Can You Recover Compensation after an Uber Accident?

Posted on by bradeg

Uber rideshare services are generally safe, but accidents happen. A common question about Uber accidents is when does Uber cover accident damages? Can you recover your losses and damages in an Uber claim or lawsuit? 

While Uber may cover your damages in some situations, the company has a financial interest in paying as little as possible. Keep reading to learn more, then contact Egenberg Trial Lawyers if you have questions. 

Uber Insurance Overview

Uber is required to carry insurance to cover accidents and pay accident victims, in some cases. This policy can cover as much as $1 million in damages. However, the coverage varies widely depending on when and how the Uber accident happened. So sometimes, you can’t rely on Uber to cover your medical bills and other damages. 

Uber’s insurance policy details three time periods based on what the Uber driver was doing when the accident happened: 

  • Not available: This is when the Uber driver uses their car for personal driving. They aren’t logged into their Uber app. If you are hit by an Uber driver who is ‘not on the clock,’ then the driver’s personal auto insurance is in effect. 
  • Available; If the Uber driver is logged into the app on their phone, can take riders, but isn’t doing an active ride, the primary auto insurance is the driver’s. But Uber will cover an extra $50,000 per injury. So the maximum payout is $100,000, plus $25,000 for property damage if the driver’s personal auto insurance maxes out. 
  • Available and has a passenger: The driver is working an active ride request and has picked up the rider. In this case, Uber’s $1 million auto insurance policy is in effect. 

In periods two and three above, Uber offers the following coverage for Uber drivers in an accident: 

  • Liability: If you are driving for Uber with an active rider and someone hits you, the Uber $1 million policy is in effect. 
  • Underinsured and uninsured coverage: If you are hit while driving for Uber, the company offers coverage if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance. 
  • Collision and comprehensive: Uber provides Uber drivers with this coverage if another driver hits them. However, collision and comprehensive coverage have a $2500 deductible. 

If you are an Uber driver, coverage gaps leave you with out-of-pocket expenses in an accident. Insurance experts advise having at least $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per person and $300,000 per incident. 

If you are an injured passenger, note that Uber is notorious for denying coverage even if you were hurt during the third period. Also, the driver’s personal auto insurance may not pay because they were driving for Uber. These cases can be complicated, and having a skilled personal injury attorney in your corner is vital to fight for you. 

Injured In An Uber Accident? Contact Egenberg Trial Lawyers Today! 

If you were hurt in an Uber Accident, you may be able to recover compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Egenberg Trial Lawyers may be able to help. Contact us today at (504) 229-2863. 

 

What is UM/UIM Insurance?

Posted on by bradeg

The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that 11.7 percent of drivers in Louisiana are uninsured, meaning that there is a roughly one in 10 chance that the person you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with will have the necessary automobile insurance to cover any damages. You always want to contact an experienced New Orleans car accident attorney after any car crash, especially if the other driver was uninsured. 

 

While Louisiana does not require drivers to maintain uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, it does require insurers to include uninsured motorist coverage in insurance packages unless the coverage is explicitly rejected in writing by the buyer. While UM and UIM are optional, they are often recommended for your own protection and you should still seek the help of a lawyer when dealing with a UM or UIM claim, even when you did have either form of coverage.

 

Defining UM and UIM Coverage

Uninsured motorist or UM claims arise in Louisiana car accidents when at-fault drivers have no coverage or cannot be identified, such as when an at-fault motorist flees the scene of a crash (commonly known as a hit and run). A Louisiana State Police (LSP) crash report should contain the name, address, and driver’s license or permit number of all drivers involved, registration numbers and license plate numbers of any vehicles involved, and all relevant insurance information for all of the drivers involved.

 

Underinsured motorist or UIM claims arise in Louisiana crashes when the at-fault motorist does not have a sufficient amount of insurance coverage. This may mean that the injuries or damages from an accident are more than the amount of coverage available, and a UIM claim could be filed to pursue the damages that may include medical bills, pain and suffering, or other damages that cannot be recovered from the at-fault motorist.

 

UM and UIM Claims

While you might believe that simply having UM or UIM insurance will be sufficient in ensuring you can recover all of the money you need and deserve, you really should not place that much faith in an insurance company, even your own. In an uninsured motorist scenario, there will be a conflict of interest between you and the insurance company, making legal representation critical.

