 thus far. October had the next fewest with 32, while May had the most with 64 deaths.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes the number of fatal car accidents reaches as close to zero as possible. Unfortunately, extreme circumstances and unforeseen incidents can lead to car crashes, no matter how safely everyone is driving. Should you or your family get into a car wreck, please contact us immediately. Source: LaDOTD

Mixed News for Louisiana Hit-and-Run Accidents

Statewide (November 8, 2019) – According to The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s (LaDOTD) latest projections, the number of hit-and-run injuries will be higher in 2019 than 2018, but the number of fatalities will be lower. The agency projects 4,285 injuries and 41 fatalities in 2019. Those numbers represent an increase of 3.4 percent and a decrease of 16.3 percent, respectively.

Hit-and-run car accidents can be frustrating and traumatic experiences. Getting into a car crash is always unpleasant. When a guilty party flees the scene of the accident, it’s even worse. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is here for you and your family, should you be a victim of a hit-and-run. Our seasoned attorneys offer free evaluations to go over the circumstances surrounding your accident to help you better understand any legal options available. Source: LaDOTD

Sharp Decrease in Pedestrian Fatalities Projected

Statewide (October 9, 2019) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) has projected a 15.2 percent decrease in pedestrian fatalities in 2019. In 2018, there were 164 pedestrian deaths in Louisiana. LaDOTD’s latest projections estimate 139 pedestrian fatalities in 2019.

Mike Bradner Injury Attorneys hopes that the projected numbers hold true or get even lower. We urge pedestrians to use the utmost caution when crossing the street. We strongly encourage drivers to be mindful of and courteous to pedestrians. By working together, we can make the streets and roads safer for pedestrians and drivers alike. Source: LaDOTD

New Orleans Won’t Follow Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

New Orleans (September 11, 2020) – Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the state will be easing COVID-19 restrictions, moving from phase two to phase three of its reopening plan. Coronavirus hospitalizations have been dropping statewide. However, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said that New Orleans will remain in phase two, since there’s a higher concentration of infections and people in the city.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you to practice strong COVID-19 safety at this time. Even though the state is easing towards the new normal, lax behavior and practices could cause a spike in coronavirus infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. By working together, we can get through this difficult period faster. Source: AP

Chemical Fires Caused by Hurricane Laura

Westlake (August 27, 2020) – The Weather Channel (TWC) has reported that Hurricane Laura has caused chemical fires in Westlake, LA. The hurricane struck a BioLab chemical plant and a fire resulted from the damage. There are several other chemical plants in the city and additional fires are a concern.

Westlake, Moss Bluff, and Sulphur have issued shelter-in-place orders for its residents. People are advised to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off air conditioners. If you live in the area, then Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys strongly urges you to comply with the order to avoid burn injuries and lung damage. Source: TWC

Ringleader of Staged Truck Accident Scam Confesses

New Orleans (August 14, 2020) – Damien Labeaud, the ringleader of a scam involving staged truck accidents, has pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Lebeaud orchestrated accidents and connected victims with an unscrupulous attorney that rewarded him with a finder’s fee. He worked with seven others to cause the accident, act as eyewitnesses, and recommend the lawyer they worked with.

Getting into a car accident or truck accident is a very serious matter. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys has a proven track record of serving our clients vigorously and honorably. Our firm and lawyers have received numerous awards for exemplary service. While other lawyers may engage in deceptive practices, you can count on us to treat you fairly and fight hard on your behalf. Source: WWLTV

Vermillion Bay Boat Accident Search Suspended

Vermillion (July 17, 2020) – The United States Coast Guard has suspended the search for a man that was thrown off of a boat in Vermillion Bay. Two men were boating on the Bay when a boating accident was caused by a submerged object. One survivor was found after he was able to swim to a nearby rig. The Coast Guard has searched over 1,700 square miles over a 25-hour period.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys sends its condolences to the family of the missing boater. Our team also reminds you to use caution when boating on any of Louisiana’s waterways. Should you or a family member get into a boating accident, please contact our Louisiana maritime lawyers for prompt assistance. Source: 4WWL

House Bill Should Lead to Lower Insurance Rates

Statewide (June 30, 2020) – The Louisiana Legislature has passed House Bill 57, which carries significant tort reform. Part of the reason for the bill was to change how courts deal with car accidents, which should lead to lower automobile insurance premiums. According to Insure.com, Louisiana has the second-highest car insurance rates in the country. Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to sign the bill into law.

