Losing a loved one is never easy. It leaves a void that cannot be filled by anyone or anything. When that death is due to a preventable accident, it adds to the grief and despair of losing a family member. During 2014, 32,675 people lost their lives in fatal car crashes in the United States. Louisiana had 737 fatalities from motor vehicle accidents that year. Even one fatality is one too many for the family who suffers the loss.
Many federal, state, and local programs exists to raise awareness of driving choices that contribute to fatal car crashes; however, fatalities still occur. Below are common causes of fatal car crashes and how Louisiana ranks compared to other states for several common driving mistakes.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Crashes
According to the Auto Insurance Center, the most common cause of fatal car crashes is failure to stay in your lane. The second most common cause is failing to yield the right-of-way. However, in Louisiana, operating without the required equipment is the number one reason for fatal car crashes. Louisiana is the only state that has this as its top cause for fatal car crashes.
In addition to operating without the required equipment, Louisiana has the fourth highest mortality rate in motor vehicle accidents involving carless or reckless driving. Louisiana also ranks fourth for fatal car crashes due to speeding. Other common causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Road Rage
- Improper of Erratic Lane Changing
- Failure to Keep in the Proper Lane
- Police Pursuit
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way
- Failure to Obey Signs
- Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
- Drunk or Drugged Driving
- Bad Weather
- Distracted Driving
Regardless of the cause for the car accident, when someone dies, it is a tragedy. The family of the accident victim is forever changed by this one moment in time. A driver’s poor choice or bad decision devastates a family.
Unfortunately, the law cannot bring back your loved one. It can only provide financial compensation as a way of holding the person who caused your loved one’s death responsible for his or her actions. When a person dies in a car crash, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to receive compensation for their loss. Compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit can include reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses including funeral bills and medical bills prior to death. You may also receive compensation for the loss of income, companionship, guidance, and support.
Our NoLA wrongful death attorneys are here to help guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit and provide support as you seek justice on behalf of your family and your loved one.
Contact a NoLA Wrongful Death Attorney
The wrongful death lawyers of The Olinde Firm provide free consultations so you can get answers to all of your questions regarding a Louisiana wrongful death lawsuit. Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to speak with an associate and to schedule your free appointment.