Traffic in New Orleans can be very heavy at certain times of day. Even with many people choosing to walk, bike or take public transportation, busy roads may find themselves locked down in traffic jams during the afternoon rush hour or when the weather is particularly bad.
Traffic is more than just frustrating. It can be downright dangerous. Drivers have to share the roads with people texting while driving or drunk at the wheel. There are tourists and people who regularly experience road rage to consider as well.
According to recent statistics, traffic fatalities in New Orleans have been higher in recent years. That increased collision risk may mean that people need help addressing the aftermath of a wreck.
What does the data show?
Overall traffic fatalities surged upward in 2020, and that trend continued into 2021. Thankfully, the trend has begun to reverse, but fatalities still remain higher than they were before the start of the new decade. Pedestrians, in particular, now have far more risk on the roads in New Orleans than they may have experienced a decade ago.
Researchers have pointed to an increase in dangerous driving habits as one of the underlying causes of this negative traffic trend. Specifically, increases in drunk driving, distracted driving and outright unsafe practices, like running red lights, have contributed to more vehicle collisions.
Unfortunately, news about increased traffic risk has not necessarily resulted in safer choices or more drivers carrying robust insurance policies. Frequently, the parties at fault for major collisions do not have insurance or have the lowest amount of coverage required by law.
People affected by crashes often need assistance covering their costs, and they may need help getting the financial support they deserve. It can be difficult to communicate with insurance companies. In cases involving inadequate insurance or a lack of coverage, injured parties and grieving families may need to file lawsuits to recoup collision expenses.
Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are powerful tools to help those affected by motor vehicle collisions obtain justice and compensation. Seeking legal guidance when evaluating the circumstances of a crash and seeking compensation can help people get the support they need from the people or businesses with direct responsibility for the wreck.