Car accidents are nothing new in New Orleans. Everyone knows that they result in devastating injuries and leave victims with astronomical medical expenses and many concerns about the future. However, what many individuals do not realize is how prevalent these crashes actually are. Luckily, data about traffic accidents, fatalities, and injuries provide major insight into these New Orleans car crashes. Why is this so important? Because not only do these reports help traffic accident victims figure out how much compensation they deserve. But they also help you to understand what causes these major car accidents and what you need to do to stay safe next time you head out in the Big Easy.
New Orleans Motor Vehicle Accidents- The Breakdown
Unfortunately, pedestrians, motorists, and passengers are injured every day across Louisiana, with most of these traffic accidents happening on New Orleans roads. No matter how safe you think you are being, it does not prevent someone else from losing control of their motor vehicle or committing a negligent act that may end up hurting you.
According to the 2019 Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Traffic Safety Data Report:
- There was a total of 44,551 auto accident injury crashes in Louisiana, which resulted in 72,582 individuals being hurt.
- In Orleans Parish, there were 6,297 auto accidents, which resulted in injuries to 10,407 individuals.
From January through September 2020, the Traffic Safety Data Report also indicated that:
- There was a total of 24,501 auto accident injury crashes in Louisiana, which resulted in 39,220 individuals being hurt.
- In Orleans Parish, there were 2,981 auto accidents, which resulted in injuries to 4,860 individuals.
New Orleans Auto Accident Statistics Compared to Other Louisiana Parishes
New Orleans is ranked as the number one parish in Louisiana when it comes to the most motor vehicle accidents that result in an injury. Unfortunately, New Orleans is known to have many one-way roads, bridges, and long stretches of roadway that do not have a shoulder. Consequently, these elements play a critical role in the resulting traffic accidents. As many times when these vehicle crashes happen, motorists cannot move out of the way, and additional vehicle accidents occur.
Motor Vehicle Accidents- Who are the Victims?
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Traffic Safety Data Report can sort data of those injured in a traffic accident into three different categories: passengers, pedestrians, and motorists. Based on this data, in 2019, the Traffic Safety Data indicated that in New Orleans, there were:
- 6,677 drivers who were injured
- 3,304 passengers who were injured
- 426 pedestrians who were injured
From January through September 2020, there were:
- 3,242 drivers who were injured
- 1,467 passengers who were injured
- 151 pedestrians who were injured
As you can see, data from both years indicates that motorists have the highest probability of suffering a fatality or injury in a motor vehicle crash in New Orleans. However, overall, the figures also show that these traffic accidents result in a significant number of passengers and pedestrians getting hurt on an annual basis.
Alcohol and New Orleans Traffic Accidents
New Orleans is known for its many residents, as well as its booming tourism. This means that thousands of people fill Bourbon Street on a consistent basis. Ready to explore New Orleans and the fun that it is known for. Sadly, this “fun” often leads to numerous motor vehicle accidents in New Orleans because of drunk driving. According to the 2019 LSU Data Report, alcohol resulted in 16 fatal motor vehicle crashes and 433 motor vehicle crashes involving an injury in New Orleans. The same report also indicated that from January 2020 through September 2020, alcohol has already caused eight fatal motor vehicle crashes and 144 motor vehicle crashes involving an injury. As you can see, alcohol plays a devastating role in many of New Orleans’ motor vehicle accidents.
Other Factors Contributing to Traffic Accidents in New Orleans
Alcohol is not the only factor that results in these New Orleans traffic accidents. In fact, research continues to show that the other major contributing factors that comprise almost 78% of all fatal crashes in the state include:
- Distracted Driving: This type of driving is nothing new. Eating, looking out the window, or simply not paying attention causes any driver to get distracted. However, with today’s technology, distracted driving has become worse than ever. Many people in New Orleans are continually texting and driving or looking down at their screens, which results in some major accidents.
- Safety Belts: Wearing your safety belts saves lives. Yet, studies nationwide have indicated that almost 47% of those killed in a car accident were not wearing a seat belt. Sadly, this issue seems to be a common problem in New Orleans as well.
- Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, ignoring traffic signs, and weaving in and out of traffic are signs of aggressive driving. Regrettably, when motorists in New Orleans decide to commit these reckless actions, significant traffic accidents occur.
Car Accident Statistics in New Orleans- What It Boils Down To
Even though many of these traffic accident statistics look grim, they are not meant to scare you from exploring the beautiful sights and streets of New Orleans. Instead, they are there to help you understand what you need to watch out for and how to stay safe amidst the crowded New Orleans streets filled with cars, trucks, taxis, and thousands of strolling individuals.
However, if you or a loved one finds themselves in a traffic accident in New Orleans, you need to find an attorney that you can trust. The legal team at Allan Berger & Associates not only has the experience and knowledge to take on these serious New Orleans traffic accidents, but we are here to also provide you with the help, answers, and understanding you need. Do not wait any longer. Contact Allan Berger & Associates today, or call us at 504-526-2222. Let us get you the justice you deserve.