 

The result for many people can be exceptional challenges just in getting approval for basic claims. The entire process can be extremely distressing for individuals who have been paying monthly premiums on time and being good customers, but insurers often take adversarial roles because they are always trying to limit expenditures for their companies.

 

One of the most common reasons insurance companies reject claims is because of missed deadlines, which makes it critical for you to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. If you delay too long, you could end up forfeiting your right to recover any compensation.

 

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney

Have you been involved in a car crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver in the greater New Orleans area? Egenberg Trial Lawyers can work to help you recover all of the financial compensation that you are entitled to.

 

Our firm can immediately step in and take control of your case so you will not have to worry about dealing with any insurance company or negotiating a settlement on your own. You can call (504) 229-3117 or contact us online for a free consultation that will allow us to take a long look at the details of your case and provide advice about what you can do next to take the steps toward a complete recovery.

Risks Associated with Summer Road Trips

Posted on by bradeg

Summertime is an ideal time of the year for people to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and pleasant weather. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of year in which people find themselves hurt in a number of different kinds of accidents that only become more common during the warmer months because there are more people partaking in activities and increasing the likelihood of possible injury risks.

People hurt during summertime accidents must be quick to seek legal representation for assistance with injury claims so they can know that they will be taken care of and receive all appropriate treatment for their injuries. A New Orleans personal injury attorney will make a world of difference for any person who sustains serious injuries in a summertime accident.

 

Car Accidents

When we are talking about summer road trips, driving will be inherent to traveling. Being on the road thus increases the chances of injuries in car accidents.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) report that teenage crash deaths were most frequent during the summer months of June, July, and August in 2020. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2020 shows that June, July, and August were the three months with the highest percentages of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.

In addition to higher rates of alcohol-impaired drivers on the road in the summer, there is also just the matter of driver fatigue. Hotter conditions make people more likely to become dehydrated and thus feel the effects of trying to operate motor vehicles in hotter conditions that can lead to accidents.

 

Pool and Spa Injuries

Swimming pool accidents can include drownings and near-drownings, entrapments or entanglements, diving board or slide injuries, slip and fall accidents, and malfunctioning electrical systems. Owners of public or private swimming pools can both be liable for negligence when they fail to maintain safe swimming pools.

Injury victims in these cases often have premises liability claims against pool or spa owners, but you need to be aware that both pool or spa owners and their insurance companies are very likely to deny liability for any accident and will instead claim you were somehow responsible for your accident. For this reason, it is critical for any swimming pool or spa accident victim to quickly seek legal representation for assistance fighting to recover adequate damages.

 

Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents

The summer months are incredibly popular times of year for more people to ride bikes, some with motors and some without. Either two-wheeled ride can be incredibly dangerous because all bikes will still have to deal with motor vehicle traffic at some point.

Many drivers are simply not paying attention to take appropriate notice of bikes, so there is always an increased risk of accidents for people on motorcycles and traditional bicycles. Worse yet, individuals riding bikes often have much less protection in accident scenarios, meaning they are much more likely to suffer potentially catastrophic injuries.

 

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney

If you or your loved one suffers injuries in any kind of summertime accident in New Orleans, be quick to hire a lawyer for assistance in holding the negligent party accountable. Egenberg Trial Lawyers know how common these kinds of accidents can be and fights to make sure that victims are able to recover full and fair compensation for their injuries.

Our firm will be able to conduct our own independent investigation into your accident to help prove liability and take the appropriate steps to recove3r adequate damages that actually cover all of the costs you incur because of your accident. You can call (504) 229-2853 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation so we can sit down with you and learn everything about your case before working to make sure that you are taken care of.

Three Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands During an Auto Accident

Posted on by bradeg

The car accident remains one of, if not the most common kind of accident a person could find themselves being the victim of in New Orleans, but many people are not familiar with the proper steps to take following an automobile crash. You need to be aware of some of the many dangers inherent in trying to handle a car accident claim by yourself because the bottom line is that many people end up leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

Always make sure that you quickly retain legal counsel for assistance with any kind of automobile accident claim so you can avoid the three common mistakes we will outline in this post. You will want to have a New Orleans personal injury attorney on your side so you can know that you are taking the appropriate steps to recover as much financial compensation as possible.

