Lafayette Parish Car Accident Attorneys

Contributing factors in car accidents

Louisiana may be an exquisite paradise for sportsmen, residents and tourists, but it is no stranger to traffic accidents. Average annual statistics bear this out, and in sobering terms.

• Louisiana averages approximately 904 fatal vehicle accidents annually, causing $4 billion worth of damages
• The average annual number of speeding fatalities in Louisiana is 217
• The average annual number of motorcycle crashes in Louisiana is 72

Auto accidents have many potential causes, and, as an experienced Lafayette auto accident attorney can tell you, the specific cause of your accident may influence the nature of any lawsuit arising from that auto accident.

Distracted drivers

Distracted drivers cause 25 to 50 percent of all motor vehicle crashes in the United States. Studies show the most common cause of distraction is rubbernecking, or slowing to view an accident, which accounts for 16 percent of all distraction-related crashes. Other common distractions include the following:

• Driver fatigue
• Viewing scenery
• Passengers
• Adjusting a radio
• Reading
• Cell phones or texting

Driver Fatigue

Sleepy, inattentive drivers account for about 100,000 accidents every year in this country. This risk is at its peak from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Drunk Driving

In the United States, someone dies in a drunken driving incident every thirty minutes. While common sense tells us not to drink and drive, millions do so each year, leading to countless unnecessary deaths.

Speeding

Speeding not only reduces the amount of time a driver has to avoid a car accident, it also increases the risk and severity of crashes. In fact, when the speed of a car increases from 40 mph to 60 mph, the energy released should that car crash increases more than 100 percent.

Aggressive Driving

An aggressive driver is one who operates a motor vehicle in a selfish or bold manner, disregarding the rights or safety of other drivers and pedestrians. Such drivers cause many auto accident injuries each year.

Weather

Inclement weather such as rain, hail, wind, or fog slows reaction time, reduces visibility, and makes roads more treacherous to navigate.

Contact a Lafayette auto accident lawyer for help

If you are involved in an auto accident in Louisiana, you need the competent guidance of an expert Baton Rouge auto accident attorney. The lawyers at the firm of Marks and Lear, PLC are experienced attorneys, who can help protect your rights and, if necessary, obtain compensation during this trying episode in your life. Contact us today online or call 225-383-5678.