New Orleans Archives - Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys

Accident Causes
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
LaDOTD Issues Severe Weather Warning
Statewide (February 11, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) has issued a severe weather warning for the state. The agency urges residents to limit driving and, if possible, not drive at all during inclement weather. Parts of the state are expected to be impacted by severe weather and heavy rainfall, which could contribute to a car accident.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys urges you to follow LaDOTD guidelines. If you absolutely need to drive then please be mindful of winter hazards, such as black ice. Should you or a family member get into a winter car crash, please note that our staff is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Source: LaDOTD
DOTD Issues Wintry Weather Warning
Bossier City (January 11, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) has urged citizens to be prepared for winter conditions. Some parts of the state have already suffered from freezing temperatures, with more inclement weather to come. Winter can lead to hazardous conditions, such as black ice, that lead to severe car accidents.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that you’re prepared to drive during the winter. Please be familiar with essential winter terms and arm yourself with information. Should you or a loved one get into a car crash due to black ice or snow, please contact us immediately. Our representatives are available 24/7 to assist you. Source: LaDOTD
Rain Increases Pedestrian Accidents
New Orleans (December 11, 2020) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted rain throughout New Orleans this weekend. In addition to increasing the likelihood of a car accident, rain also increases the chances of a pedestrian accident. Although pedestrian deaths have been declining in Louisiana, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), they remain a significant problem in cities like New Orleans, especially during inclement weather.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys urges you to drive carefully during the rain and keep an eye out for pedestrians. Please be aware of common car accident causes and integrate this knowledge into your driving habits. By exercising caution and being aware of others, we can increase New Orleans pedestrian safety together. Source: GHSA
Prepare for Inclement Weather
Statewide (November 20, 2020) – Although November has had relatively mild weather, temperatures in Louisiana are expected to drop soon. Winter, unfortunately, brings an increase in car accidents as well. According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), 5,399 traffic accidents occured in Louisiana due to wet, icy, and snowy conditions in 2019.
While Louisiana winters aren’t as harsh as those experienced by our neighbors up north, they can be deadly. Black ice is a particular concern throughout the state. If you or a loved one suffer an accident due to inclement weather, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Source: CARTS
Hurricane Zeta Expected on Wednesday
Statewide (October 26, 2020) – Hurricane Zeta is expected to hit Louisiana on Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued “hurricane watch,” while Gov. John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in advance of Hurricane Zeta. Heavy rain, damaging winds, and tornadoes have been forecasted.
Louisiana has been hit hard by hurricanes in 2020, causing numerous injuries and millions of dollars of property damage. Please follow our hurricane safety tips to avoid injuries and minimize damage. Remember, conditions after a hurricane are often unsafe, so please follow our post-hurricane safety guide as well. Contact us for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a hurricane or need help making an insurance claim. Source: NWS
Bars Allowed to Sell To-Go Alcohol
New Orleans (September 30, 2020) – Starting October 3, 2020, bars in New Orleans will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages to go and restaurants that serve alcohol may operate at 75% indoor capacity instead of 50%. With more people drinking in New Orleans, the potential for drinking while intoxicated and reckless driving is higher.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that people drink responsibly and avoid car accidents as New Orleans eases into the new normal. Please exercise caution if you’re going to drink or will be driving in areas with heavy bar activity. This is especially important over the next few weeks when many people will be unaccustomed to going to bars. Should you get hurt in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, please contact us as soon as possible. Source: AP
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
Accident Statistics
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
Traffic Deaths Increased in 2020, Despite Fewer Drivers
Statewide (March 5, 2021) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 11,260 people were killed in U.S. car accidents in the third quarter of 2020. That number represents a 13.1% increase over Q3 2019, despite there being fewer drivers on the road due to COVID-19. Louisiana showed a similar pattern, with 178 car crash fatalities in Q3 2019 and 189 in Q3 2020.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you that just because a road has fewer cars doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s safe. With fewer drivers on the road, some motorists use the opportunity to break speed limits. This makes things more dangerous for everyone on the road. If you’ve been injured because of a speeding driver, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: NHTSA
Motorcycle Driver Fatalities Down in 2020
Statewide (February 2, 2021) – Louisiana motorcycle accident fatalities were down in 2020, according to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS). The agency reported that 85 motorcycle drivers died in Louisiana accidents in 2019, while 73 died in 2020. The numbers reflect a decrease of 14.1%.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys strongly recommends that all motorcycle drivers know Louisiana bike and helmet laws. While it’s vital to be familiar with rules and regulations, it’s equally important to know motorcycle safety myths. With modern social media, it’s easy for bad information to spread, and that information could lead to an accident. Should you get into a motorcycle accident due to another party, please contact us immediately. Source: CARTS
Driver Fatalities Up in 2020
Statewide (January 13, 2021) – The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) reported that 508 drivers perished in car accidents in 2020. That figure represents an increase of 6.5% from 2019, which had 477 driver fatalities. However, the five-year trend is down 2.9%, as there was a large spike in drive deaths from 2016 to 2018.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds all motorists to drive safely and to always use a seat belt. By obeying all traffic laws, following posted speed limits, and properly using a seat belt, we can lower the number of driver fatalities in Louisiana. Source: CARTS
New Year’s Eve is the Most Dangerous Louisiana Holiday
Statewide (December 18, 2020) – The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) reported that there were 717 car accidents last New Year’s Eve in Louisiana. Alcohol was involved in 93 of the crashes, which is slightly over 13%. This makes New Year’s Eve, by far, the most dangerous holiday recorded by CARTS.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys urges you to drink responsibly and follow our New Year’s Eve safety tips. If possible, use a designated driver, rideshare service, or taxi for the holiday. Should get into a car accident or suffer any type of injury on New Year’s Eve, please be assured that our team is available to assist you. Source: CARTS
Bicycle Fatalities Up 32%
Statewide (November 6, 2020) – The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) projects that there will be 29 bicycle accident fatalities in 2020. This represents a 32% increase over 2019’s figure. More people in Louisiana are spending time biking due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, people new to biking may be unfamiliar with the roads and traffic laws.