Failing To Seek Medical Attention

Some people believe they are fine after a crash and decline any offers to get medical reviews for possible injuries. It is always a mistake not to go to a hospital after a crash because you thus have no record of treatment for any injuries that you may end up claiming later.

The bottom line is that you should visit a hospital after any accident, even when you do not think you were hurt. Remember that many insurance companies will not offer anything when there is no record of medical attention, but they will quickly try to settle cases when a person does have medical records to back their claims.

Accepting The First Settlement Offer You Receive

Many people are not used to being offered lump sums of money to resolve their automobile accident cases, and the size of settlement offers can often be appealing so the same people will be quick to accept the offers because they fear that this could be the only offer they will receive. You need to know that you always have the right to reject these overtures because a lawyer can probably negotiate for a much bigger amount.

Even if a settlement offer sounds like it will be enough to cover all of the bills you are currently facing, you need to ask yourself if the amount will be enough to cover all of the future bills as well because chances are likely that you are going to continue to accumulate medical bills as you continue to seek coverage for your injuries. The major problem with agreeing to settle a case is that you will also be releasing the at-fault party from any further liability, so you cannot try to recoup any more money from that party after the settlement even if you amass more bills because of your injuries.

Talking To The Insurance Company Without An Attorney

Some people do not see the harm in speaking to an insurance company about their accidents because they believe they are only sharing their sides of the story, which they believe are as accurate as possible. The problem here is that insurance companies engage in a number of tricks designed to get people to make statements that ultimately hurt their cases.

When you are contacted by any insurance company after a car accident, always decline to say anything until you have legal representation. An attorney is going to know how to deal with an insurer on your behalf and limit your exposure so you do not have to worry about saying anything that could ultimately cost you money.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney

If you or your loved one sustains severe injuries in an automobile accident in the greater New Orleans area, you are going to want to be sure that you have a skilled lawyer working with you to recover full and fair compensation. Egenberg Trial Lawyers handles all kinds of car accident claims and makes sure that you are able to receive all of the medical treatment you will need to make a full recovery.

Our firm can provide diligent representation in these manners by fully investigating the cause of the crash and then working with experts to establish why another party was at fault and should be held liable for all the damages resulting from the accident. We invite you to call (504) 229-2853 or contact us online so you can receive a free consultation that will allow us to take a closer look at your case and outline all of the next steps you should take.

What You Need to Know about Hiring a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer: Part 2

Posted on by bradeg

The issue is that you have to prove what they did to cause the accident. Car accident evidence is not always easy to gather, especially because you may be dealing with injuries at the scene. 

An experienced attorney can get to work immediately, gathering the evidence that you need to prove liability. They can handle the details and all the tasks that you cannot, both because you are injured and do not know the car accident legal system. 

Your Damages in a Louisiana Car Accident 

 

Louisiana car crashes can be expensive. Not only are there prohibitive medical bills, but you also have other economic and non-economic costs. These damages do not even account for the experience that you have endured since the accident. One 2010 study placed the average per person cost of moderate car accident injuries at $123,000 per person. For accidents with severe injuries, the cost goes well beyond $400,000. These figures do not account for lost of quality of life, and they also do not factor in a decade’s worth of inflation. 

 

In any car accident case, you are entitled to the following damages:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage
  • Emotional trauma 
  • Wrongful death damages for your family (if your loved one died in the accident)

 

Insurance Companies Will Make Your Life More Difficult

 

The insurance company does not want to pay you for the full value of your damages. What makes things even more complicated is that many Louisiana drivers carry the minimum amount of insurance since policies are so expensive in the state. Therefore, you may need to deal with your own auto insurance company using your underinsured motorist coverage (assuming you have it). Your own insurance company will not be any fairer with you than the other driver’s insurer. Customer service does not extend to fully and fairly paying claims.

 

You Can Always Reject a Low Settlement Offer

 

You have the legal right to say no to a settlement offer that does not fully pay for your damages. You can always continue to negotiate with the insurance company. If you cannot reach a settlement, you can always have your day in court, where a judge or jury will decide your case. At Egenberg Trial Lawyers, we will work for you to obtain the highest possible settlement or award after your car accident. These funds are money that you need to pay your bills and compensate you for the harm caused to you by someone else’s carelessness. 

