New Orleans Archives - Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys

Accident Causes

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

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
Accident Statistics

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

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
News

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

Hospitality Venues Allowed 100% Capacity

New Orleans (April 29, 2021) – Starting Friday April 30, restaurants, bars, and other hospitality-driven businesses in New Orleans can operate at 100% capacity. City officials hope that the openings will help businesses return to pre-pandemic levels. However, they also note that businesses can still require the use of masks. New Orleans Health Department Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno said, “There is no national public health organization or leading experts that recommend the full removal of masks right now.”

Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys reminds you that while our great city will be more open than it has been in over a year, following COVID-19 safety tips is crucial. State health officials noted that a Brazillian variant of COVID-19 has been found in Louisiana and it may be linked to more severe cases of infection. Source: AP

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