Lafayette Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated] – Traffic Fatalities

Car accidents lead to many fatalities every year, and Louisiana is no exception. Fatalities can occur due to collisions with large trucks and 18-wheelers, vehicles driving above the speed limit, and even distracted driving. Reviewing Lafayette car accident statistics can help you prepare for a potential car accident. For more information and assistance with a car accident and its aftermath, contact a Lafayette car accident attorney.

How Many Car Accident Fatalities Are There in Lafayette?

In 2023, Lafayette Parish accounted for 3% of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana, or 28 total fatalities. So far, Lafayette Parish has had 19 fatalities that were a result of traffic accidents.

While drivers accounted for the majority of fatalities in 2023, there were also some passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians who were involved in fatal traffic accidents. The majority of victims of fatal traffic accidents are men aged 25-64.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

There are many car accidents that result in minor or even no injuries among drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. However, some common themes occur in traffic fatalities, including:

• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit does not necessarily increase the risk of an accident occurring. However, if one does occur, it is usually more severe than accidents involving vehicles going the speed limit. The odds of survival dramatically decrease when individuals get into an accident while speeding. This also includes collisions with property or other surrounding elements, like trees and guardrails.
• Alcohol or Drugs: Many fatalities occur due to one driver being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances can impair decision-making, resulting in the driver making careless errors. Drunk drivers often drive on the wrong side of the road, go significantly over or under the speed limit, or even ignore stop signs and traffic lights.
• Distractions: Many drivers engage in other activities while driving, which increases the risk of getting into a fatal traffic accident. Activities like using a cell phone, doing makeup, eating, or adjusting controls on a car can take your attention away from the road. This can reduce the amount of time you have to adjust to sudden changes while driving, leading to more accidents and fatalities.
• Urban vs. Rural: Many accidents occur in rural areas as well as urban areas. Each area has unique risks, but drivers in rural areas tend to let their guard down due to the lack of people, leading to an increased risk of collisions with the surrounding environment. Additionally, many accidents occur near an individual’s residence because they are more familiar with the area and are less vigilant on the road.
• Number of Drivers: There are many fatalities that involve many different drivers in a traffic accident, but other accidents only include one driver. Traffic accidents with a single driver can be just as fatal as accidents with multiple drivers, especially if the driver runs off the road and into a ditch or other dangerous area.

Regardless of the cause of a traffic accident, many of them can result in severe injuries and even death. If you or a loved one are struggling with the consequences of a car accident, consider contacting an attorney who is experienced in personal injury or wrongful death law. They know how to recover the full extent of the compensation that you might be entitled to for your damages.

FAQs

Q: What Happens If a Driver Causes a Car Accident in a Vehicle That They Don’t Own?

A: If a driver causes a car accident in a vehicle that they don’t own, then the insurance coverage on that vehicle typically applies, regardless of who is driving it. However, the amount of coverage on the vehicle might not be enough to cover the expenses associated with the accident. This is why it is so important to make sure that you have enough insurance coverage on your vehicle. That way, you can be prepared to cover the resulting expenses if another driver causes an accident in your vehicle.

Q: What If Someone Other Than a Driver Is at Fault in a Car Accident?

A: In some cases, parties other than a driver involved in the incident are at fault in a car accident. These parties can include the manufacturer of the car, the designer or builder of the roads, or the employer of a driver. In these instances, it is helpful to contact an attorney who is familiar with personal injury and car accident law, as they know how to establish who is at fault and how to collect damages. They can also provide more details on your case and offer targeted strategies.

Q: What If I Get Into a Car Accident With an Out-of-State Vehicle in Louisiana?

A: Getting into a car accident with an out-of-state vehicle can be complicated. Louisiana has detailed rules to determine who is at fault and what they can recover in damages, but other states have different rules that might directly conflict with them. If you get into an accident with an out-of-state vehicle, contact a car accident attorney to determine your next steps. They can look into the laws of the state where the other vehicle is registered to evaluate how to assign fault in your accident.

Q: What Do I Do After a Car Accident on the Interstate?

A: After a car accident on the interstate, it is important to move vehicles to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights, and relocate the vehicles away from the road. Next, evaluate the scene to determine if there are any injuries and call emergency services. In the meantime, try to gather as much evidence as possible for your claim. Take photos of the vehicles involved as well as any road signs or road conditions. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.

Get Your Life Back

Car accidents are often stressful experiences, but they don’t have to completely change your life. Working with a car accident attorney can help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident and make it easier to move forward. They can recover the compensation you need to help pay for medical expenses, car repairs, and more. To learn more about how an attorney can aid you after a car accident, schedule a consultation with the Cox Law Firm today.