 

Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer Today

 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you need a sensible and determined attorney. At Egenberg Trial Lawyers, we will handle your case with care and compassion while we fight for you against anyone who would try to cut your compensation. To schedule your free initial consultation, call us today at (504) 229-5700 or contact us online. Do not delay in calling a lawyer because it can hurt your legal case. 

What You Need to Know about Hiring a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer: Part 1

Posted on by bradeg

Someone else’s bad day or questionable judgment can have a permanent impact on your life. All it takes is being in the wrong place at the wrong time for a split second for things to change. Before you can even receive financial compensation for a car accident, you need to prove that someone else was responsible for the crash. Then, you must haggle with the insurance company to get all the money that you deserve. Neither of these is an easy thing for families dealing with car accident injuries. Dealing with an insurance company is not something that you should attempt to do on your own. 

You Can Hire a Lawyer Without Money from Your Pocket

The one thing that you have going for you in the car accident legal process is that you can hire an experienced attorney without having to pay any money upfront. You can leave the details of your case to us, and we will do the heavy lifting, helping you make the decisions that can put you in the best position to receive financial compensation. 

There are reasons why car insurance costs a small fortune in Louisiana. One is that the state ranks in the upper third in the country for fatal auto accidents. Wrongful death claims are expensive for auto insurance companies because of the extensive damages that families suffer. 

Why New Orleans Roads Are Getting More Dangerous

Road safety in Louisiana is getting worse, as it is in the rest of the country. Here are some of the common causes of car crashes in Louisiana:

 

  • Aggressive driving – this problem has gotten worse, especially since the start of the pandemic, as people have gotten used to driving with fewer cars on the road
  • Distracted driving – motorists simply will not put down their mobile devices to concentrate on the road, even though it is harshly punished in Louisiana
  • Drunk driving – Louisiana has a higher than national average rate of drunk drivers who have a blood alcohol level between .08 and .14
  • Inexperienced drivers – it takes a level of experience to handle New Orleans roads that many drivers do not have

 

Examples of Car Accident Negligence

 

In any car crash, you must prove that the other driver did something wrong. The mere fact that the crash happened is not enough evidence to put you in a position to receive financial compensation. You need to show that the other driver was negligent. Not everything that a driver does in an accident is considered negligent. It will only be negligence if the driver departs from the standard of care.

 

Here are some examples of things that could be considered negligence:

 

  • Not looking before changing lanes and sideswiping a driver
  • Running a red light or a stop sign
  • Causing an accident while speeding
  • Aggressively weaving in and out of traffic

 

The other driver would be liable whether they were reckless or negligent. 

 

Stay tuned for Part II of this blog series.

 

Why Does Louisiana Have the Second-Most Expensive Car Insurance Rates? Part 2

Posted on by bradeg

You should continuously look at other insurance policies in an effort to save money. 

Louisiana roads are also not in a very good state of repair, raising the risks of accidents. Michigan, the state with the highest insurance rates, is known for the terrible shape of its roads. Urban highways and roads in the New Orleans area are poorly designed and engineered, and many have fallen into a state of disrepair. The state’s gasoline tax is supposed to fund road repairs, but the state consistently falls short in the collections arena. 

 

Louisiana Roads Make Driving More Difficult

 

In addition, because the state has lower income levels and very powerful oil companies doing business here, Louisiana does not charge a very high gasoline tax. The .20 cents per gallon tax is one of the lowest in the United States. The lower collections mean that Louisiana does not have much money to spend on highway projects, and the roads get progressively more dangerous each year. Potholes and poor pavement conditions can cause drivers to lose control of their cars or steer suddenly to evade a road defect. 

 

Distracted Driving Jacks Up Insurance Rates

 

Louisiana is also known as a state with a particularly bad distracted driving problem. In 2020, there were over 23,000 people injured in the state because of distracted driving crashes. The state has the fifth-highest fatality rate for distracted driving crashes per billion miles traveled, meaning there are more crashes, and they are more severe. 