With changes in how Louisiana car accidents are handled, you need an attorney that stays current with tort reform. Please be assured that Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is well aware of the changes proposed by HB57. Our team is committed to winning maximum compensation for our clients, even as laws evolve. Source: The Advocate

Geauxpass Operations Resume

Statewide (May 29, 2020) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) has announced that the Geauxpass Customer Service Center and toll collectors have resumed operations. The agency had ceased those services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LaDOTD asks drivers to wear masks when visiting the service center or while interacting with a toll collector.

Although manual toll collecting has resumed, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys strongly recommends using the electronic Geauxpass. It’s a convenient way to pay for tolls, eliminates the need to interact with a toll collector, and helps limit the spread of the current coronavirus. You can open a Geauxpass account by visiting the service center or going to the official website. Source: LaDOTD

Work Zone Safety Week

Statewide (April 22, 2020) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) is observing Work Zone Safety Week from April 20 to 24, 2020. The agency would like to remind you to avoid distracted driving and speeding while driving near work zones. This will keep you, your passengers, and construction workers safe. 519 people were injured and 2 died in work zone accidents in 2018.

Although Louisiana roads are far emptier than normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they can still be dangerous. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that you drive considerately while near construction zones for the safety of everyone in your vehicle and the construction workers. Source: LaDOTD

DOTD Encourages GeauxPass Use

Statewide (March 20, 2020) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) has encouraged motorists to use GeauxPass during the coronavirus outbreak. While it’s recommended that people stay home as much as possible, it’s understood that some people will still have to drive on toll roads. The digital GeauxPass allows for this, while eliminating the need to interact with toll collectors, which should help reduce the spread of the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19.

Mike Bradner Injury Attorneys hopes that all Louisianans follow LaDOTD advice. If you have any questions about how the coronavirus outbreak affects your community, please consult our COVID-19 safety tips blog. Please be safe and stay well. Source: LaDOTD

Second Person Killed by Mardi Gras Float in 2020

New Orleans (February 25, 2020) – A second person was killed by a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade float in less than a week. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson confirmed that Joe Sampson was struck and killed by a tandem float as the Krewe of Endymion parade was moving from Mid-City to Downtown New Orleans. The parade was cut short after Sampson was hit.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you to follow proper Mardi Gras safety practices. If you or a family member suffered an injury during Mardi Gras celebrations, contact us immediately. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will explore all your options and fight to win you the compensation that you deserve. Source: WDSU

Louisiana Leads the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Statewide (February 1, 2020) – Louisiana government officials recently participated in a national panel to discuss the efforts against human trafficking. As a coastal state, human trafficking is a big issue in Louisiana. First Lady Donna Edwards said, “We know that Louisiana has two of the worst corridors for human trafficking, Interstates 10 and 20, which is a big part of why this issue hits so close to home for us.”

Thanks to bipartisan legislation, Louisiana has made great progress in curbing human trafficking. At Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys, we also strongly oppose acts of violence against any person, especially those in a position of power. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by a member of the clergy at a religious institution in Louisiana, please contact us immediately. Source: LaDOTD

NOLA School Busses Must Show Permits by February

New Orleans (January 22, 2020) – An alarming number of school bus accidents occurred in New Orleans during 2019. Unsurprisingly, the city learned that nearly half of all school buses in New Orleans have not passed inspection. New Orleans public school Superintendent Henderson Lewis, Jr. has ordered schools to pass inspections or show a plan of action to meet guidelines by February 13, 2020.

Transporting children to school on unsafe buses is unconscionable. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that local schools address these hugely significant safety issues immediately. Should your children suffer an injury due to a bus accident, contact us immediately and our capable lawyers will take care of all your legal needs. Source: WDSU

Blue Bikes Going Electric in 2020

New Orleans (December 27, 2019) – The Blue Bikes bicycle-sharing service has some big changes in store for 2020. The company currently offers 700 bicycles for rent across 70 stations in New Orleans. 

The offering will change and expand to 900 electric bicycles across 90 stations. The new bikes will feature electric pedal-assist, giving New Orleans residents and visitors an inexpensive, convenient, and environmentally-friendly way to get around the city.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys applauds Blue Bikes and city officials for adding more great transportation options in New Orleans. However, with more bicycles comes the potential for more bike accidents. Should you or a family member be involved in a bicycle accident, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: Nola.com