Louisiana sees a lot of car crashes: Here’s why

After you suffer a personal injury in a collision, you may have no idea about how you’re going to pay for your medical care or make ends meet. You weren’t planning to get hurt, and you weren’t expecting to be involved in a crash. You’re like many others who have been in similar situations. You deserve to be supported, because you’re victims.

Crashes in Louisianahave been on the rise. There are many reasons why that’s the case from significant smartphone distractions to impaired drivers and traffic congestion. It’s believed that as many as 40,000 people died from traffic crashes in 2016, based on data from The National Safety Council, which was a 10.4% increase over the previous year.

What are some of the factors that influence the rate of collisions?

Many factors influence the number of crashes that take place. Some include:

• A greater number of drivers on the roads
• Distractions, such as eating or texting behind the wheel
• Driving on roads that are in need of repair
• Driving while intoxicated

Did you know that the number offatal crashesin Louisiana is actually higher than the average across the United States? Some of the potential contributing factors, according to Property Casualty Insurers, as of the time of the report included:

• Unsafe driving behaviors, such as using a cellphone or drinking and driving
• Loose legislation and enforcement
• Legalized marijuana

It’s important to note that it is possible to reduce the number of crashes taking place. Taking steps toward firmer legislation and the ban of all cellphone use, creating harsh penalties for drunk or distracted driving, and educating individuals on safety behind the wheel could help prevent crashes in the future.

What can you do if you’ve been a victim in a car crash?

If you have been involved in a crash, then you may have months or years of recovery ahead of you. Whether you have a brain injury, spinal injury or other injuries that need care, it’s essential that you’re able to get compensated. You can pursue a claim against the driver who hit you, and your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

This is your opportunity to make sure you’re protected financially, so it’s a good idea to work with a team who understands what you need to support yourself as you go through physical therapy, adjust to new disabilities or build up your strength through recovery.