 

The state has tough laws for distracted driving and regularly runs awareness campaigns to rein in the illegal behavior, but neither seems to be working. In fact, the problem seems to be getting worse. When a driver looks down to send a text, they can travel the entire length of a football field before they return their eyes to the road. Distracted driving crashes happen at hour speeds, and they are more dangerous because the driver cannot take evasive actions. A prevalence of distracted driving crashes means that insurance companies pay out more in claims and have to charge higher prices on their policies.

 

Minimum Coverage Makes Your Claim More Complex

 

Because insurance is so expensive and many drivers have minimum coverage, your auto insurance claim may be more complex. You may need to file a claim against your own policy under your underinsured motorist coverage. When you have to deal with two insurance companies, you will have to negotiate even more intensively to get enough money to pay for your damages. Then, you may also need to turn to the courts to get sufficient compensation for your injuries.

 

Call a New Orleans Auto Accident Attorney

 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you need an attorney. Egenberg Trial Lawyers works for Louisiana residents who have been hurt by someone else’s carelessness or recklessness behind the wheel. You can send us a message online or call us at (504) 229-5700 to schedule your free initial consultation. You owe us nothing unless we are able to help you win your case. 

 

Why Does Louisiana Have the Second-Most Expensive Car Insurance Rates? Part I

Posted on by bradeg

If you have shopped for car insurance in Louisiana, you have learned one thing very fast; auto insurance policies in the state are very expensive. In fact, Louisiana ranks as the second-most expensive state in the entire country for auto insurance. One study found that the state ranked only behind Michigan for cost, with Pelican State residents paying 46% higher than the national average for a policy. Because of the cost of policies in the state, many Louisiana drivers break the law and drive without insurance.

 

Here is a candid look at why insurance costs so much in Louisiana. There are many unfortunate realities for Louisiana drivers. All of these combine to make you pay more for your car insurance policy. 

 

Judges Often Rule in Favor of Small Claimants in Car Accident Cases

 

The Louisiana legal system, in part, dictates why policies are more expensive. In Louisiana, you can only request a jury trial if the amount in controversy is over $50,000. Many auto insurance lawsuits are for amounts smaller than that number. Those who cannot request a jury trial can still have their day in court, but a judge will decide the case instead of a jury. Many judges in Louisiana are elected officials, and there is a better chance that they may side with constituents whose votes they need in the next election. The irony is that the reason why you may have a better chance of receiving auto accident compensation is the same reason why you are paying more for your auto insurance policy. 

 

Insurance Companies Have Negative Impressions of Louisiana

 

For whatever reason, insurance companies are also suspicious of the state in general. Because insurance is so expensive, many motorists opt for the minimum amount of coverage to operate a vehicle. Insurance companies need to charge enough to make it worth their while to operate in the state. They raise prices on both the minimum policies, and they force other drivers with larger policies to subsidize the costs. Since many drivers do not have insurance and others drive with low coverage, the state, in general, gets a negative stigma. Auto insurance companies set rates to make money. If there is something that they can use to their own advantage, they certainly will. 

 

You would think that many insurance companies would want to operate in Louisiana because they could charge more. However, it is the other way around. Fewer companies want to do business in Louisiana, so the ones who are in the state get to charge higher premiums. Less competition means that companies have more pricing power. 

 

Some Insurance Companies Charge Too Much

 

In some cases, insurance companies are simply overcharging, and people are paying more than they have to for car insurance. In fact, State Farm recently announced that they were cutting rates for some Louisiana drivers. Motorists may simply need to shop around and compare prices more, rather than just accept the first rate that they are offered. 

 

Stay tuned for Part II of this blog series.

 

 

WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT: 10 STEPS TO TAKE

Posted on by bradeg

What you do in the days, weeks and months after a car accident could determine whether you are able to receive a settlement check and the size of your payment. You should act according to a plan, as difficult as it may seem when you are dealing with physical injuries. Hiring an experienced attorney is one way to ensure that you take the proper steps and do not make any mistakes. Here are ten steps to take after a car accident to protect both your health and legal rights. 

