New Orleans Accident Statistics

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

Two Vehicles Collide in Left-Hand Accident

New Orleans, (June 6, 2019) – Seven people were injured when a Kia sedan traveling east on Chef Menteur Highway collided with a Nissan SUV after turning left onto Papania Drive. Two of those injured were critically harmed and needed to be transported to the trauma center at University Medical Center. The other five people with less severe injuries were taken to a nearby hospital.

As left-turn accident claims are extraordinarily common, it can prove difficult for an attorney to establish who was at fault. Despite these challenges, those hurt in a left turn car wreck are highly advised to seek out legal counsel to see if they may be eligible for compensation for any injuries and other damages. Source: Nola.com

Tractor Trailer and Tanker Cause Major Covington Accident

Covington (May 26, 2019) – A fiery pileup on Interstate 12 at Highway 21 just 45 minutes across Lake Pontchartrain’s causeway from New Orleans resulted in 4 deaths and 13 injuries. Two tractor trailers and multiple cars were involved in the horrific crash. The accident is said to have happened in two stages. 

The first stage involved several cars and a tractor trailer. The accident scene turned into a melting inferno after a second accident took place that included a tanker truck running into the first pileup. In photos shared by the Louisiana State Police, cars involved in the accident were reduced to piles of ash and the tractor trailer’s entire front cab was burned.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with those affected by this catastrophic accident. And as our legal team know that not all car accidents are avoidable, we strongly encourage drivers to do their part in helping keep the roads safer by paying attention, not speeding, and driving with extreme care. Source

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

Fatal Crashes Down in 2019

Statewide (September 1, 2019) – Traffic fatalities are down 18 percent year-over-year according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Research Group (HSRG). From January through August, there were 466 fatal crashes in Louisiana in 2018. During the first eight months of 2019, there were 382 fatal crashes.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is relieved that Louisiana roads have been safer in 2019. We earnestly hope that the trend continues and reaches as close to zero fatalities as possible. However, we understand that not all car accidents are avoidable. If you and your family have been involved in a car crash, please contact Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys immediately. Source: HSRG

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

Cyber Attack Triggers State of Emergency

New Orleans (December 17, 2019) – New Orleans was struck by a cyber attack that filled the city’s computer systems with ransomware. This has caused a delay in city services, as many municipal employees currently have to work on pen and paper. Like many cities, New Orleans is understaffed and underfunded, which limits city IT professionals from quickly eliminating the ransomware threat.

Police, fire fighters, and emergency medical services are prepared to work with limited Internet access until the cyber threat is eliminated. This can, unfortunately, lead to suboptimal performance and increase your risk of personal injury. Should you or a loved one suffer during this chaotic time, contact Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys for immediate assistance. Source: TechCrunch

New MSY Terminal Opening on November 6

New Orleans (November 1, 2019) – The City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Aviation Board are set to open a new terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) on November 6, 2019. The new terminal should reduce car and foot traffic around and within the airport. It also offers numerous conveniences to travelers, such as free Wi-Fi, phone chargers available at 50 percent of the seats in the gate areas, water bottle refilling stations (post-security), fully-automated restrooms, a pet relief area (post-security), and more.

Everyone at Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is thrilled that our home airport is getting a huge upgrade. While the new MSY boasts some stellar features and should lower traffic congestion, traffic accidents are inevitable. If you get into a pedestrian or car accident at MSY, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: MSY

Hard Rock Hotel Collapse Kills Two

New Orleans (October 13, 2019) – The under-construction Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans suffered a major collapse, killing two construction workers and injuring 30 people. One person has been identified as missing.  A search-and-rescue operation is currently underway.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys sends our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the Hard Rock Hotel collapse. Building collapse accidents can be fatal and it could take local law enforcement days or weeks to find everyone injured by the collapse. It’s our sincere hope that the number of deaths and injuries does not increase. Source: ABC News

Freeport-McMoRan to Pay up to $100-Million for Coastal Restoration

Statewide (October 14, 2019) – 12 Louisiana parishes have reached a deal with Freeport-McMoRan to restore coastlines throughout the state. The mining company was accused of drilling too aggressively, which lead to precipitous destruction along the Louisiana coast. The company will spend up to $100-million to restore the coast, much of which can be claimed as environmental tax credits. Freeport-McMoRan is one of 98 companies involved in 46 lawsuits over coastal damage in Louisiana.

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is pleased to hear that money is being spent to repair and restore our state’s natural beauty. While mining and oil companies like Freeport-McMoRan provide valuable resources, care must be exercised when extracting them from the environment. Overly aggressive practices can decimate our state and reparations must be made when that happens. Source: NY Times

Louisiana Has the Second-Highest Insurance Rates in America

Statewide (September 23, 2019) – According to figures from insurance-comparison website The Zebra, Louisiana has the second-highest automobile insurance rates in the country. The website lists $1,470 per year as the national average. By comparison, Terrebonne Parish residents pay an average of $2,268 per year, while Lafourche Parish drivers average $2,266 annually.

Given the exorbitant cost of car insurance in Louisiana, many drivers opt for minimal coverage. This can make getting a fair settlement for an automobile accident difficult. If you believe that you’re being treated unfairly by a car insurance company after a car wreck, contact Mike Bradner Injury Attorneys immediately. Our lawyers will fight to get you the highest settlement possible. Source: Houma Today

On Scene Services Assisting New Orleans PD

New Orleans, (April 4, 2019) – In an effort to help process routine New Orleans car accidents faster, On Scene Services (OSS), a private firm, will fill in for local police. The service is in a trial-basis, but has the potential to grow more permanent because of the current New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) manpower shortage.  

OSS employs accident investigators with experience. Accident responders on staff include off-duty, reserve or retired police officers. The company also uses the same reports as the police department to document the accident scene. However, they will not issue citations. NOPD will still handle that task after review of the private firm’s report. 

If you find yourself in a car accident in New Orleans, one of the most essential actions you should do is take photos of the accident scene. Theses images can later be used as evidence when you seek to file an accident claim. They will also be helpful in developing a strong injury claim. Hurt in a wreck? Contact Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys day or night to learn more about your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation. Source