Motor vehicle accidents are a major source of concern in Louisiana, as they are in every state across the country. Despite speed limits, safety awareness campaigns and other measures, the rate of serious and fatal car accidents continues to rise. In fact, statistics indicate that 2018 was one of the deadliest years of the past decades regarding auto collisions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36,750 people died in car crashes last year across the country. That is down only 1% from the year before. Any decline is a step in the right direction, but there is still a clear indication that there is a significant road safety problem. This is a high number of fatalities considering that drivers are now in vehicles that have more safety features than ever before.
In addition to safer cars, Louisiana drivers are aware of things like the dangers of texting and driving and the importance of driving at safe speeds. Despite these things, the number one leading cause for car accidents is risky driver behavior. This includes things like drunk driving, aggressive driving or distracted driving.
Every person is responsible for the choices he or she makes behind the wheel. Even the safest driver cannot control what other people do while they are behind the wheel, and victims of car accidents have legal options available to them. It is possible a person who suffered injuries in a crash may have grounds to seek compensation through a civil claim against the party or parties believed responsible. An evaluation of the individual case can help a person see what options are available.