 

See a Doctor

In many cases, your car accident injuries are apparent at the time of the crash. Even after you receive initial treatment, you must have a comprehensive diagnosis in order to begin the claims process. In other cases, your accident injuries may only begin to show symptoms in the days or weeks afterwards. In either event, you should be diligent about seeking medical help as necessary. If you think that there is even a slight possibility that you could have been injured, you should see a doctor. It is always better safe than sorry. 

 

Follow All Treatment Recommendations

Not only is following doctor’s orders good for your health, it is also a must for your legal case. You can expect that the insurance company will review your medical records to see what you have been doing since the accident. If they see you not getting prescriptions filled or missing therapy appointments, they will begin to question your injuries. They may claim that you are not taking the necessary steps to mitigate your own damages. 

 

Preserve All Evidence

Before you can talk dollars, you must prove that someone else was liable. If you have any evidence in your possession, you must preserve it for use as part of your claim or lawsuit. Once you lose the evidence, it can be gone forever. If you have any photos, make copies and keep them in a safe place. Give what you have in your possession to your attorney for safekeeping. 

 

Stay Organized

Your attorney needs to have all the paperwork organized, so they can present the strongest claim possible. In addition, you should remain on top of appointments and deadlines because that could affect your claim. Staying organized is a must, even though it is difficult. You have many things going on at the time, but disorganization can cost you money and add to your stress.

 

Document Your Damages

Your claim or lawsuit must not only prove that the other driver was responsible for your injuries, but it must also show exactly how you have been injured to be paid for it. You have a far better chance of getting top dollar when you can clearly describe your damages in the wake of the accident. You should keep track of things such as bills, lost wages and your pain and suffering because they will all be a part of your claim. 

 

Begin the Claims Process Quickly

In Louisiana, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after your car accident injuries. If you miss the deadline, you may lose the right to sue forever. While you should not rush to file a claim before you are completely ready to do so, you should at least begin the process quickly. If you delay, you could lose valuable evidence that could help prove your case. The legal process takes time, and your case does not move more quickly just because you have started later and need the money. 

 

Contact a Lawyer

Calling an experienced lawyer is perhaps the most important step that you can take after an accident outside taking care of your physical health. The legal process can be challenging, and there are many details to handle. Insurance companies can make your life difficult, taking advantage of you to try to save money. An experienced attorney makes your life easier by handling the legal process for you. They can maximize your recovery by standing up for you when necessary in the face of the insurance company’s stinginess. 

 

Do Not Talk About Your Accident

The more you say about your accident to others, the more of a chance that things that undercut your claim could get back to the insurance company. They could be checking on your social media, or even hiring people to follow you, to see if you are as injured as you say. In addition, if anyone calls you to talk about the accident, you should be very suspicious. The other driver’s insurance company could be trying to trick you into making an admission that could hurt your arguments about liability. 

 

Stand Up for Your Legal Rights

If you are not getting what you deserve, you have every right and ability to fight for your legal right to receive full compensation when someone else is to blame for the accident. You always have the ability to say no when you receive an inadequate settlement offer. In the end, a jury can decide your case, and an insurance company does not have absolute power to dictate whether you get money and how much you get. If you need to fight, an experienced attorney knows how to handle the insurance company.

 

Be Patient

Things do not happen overnight in the legal process. It could take months, or even more than a year, to get your money. A claim may require multiple offers and counteroffers to reach a settlement agreement. If you file a lawsuit, it could take years from start to finish. In order to get the most possible money, you may need to wait out the insurance company. They will not write you the check that you deserve right off the bat without being pushed. That is where an aggressive attorney will help you. 

 

Call a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer

One of the most important calls that you can make is to an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will guide you through the process as you seek the money that you deserve. At Egenberg Trial Lawyers, our job is to stand up for you. Contact us online or call us today at (504) 229-5700 to schedule your free initial consultation. Hiring a lawyer can give you peace of mind when things seem so chaotic. 

Why are Fatal Crash Rates Climbing in Louisiana?

Posted on by bradeg

In Louisiana, like the rest of the country, people are driving far more dangerously these days. This statement is not just a scare tactic. It is backed up by the numbers. Reckless driving has increased sharply since the start of the pandemic. Less traffic on the roads and more room have caused people to take far more chances than they did previously.

 

The Pandemic Has Caused an Increase in Reckless Driving

 

It is a fair statement to say that drivers have gone from bad to worse over the past several years. Louisiana roadways were always a dangerous place. Now, the average accident in the state is far worse than it was. 

 

In addition, there is a perception that law enforcement has backed off of enforcing some traffic laws. For a time, some police officers did not want face-to-face interaction with motorists out of fear of contracting COVID-19. Some drivers got the feeling that normal rules in society were suspended during the pandemic. There has been an overall breakdown of societal norms that lead some drivers to the impression that rules do not apply to them. As a result, they make conscious choices that endanger other drivers. In general, it feels like there is less civility and regard for others, and that extends to the roadways. 

 

Drivers have also increased other extremely dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. It is difficult to say whether it is because of the pandemic or a general disregard for safety. Despite the fact that Louisiana has strict seatbelt laws, law enforcement has noted an increase in drivers disobeying these laws. In addition, not wearing a seatbelt can take a moderate car crash and turn it into a severe one. Some drivers may not follow seatbelt laws, and that increases the chances that a serious injury becomes a fatal one. 

 

Tougher Drunk Driving Laws Have Not Worked

 

Further, drunk and impaired driving is also up throughout the state. Alcohol is a factor in 40% of auto accident fatalities in Louisiana. The state has passed new laws that toughen the penalties for drunk driving, but there is still much progress to be made. The pandemic has made the problem of drunk driving far worse because people drink at home and get on the roads. 

 

Distracted Driving Is increasing Because of Smartphones

 

Distracted driving has also caused fatality rates to soar. Distracted driving crashes are among the most dangerous because the driver who is not paying attention makes little to no effort to slow down or avoid the crash. These days, there is far more to compete for drivers’ attention behind the wheel. If they are not sending a text or checking social media, they are eating or having a conversation.

 

Statistically, drivers have a higher chance of dying in a distracted driving crash because of the speed involved. Almost one in every ten traffic fatalities nationally happen in a distracted driving crash. Oftentimes, the most inexperienced drivers (teens) are the ones who drive distracted. No matter what laws Louisiana passes to cut down on this danger, distracted driving deaths have not budged. 

 

Larger Cars Mean More Serious Crashes

 

Auto accident fatalities are also climbing because the average car is much larger than in the past. Americans want bigger cars these days, and they are opting for SUVs and trucks in larger numbers. Most Americans do not want smaller sedans, and domestic automakers do not manufacture these vehicles anymore. Even when sedans are redesigned, their size increases with every new design.

 

The laws of science dictate that larger cars will cause far more force and impact when they crash into smaller vehicles. Although the occupants of larger cars are more protected in crashes because of the additional room for impact, those in smaller vehicles will bear the brunt of the accident. Even smaller cars with the highest safety ratings performed poorly in crash tests with larger cars. 

 

In addition, there are far more trucks on the road than there were in the fast. The rise of online shopping and an increase in economic activity means more trucks bringing their cargo to their destination. Not every truck driver is well-trained and experienced. In fact, the truck driver workforce is aging, being replaced by younger drivers, if the trucking company can even find new operators. With more trucks on the road, there is a higher chance of being in a crash involving an eighteen-wheeler. These crashes have much higher fatality rates. 

 

Wrongful Death Damages for Fatal Car Crashes

 

If your loved one has been killed in a car accident, Louisiana law allows you to file a wrongful death claim. If you are able to prove that someone else was responsible for the crash, your family can receive financial compensation to pay for its losses.

 

Wrongful death compensation can pay for:

 

  • The lost wages that your loved one would have earned for the rest of their career
  • Compensation for your family’s trauma and grief from losing a loved one in an accident
  • The loss of the love, support and guidance that your loved one provided

 

Wrongful death claims may result in higher settlements for the family, considering the damages that they have suffered and what the families have lost. Given what is at stake, you should have an attorney working on your behalf. 

 

Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer

If your loved one has died in a car crash, you may be able to obtain financial compensation if you can prove that the other driver was at fault. An experienced attorney can gather evidence and help demonstrate responsibility for the crash. Then, you need legal help to receive the most possible money for your wrongful death claim because that is money that your family needs. Call the attorneys at Egenberg Trial Lawyers at (504) 229-5700 or message us online to discuss your case.

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