If you’re relatively new to riding bicycles, please familiarize yourself with the common causes of bike accidents and make sure that you have the right safety equipment. Should you get into an accident through no fault of your own, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is available to assist you 24/7. Source: CARTS
51 Teen Fatalities in 2020
Statewide (October 23, 2020) – The Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) has reported that 51 Louisiana drivers under the age of 20 have died in car crashes this year. With this week being Teen Driver Safety Week, it’s important to make sure that your teens practice safe driving habits and follow all traffic laws. Arming teens with good information and instilling good habits will help them avoid a car accident.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you that many teen drivers learn by watching their parents. Please drive responsibly so that your children can learn safe driving techniques. Of course, some accidents are unavoidable. Should your teen suffer a car accident, contact us for prompt legal assistance. Source: CARTS
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
News
LADOTD Calls on Municipal Workers to Clean Litter
Statewide (March 31, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD) has started a “Take 10” challenge. Every day, LaDOTD crews will spend at least 10 minutes cleaning up litter on Louisiana roads. In addition to reducing bicycle accidents and car accidents caused by debris, the Take 10 initiative aims to reduce the $9-million spent by the state on litter removal. The LaDOTD calls on other parishes to make a similar effort.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys applauds the Take 10 program. Removing litter makes Louisiana safer and more beautiful. If you’d like to see your community participate in litter removal then contact your parish officials. Should you see any excessive litter or illegal dumpsites then call the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ anti-litter hotline at 888-548-7284. Source: LaDOTD
Two People Die Trying to Assist Car Crash Victim
Marrero (February 24, 2021) – Two people were killed while trying to assist a car accident victim on US 90B. Several people pulled over to aid a driver that was stuck on the road following a car crash. Unfortunately, an oncoming driver struck the crowd, injuring several pedestrians and killing two. New Orleans PD officers are currently investigating why the driver hit the crash scene.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys sends thoughts and prayers to the families of the car crash victims. It’s commendable that they took the time to try to help an endangered motorist. Should you see an accident on the road and do not plan to offer assistance, please drive around the scene carefully. Doing so will keep you, your passengers, the accident victims, and anyone offering assistance safe. Source: Fox 8
LDH COVID-19 Vaccine Expansion
Statewide (January 18, 2021) – The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced the expansion of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Seniors age 70 and older are eligible for the vaccine, as well as students, residents, faculty and staff of allied health schools. This is in addition to essential workers that were previously eligible. For the full list of people eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the LDH website.
Health officials strongly recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting the vaccine is believed to help limit the effects of the latest coronavirus strain. The LDH has a full list of medical facilities that are accepting vaccination appointments for your convenience. Source: LDH
Hurricane Cleanup Finished in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge (December 3, 2020) The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) announced that all hurricane debris has been removed from state roadways in East Baton Rouge Parish following the impact of Hurricane Delta. State employees removed more than 2,200 cubic yards of storm debris. The agency notes that there is still work to be done in other parishes.
While 2020’s hurricanes have been devastating to Louisiana residents, danger remains weeks after a storm has passed. If you live in an area where hurricane cleanup has not been completed, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you to follow proper post-hurricane safety. Should you get into a car accident caused by hurricane debris, do not hesitate to contact us for immediate assistance. Source: LaDOTD
Hurricane Delta Coming This Weekend
Statewide (October 6, 2020) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that Hurricane Delta will hit the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and is expected to reach Louisiana this weekend. According to Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach, the storm has intensified by 70 mph in 24 hours, making it the fastest strengthening for an October storm in the Atlantic since 2005.
Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys hopes that you and your family stay safe during Hurricane Delta. Please follow our hurricane safety guidelines to prepare your household. After the storm, please be aware of any post-hurricane dangers. If any family members were injured or your property was damaged because of Hurricane Delta, please contact us for assistance with filing an insurance claim. Source: NWS
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