Blog Layout

What Are the Odds of Dying in a Car Crash in Louisiana?

Jul 08, 2021

It’s a morbid question, but it’s one that’s crossed the minds of many drivers and passengers: what are the chances of dying in a car accident? A quick Google search will give you an array of answers. For example, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported as of 2019 that the average American’s lifetime odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 107. Those odds are calculated by using mortality, population, and life expectancy data from sources like the National Center for Health Statistics, the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program, and the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Chances of Dying in a Car Accident in Your Lifetime

1 in 107 are simple, comprehensible odds to the human brain. In essence, it means that during your lifetime, you have about a 0.9% chance of dying in a car crash. To put that into perspective, your chances of dying as a result of heart disease or cancer are 16.7% and 14.9%, respectively. 

According to the NSC, you are more likely to die because of chronic lower respiratory disease, suicide, opioid overdose, or a slip and fall than in a car accident. Still, traffic accidents are among the top eight most common causes of death in America.

Odds of Dying in a Car Crash In a Given Year

When you zero in on different aspects of the data regarding fatal automobile crashes, the odds can vary quite dramatically. For example, if instead of focusing on your lifetime odds of dying in a wreck, you focus on the chances of dying in a car crash in a given year, you’ll find that the odds increase significantly in your favor.

In 2019, there were 39,107 people killed in car crashes out of a total U.S. population of 328, 239,523 people. Therefore, the average American had about 1 in 8,393 odds of being killed in a car crash that year—in other words, only a 0.012% chance.

Chances of Being Killed in a Car Wreck in Louisiana

It’s important to note that the odds presented by the National Safety Council reflect your overall chances of being killed in a car crash in the U.S. For more in-depth data on fatal accidents in the state of Louisiana, we turned to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data tables published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to those statistics, 727 people died in Louisiana car accidents out of a population of 4,649,000 people in 2019. The average Louisiana resident, then, had a 1 in 6,395 chance of dying in a car accident in 2019. 

Without access to additional mortality data for the state of Louisiana, we can’t say what the lifetime odds of dying in a car accident are. We can, however, extrapolate that drivers and occupants in New Orleans and elsewhere in Louisiana were 31.2% more likely to die in a car accident in 2019 than the average American. And when it comes to sobering car accident statistics, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Fatal Accidents Account for Just 1.5% of All Injury Crashes

The good news is that by wearing a seat belt, following traffic laws, avoiding driving under the influence, and keeping distractions out of your vehicle, the risk of dying in a car crash can be mitigated. The bad news? Being injured in a car accident is still a strikingly common occurrence.

There were 727 people killed in Louisiana car accidents in 2019. But according to the Louisiana Traffic Records Data Report 2019, that figure is a drop in the bucket compared to the total number of people injured in car accidents in 2019, which clocked in at 72,500. 

That’s equivalent to nearly 200 people injured in accidents every day for the entire year. In total, as many as 1 in 64 Louisianans were injured in a car accident in 2019.

Injured in a Car Accident in Louisiana? Call Mike Brandner

The consequences of fatal car accidents are undeniably devastating. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys has worked with many grieving family members who have lost their loved ones to wrongful death resulting from a car accident. In addition, our personal injury lawyers have represented countless victims who suffered injuries in automobile accidents. Even for those who recover from their injuries, moving forward after a crash can be difficult. Mounting medical bills, and lost wages, plus pain and suffering can take a major toll on accident victims and their families.

That’s why Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys is available 24/7 to provide legal assistance to those who have been injured in a car, motorcycle, or large truck accident in Louisiana. You could be entitled to significant compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company. Of course, insurance companies may not always want to pay their fair share. Our legal team can help you gather evidence, pinpoint the optimal legal strategy for your unique case, and negotiate a fair settlement.

Recent Posts

24 Jan, 2024
Specializing In Motorcycle Accident Injury
09 Jan, 2024
Get legal answers when you need them most.
30 Oct, 2023
Multi-car pile-ups are devastating events which can result in significant property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. The aftermath of these wrecks yield complex legal issues which can overwhelm the parties involved. This blog post will detail the legal technicalities of these wrecks to shed light on what the following steps should look like after a multi-car pile-up. Determining liability is a pivotal aspect of handling legalities post-wreck. Though important, liability is not always straightforward, as multiple factors can contribute to the wreck. Some factors include but are not limited to: Negligence: It is possible for one or more drivers to be found negligent while driving. Negligence implies that a driver breached their duty of care and focus while driving. Common examples of negligence in multi-car pile-ups include speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving. Multiple At-Fault Parties: In multi-car pile-ups, it is possible that multiple drivers are at fault. Comparative negligence laws can come into play, which may affect the distribution of financial responsibility among the involved parties. Dealing with insurance companies post-wreck can be stressful due to the intricacies of plans, laws, and limits. Here are some things to consider about insurance coverage after a multi-car pile-up. Insurance Limits: Each driver involved in the pile-up will have their own insurance policy, and the amount of coverage can vary from person to person. This can impact the ability to recover and rectify damages, especially if the at-fault driver’s policy has insufficient coverage. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, there is a clause in multiple insurance companies that still offers the injured parties financial protection. Injuries in multi-car pile-ups can range from minor to severe. Victims can pursue personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Here are some important points to consider: Medical Documentation: Gathering comprehensive medical records is a crucial step for securing substantial personal injury claims. These records establish the extent of the injuries and confirm their connection to the wreck. Statute of Limitations (known as “Prescription” in Louisiana): Different jurisdictions have different time limits regarding when personal injury claims must be filed. Missing the deadline can result in forfeiting the right to seek compensation. Collecting Evidence Collecting evidence is essential to support any legal claim arising from a multi-car pile-up. This evidence may include: a. Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can be invaluable in reconstructing the wreck and establishing liability. b. Wreck Reports: Police reports and official wreck documentation can provide a critical foundation for legal proceedings. c. Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence, such as photos and videos of the wreck scene and damaged vehicles, can help recreate the sequence of events. Dealing with the legal aftermath of multi-car pile-ups can be stressful, confusing, and challenging. Seeking legal representation is often advisable, as experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process. An attorney could also negotiate with insurance companies and represent your interests in court, if necessary. Multi-car pile-ups are fraught with legal complexities, and understanding these issues is vital for anyone involved. From determining liability to navigating insurance coverage, pursuing personal injury claims, and collecting evidence, there are numerous aspects to consider. To protect your rights and interests, consider consulting with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal maze and work towards a fair resolution. If you need an attorney with extensive experience in multi-car wrecks, give us a call at (985) 345-1111 (Hammond Office) or (504) 345-1111 (Metairie Office).
By Faysal Tay 02 Oct, 2023
What To Do Near Me For Halloween
Share by: