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Seat Belt Syndrome and Motor Vehicle Accidents in New Orleans

, , , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

Louisiana requires drivers and passengers in vehicles to wear seat belts when the vehicle is in motion. Children must be secured in a car seat or child safety seat that is approved for the child based on the child’s age, weight, and height. Most states now have seat belt laws that require some or all passengers in vehicles to wear seat belts. The NHTSA estimates that seat belts saved 14,668 lives in 2016. Therefore, it is usually the safest option to wear your seat belt when you are riding in a vehicle.

However, some people suffer from seat belt syndrome after a car accident.  The injury can cause serious symptoms that should be evaluated by a physician.

What is Seat Belt Syndrome?

When you wear a seat belt, the belt crosses your abdomen and your chest. During a collision, the seat belt tightens around your abdomen and chest to prevent your body from being thrown forward or from the vehicle. However, the strong, sudden compression can cause injuries to the internal organs and the abdominal wall.

Because symptoms and signs of seat belt syndrome may not manifest until days after an accident, the injury often goes undiagnosed.  Failing to diagnose and treat seat belt syndrome can result in serious injuries, including infections and organ failure.

Symptoms and Injuries of Seat Belt Syndrome

Some of the symptoms of seat belt syndrome can be confused with other injuries. However, if you suffer any of the following symptoms following a car crash, you should consult with your physician as soon as possible:

  • Muscle strains and/or bruising around the abdomen
  • Changes in bowel movements or urination
  • Coughing up blood or vomiting
  • Blood in urine or stools
  • Skin discoloration or swelling that does not go away in a few days
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bleeding and constipation
  • Weakness or dizziness
  • Abdominal pain or chest pain

Because there may not be any other symptoms other than some bruising at first, a doctor may not immediately consider seat belt syndrome as the source of your symptoms. However, injuries to the bladder, small bowels, stomach, kidneys, colon, bladder, and spine can cause serious and life-threatening conditions.

If you continue to exhibit any of the above symptoms and your doctor has not considered seat belt syndrome, request a CT scan or a FAST (focused abdominal sonography in trauma) to determine if there are any injuries to your internal organs. In some cases, a laparotomy may be required to diagnose some injuries associated with seat belt syndrome.

Compensation for Seat Belt Syndrome After a New Orleans Car Accident

If you sustained injuries because of seat belt syndrome, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, you must have medical evidence and documentation of the injury. Therefore, it is crucial for your health and your insurance claim that you continue to demand diagnostic tests if you continue to suffer unexplained symptoms after a car accident.

If you have questions about filing an insurance claim for injuries sustained in a car accident, call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm. Depending on the circumstances in your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, emotional suffering, physical pain, and other damages.

Contact our legal team by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.

 

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I Was in a Car Accident in New Orleans, But I Can’t Afford to Hire an Attorney?

, , , , , , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

When you are injured in a car accident, dealing with the insurance company for the other driver can be overwhelming. Some insurance adjusters are aggressive. They pressure accident victims to settle claims before the victims have completed medical treatment. In other cases, adjusters may unreasonably delay or deny valid insurance claims. Have you considered whether or not you need to hire an attorney to help you with your insurance claim?

Hiring an experienced New Orleans car accident attorney to handle the insurance claim can relieve some of the stress of dealing with a car accident. In addition to dealing with the insurance adjuster, an experienced NOLA car accident attorney can protect you from unfair settlement offers. Your attorney investigates the crash to determine the cause and identify the liable parties. In addition, your attorney gathers and secures evidence required to prove fault to recover compensation.

Having an attorney by your side is a huge relief. However, what happens when you cannot afford to hire a New Orleans car accident attorney for a car accident claim?

The Contingency Fee in Car Accident Cases

First, the attorneys of The Olinde Firm offer free case reviews so that you can get answers to your questions and legal advice without worrying about paying a consultation fee. In addition, the firm accepts most car accident cases on a contingency fee basis.  A contingency fee allows you to hire an attorney without paying a retainer fee.  In other words, you can get the legal assistance you need now without paying any money up front for the attorney’s fee.

When your case is settled, the attorney’s fee is deducted from the settlement proceeds before the attorney disburses the funds. If the attorney does not recover money for your claim, you do not pay the attorney a fee. The fee is based on a set percentage that you and your attorney agree upon when you retain the attorney.

Contingency fees allow accident victims to have a legal team to protect their best interests. The insurance company has a team of professionals, including attorneys, investigators, and adjusters, to protect the company’s best interests. Accident victims deserve competent legal representation regardless of their financial status.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in New Orleans

If you are injured in a car crash in New Orleans, the following steps can help protect your legal right to recover compensation for an injury claim:

  • Call 911 to report the car accident and wait for the police to arrive.
  • Do not admit fault. Saying you are sorry can be interpreted as admitting fault.
  • Try to take pictures and make a video of the accident scene.
  • Ask eyewitnesses for their names and telephone numbers.
  • Go to the emergency room or see a doctor as soon as possible.
  • Do not discuss the case with the insurance adjuster for the other driver without first consulting with an attorney.
  • Call a New Orleans car accident attorney for a free consultation.

Call for Your Free Case Review with a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney

For your free case review, contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889.

 

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What Should I Do If the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer is Too Low?

, , , , , , , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

When someone is injured in a car accident in Louisiana, our personal injury laws permit the accident victim to seek compensation for injuries, losses, and damages. Accident victims may be compensated for damages from a motor vehicle accident including:

  • The cost of medical treatment, including surgeries, ER visits, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment
  • Loss of income, including loss of bonuses, wages, salaries, and other forms of compensation
  • Future expenses for ongoing medical care, future lost wages, and diminished earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Emotional and mental suffering, including PTSD, fear, anxiety, and depression
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Scarring, disability, impairments, and disfigurement

The amount of compensation a victim may receive depends on many factors. Our New Orleans accident attorneys work closely with accident victims to document all damages to maximize the amount of compensation they may receive for a personal injury claim.

However, some insurance adjusters may attempt to settle an injury claim very quickly.  In most cases, a quick settlement offer is an indication that the insurance company wants to settle for a lower amount before the victim realizes the actual value of the claim.

Don’t Accept a Settlement Offer Without Talking to a NOLA Injury Lawyer

We encourage you to contact our office for a free consultation with one of our NOLA injury lawyers before accepting a settlement offer for your car accident claim. Once you accept the offer and sign a release, you cannot sue the insurance company or the other driver for more money, even if you discover an additional injury, require surgery, need physical therapy, or cannot return to work for months.

Three Very Important Things to Remember About Car Accident Settlement Offers

Before you agree to a settlement offer, there are three particularly important things our New Orleans injury lawyers want you to know:

  • You Do Not Have to Accept the Offer

You can turn down the first settlement offer, or any other settlement offer if you do not believe the settlement offer is too low. In most cases, an insurance company offers an amount that is lower than the value of the claim to entice a victim to accept a quick settlement offer.

An exception would be if your damages greatly exceed the policy limits for the insured. In that case, the company may offer to pay you an amount equal to the policy limits to settle the claim. However, you should still talk to an attorney because the release you sign could prevent you from suing other parties that might be liable for your claim.

  • You Can Negotiate with the Insurance Company

It is important to understand that you can negotiate with the insurance company to increase the amount of the settlement. The insurance company usually leaves a little “wiggle room” to increase the offer. In addition, the insurance adjuster may not have all information or misunderstood the medical records indicating the severity of your injuries. Our experienced New Orleans accident attorneys have extensive experience negotiating insurance claims to maximize the settlement amount.

  • You Have the Right to Consult with an Attorney

The insurance adjuster may tell you that you do not need an attorney. You have the right to talk to an attorney, and we strongly urge you to do so. The insurance company has a team of legal and other professionals protecting its best interest. You deserve to have a legal team protecting your best interests.

Call a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney for More Information

If you were injured in a traffic accident, get the information you need to protect your best interests before you accept a settlement offer.

Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a free consultation with a NOLA accident attorney by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889.

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Four Hazards for Louisiana Motorcyclists

, , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

Motorcyclists can be seen riding in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. For many riders, their motorcycle is more than just a weekend vehicle. Many motorcyclists ride every day because they use their motorcycle as their primary form of transportation. Regardless of whether you ride a few times a month or every day, the risk of severe and life-threatening injuries is something that all motorcyclists must face.

Motorcycles do not provide riders with the same level of protection as a car provides occupants within the vehicle. Therefore, riders must be aware of the risks and hazards they face each time they ride. Below are four hazards that Louisiana motorcyclists must deal with each time they get on their motorcycle to ride.

  • Weather and Road Conditions

Weather and road conditions can pose a significant threat to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists must be aware of changing weather conditions and take appropriate actions to avoid a crash. Rain and wind can increase the risk of a motorcycle crash. In addition, road debris, potholes, oil, and other road hazards can cause a rider to lose control of the motorcycle. Riders should remain alert and avoid distractions that could reduce reaction time.

  • Distracted and Impaired Drivers

Unfortunately, there is not much a motorcyclist can do to avoid distracted and impaired drivers because they cannot control the actions of other motorists.  However, by remaining focused and alert while riding, a motorcyclist may be able to avoid an accident if the rider can react in time when a distracted or impaired driver does something to place the motorcyclist in danger.

  • Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers can be as dangerous for a motorcyclist as a distracted or impaired driver. Drivers with little experience may change lanes or make turns without checking for motorcyclists because they do not have as much experience watching for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. Inexperienced drivers are often super-focused on operating the vehicle which impairs their ability to notice riders. Again, motorcyclists cannot control this risk, but they can remain alert to give themselves as much time as possible to react to the actions of other drivers.

  • Large Trucks and Commercial Vehicles

Large trucks and commercial vehicles are a problem for all motorists because these vehicles have exceptionally large blind spots. These blind spots or “no zones” are dangerous for drivers and motorcyclists because the truck driver cannot see vehicles that are in the blind spots. Because motorcycles are much smaller than the average passenger vehicle, it can be even riskier for riders to be in a truck’s blind spot because the driver may not notice the motorcycle. Riders should avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot whenever possible.

Call a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is very important to contact a NOLA motorcycle accident attorney as quickly as possible. Insurance companies attempt to blame the rider in many cases to decrease the amount of money they must pay to settle claims. Our New Orleans motorcycle accident attorneys are aware of the tactics used by insurance companies to deny claims and how to fight these insurance tactics.

For your free legal consultation with a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer, call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889.

 

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Do the New Car Seat Recommendations Impact Louisiana Car Seat Laws?

, , , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

When you have your child in your car, your number one priority is your child’s safety. Parents spend hours researching the best car seats and booster seats to help keep their child safe in the event of a car crash. Government agencies and other organizations issue recommendations outlining the safest practices for transporting children in a vehicle. In addition, Louisiana has enacted specific state laws related to securing children who are riding in a vehicle.

Louisiana’s car seat laws have not changed, but there has been a change in the recommendations related to rear-facing car seats.

What is Louisiana’s Car Seat Law?

The current car seat laws in Louisiana require children younger than six years of age or weighing 60 pounds or less to be safely restrained in a child restraint system. Children must be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach one year of age or at least 20 pounds. When a child is at least one year old (but less than four years old) or weights at least 20 pounds is transitioned into a front-facing car seat.

Booster seats are used for children between the ages of four and six years who weight between 40 to 60 pounds. Once a child reaches six years of age or 60 pounds, the child may use the vehicles safety belt system. The code does state that when a child’s age and weight allow for more than one restraint system, the more protective category should be used. If you review the “best practice” recommendations by the LSP, you can see that children from birth to two years of age is recommended to ride in rear-facing car seats.

What are the Changes in Car Seat Recommendations?

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) updated the recommendations for car seats last month. The recommendation that children should remain in rear-facing car seats through the age of two years is being updated to remove the age restriction. The AAP now recommends that a child remains in a rear-facing car seat until the child exceeds the car seat manufacturer’s height or weight recommendations.

The update is based on a review of data that led to the prior recommendation that included an age element. After reviewing information from a prior study, it was concluded that it is safer for children to remain in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible. Since many car seats are designed for children who weigh up to 40 pounds, many children over the age of two years might be able to continue using a rear-facing car seat for longer.

You can read the entire notice and the

recommendations by the AAP here.

Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney

If your child is injured in a car accident, we want to help. Our New Orleans accident attorneys understand how terrifying, frustrating, and agonizing a child injury case is for the parents. We want to help you hold the negligent driver who caused the crash responsible for his or her actions.

For a free consultation with one of our New Orleans accident attorneys, contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889. Your free case review is confidential and without obligation.

 

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Is There a Rush to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in New Orleans?

, , , , , , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

When you are injured in a car accident, you may not consider calling a New Orleans car accident attorney. However, Louisiana has strict deadlines for filing lawsuits related to car accidents. In addition, key evidence could be lost or destroyed that could help prove your case. To protect your legal rights under Louisiana’s personal injury laws, it is important that you discuss your case with a NOLA car accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.

Our car accident attorneys of The Olinde Firm provide a free consultation so that you can get the answers to your questions about filing a car accident claim.

Call now for your free case review while there is still time to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused your car accident.

The Insurance Company Is Already Building a Case

The insurance provider for the other driver does not wait to begin building a case to avoid responsibility. The company has a team of professionals, including adjusters, investigators, and attorneys, who begin investigating the cause of the crash while the evidence is still available. The adjuster or investigator may speak to the police officer, visit the accident scene, inspect the damage to the vehicles, and interview witnesses. They may even contact you to request a statement before you have the chance to speak with an attorney.

Having a lawyer on your side from the beginning can help you avoid mistakes that could harm your claim, such as signing a medical authorization or providing a statement. In some cases, the insurance company may offer a quick settlement before you speak with an attorney.  This tactic is another attempt to reduce the amount of money the company must pay to settle your claim.

We urge you to take advantage of a free case review with one of our New Orleans car accident attorneys before accepting any settlement, making a statement, or signing any documents for the insurance company. It is our goal to put you in the best position to recover full compensation for all your damages.

Your Health and Recovery Come First But Be Mindful of Your Legal Deadlines

After a car accident, you need to take care of your health. Depending on the type and severity of your injuries, you could undergo surgery, extensive therapy, and a long recovery. It could take months for you to recover and return to work if you recover fully. In addition to the physical pain and suffering, you also sustain financial losses, emotional distress, and mental anguish. You might be entitled to significant compensation for your damages if you prove the other driver was responsible for causing the car accident.

However, Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations restricts the time to file a lawsuit for a car accident to one year from the date of the crash. While there may be one or two extremely limited exceptions to this rule, you should not assume you have longer than one year to file your lawsuit.  In cases involving a government office, employee, or agency, the time to file your claim could be as short as a few weeks after the accident.

Therefore, we strongly urge you to contact an attorney as quickly as possible to protect your right to receive compensation for an injury claim.

Learn More About Filing Injury Claims from a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney

Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.

 

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Does Your Vehicle’s Technology Put You at an Increased Risk for a Car Accident?

, , , , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

One of the improvements in vehicles is the availability of in-vehicle technology. From Toyota’s Entune system to Apple CarPlay, in-vehicle technology helps drivers check the weather, find the radio station, make telephone calls, find a restaurant, operate a navigating system, or send text messages without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the steering wheel. However, at least one study found infotainment systems in vehicles to be a potentially dangerous distraction for drivers.

Are Infotainment Systems in Vehicles a Dangerous Distraction for Drivers?

According to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, touch screen and voice-based infotainment systems in vehicles caused mental and physical for the drivers. In some cases, tasks could cause distractions for more than 40 seconds. Research shows that removing your eyes from the road for just two seconds doubles the risk for a crash. Of the 30 vehicles used for the study, 23 vehicles had systems that resulted in high to very high levels of cognitive and visual demands for the driver.

Distracted Driving Accidents in America

Distracted driving continues to be a problem throughout the United States.  During 2016, distracted driving accidents resulted in 3,450 deaths and approximately 391,000 injuries. Even though national, state, and local agencies work to get the word out that distracted driving is dangerous, it is estimated that about 481,000 drivers use cell phones while driving each day. Teens were the largest age group for distracted driving fatalities; however, adults make the mistake of thinking they can drive while distracted safely.

How can you avoid a distracted driving accident? Put down the cell phone and avoid other forms of distraction while driving. Common distractions that contribute to car accidents include:

  • Texting and talking on cell phones, including hands-free cell phones
  • Eating and drinking
  • Programming or using navigation systems
  • Adjusting vehicle controls
  • Grooming and removing clothing/shoes
  • Taking care of passengers, including children
  • Paying attention to things on the side of the road
  • Daydreaming
  • Reading and watching/making videos or pictures
  • Using social media

In-vehicle technology is not going to go away. If there is any change in in-vehicle technology, it is likely to increase. As people continue to purchase newer vehicles, the number of vehicles on the road with infotainment systems will increase. Drivers must take steps now to avoid distractions while driving.

Filing a Claim for a Distracted Driving Accident

It can be difficult to prove that a driver was distracted at the time of a crash, but it is possible. If you believe another driver caused your accident because he or she was distracted, a New Orleans car accident attorney can help you investigate the crash. Our New Orleans car accident lawyers investigate accidents to determine the cause of the crash and identify the parties liable for your damages. It is crucial that we identify the at-fault parties so that you can recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney. Do not accept a settlement offer without discussing your case with an experienced injury lawyer in New Orleans. The insurance company may be undervaluing your claim.  We want to help you get the maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.

 

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Tips for Preparing for Your Personal Injury Consultation with The Olinde Firm

, , , , , , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

The experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyers of The Olinde Firm understand how stressful and frightening the days and weeks following a car accident may be for you and your family. Our goal is to help relieve the stress and provide guidance and support while assisting you in determining the best way to recover compensation for your damages from the driver or another party who caused your accident.

Some of our past clients discussed how nervous they were right before their first appointment. A few of our clients told us that giving them a list of things to bring or tips for preparing for the appointment might have calmed their nerves. Since we are always searching for ways to help our clients, our New Orleans injury lawyers have responded.

Below are several tips and suggestions that might help you prepare for your free consultation with one of our lawyers. However, we want to stress one extremely important point. . .

You do not need to have every document or follow every suggestion we offer to receive our advice during your FREE consultation!

If your situation prevents you from taking any steps to prepare for your first appointment, do not worry. Our lawyers are experienced Louisiana personal injury attorneys who can work with any client in any situation. The important thing is that you keep your appointment so that you can learn about your legal rights; how to protect yourself from unfair insurance tactics; the money you might receive for your claim; and, how The Olinde Firm can help you seek a fair and just amount for your claim.

Gather and Bring Evidence

Louisiana is an at-fault state. In other words, you need to prove the other driver, or another party caused the crash. It can be difficult to think clearly immediately after a car accident; however, if you were able to obtain any of the following, you should bring the items with you to your free consultation:

  • Photographs or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any objects that could have contributed to the cause of the crash
  • Contact information from eyewitnesses
  • Notes that you wrote about the experience
  • Copies of any text messages or email that you may have exchanged with an eyewitness (be careful what you say to anyone after a wreck, even a friendly witness, until you speak with an attorney)
  • Photographs and videos for your injury and recovery

Gather and Bring Documents

There are many documents used in a traffic accident claim. You might have some, but not all, of these documents in your possession. Do not worry about obtaining documents that you do not have in your possession unless you can obtain the documents without causing undue stress for yourself or your family.

Examples of documents that can be very helpful during a case review with your attorney include:

  • Copies of medical bills
  • Copy of police/accident report
  • Health insurance policies
  • Automobile insurance policies
  • Any correspondence, including emails or texts, between you and the adjuster, attorney, driver, or another party
  • Car estimate repairs
  • Evidence of lost wages
  • Any other documents related to the accident, your injuries, or your losses

Questions to Ask Your Attorney

It is also helpful to write down any questions you think you might want to ask your attorney. Some questions that might be helpful to ask include:

  • How long will it take to settle my case?
  • Will I have to go to court?
  • Do you think I have a case?
  • What can I do to help increase my chances of success in my case?
  • Who can I call if I have questions?
  • Who will be contacting me from the office to discuss the case? How often will I receive updates?
  • Are there any potential issues that the attorney sees that might be a problem?

Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney for Help

Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.

 

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New Orleans Braces for Storm — Review Safe Driving Procedures During Flooding

, , , , , , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

Tropical Storm Gordon is expected to hit the United States as a Category 1 hurricane somewhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The location of landfall is still unknown as the storm continues to shift and change course. However,  New Orleans is bracing for the impact that the storm could bring if it changes directions and brings high storm surges and flooding rains to the city.

Louisiana’s Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency to activate members of the National Guard. In addition, the state of emergency ensures that boats, high-water vehicles, and helicopters are available to assist in case of a disaster.

In anticipation of a threat, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell declared a state of emergency for the city. Schools and most public offices across the city will close in anticipation of the storm. Schools outside the city have also announced they will be closing, including Catholic schools and public schools in the parishes of St. Charles, St. Tammany, St. John the Baptist, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard.

Because rain totals could be over six inches, Mayor Cantrell advised residents they could park vehicles on neutral grounds beginning at 2 p.m. on Tuesday as long as the vehicles do not block traffic or street cars.

Safety Reminders for Flooded Areas

The first and most important rule about driving in flooded areas is not to drive on flooded streets if you can avoid it. If you approach a flooded street, stop and find another route. There is a real danger that the road could be washed away or broken under the flood waters. In addition, there is no way to tell how deep the water actually is on the road. Just a few inches of water can carry a car away or leave you stranded with rising flood waters around your vehicle. Also, downed power lines could be hidden by the water, resulting in a deadly electric current carried by the water.

If you are stranded in your vehicle in flood waters, try not to panic. Turn on your emergency flashers so that other vehicles can see your vehicle. Call 911 for emergency assistance if necessary. You must judge whether it is safe to leave your vehicle to reach higher ground or stay in your vehicle to wait for assistance. It can be very difficult to make this decision, especially when you are trapped in a car with rising flood waters.

Before the storm arrives, reviewing safety tips for floods can be very helpful. Some resources you may want to review include:

Accidents During Rain and Storms

If you are injured in a traffic accident during a storm, you might be entitled to receive compensation for your damages, losses, and injuries. In addition to the storm, the actions of the other driver may have contributed to the cause of the crash.

Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a free case review by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889. You can learn more about filing a personal injury claim and your right to recover compensation for your injuries during your free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.

Source: “New Orleans, surrounding areas prepare as Gordon strengthens in Gulf.” Nick Reimann. The New Orleans Advocate. 3 September 2018.

 

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Will New Orleans Take Down the Traffic Cameras?

, , , , , , , Accident Attorneys, Car Accident Injuries, Injury Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Truck Accident Injuries, Wrongful Death Cases

If you drive in New Orleans, you are aware of the city’s numerous traffic cameras. Many of the cameras are located on some of the busiest streets in New Orleans. The City Council is seeking answers to budget questions related to the traffic cameras. According to a report The Times-Picayune/NOLA by Kevin Litten, the City Council did not receive the answers to its questions about the red light cameras during a meeting last week.

During her campaign, Mayor LaToya Cantrell promised a review of the traffic camera program. However, some council members appeared to be frustrated by the “lack of preparation” by the Mayor’s office.

The traffic camera program has been a topic of debate in New Orleans.  Proponents of the program argue that the cameras discourage drivers from speeding, especially in school zones. However, opponents of the traffic camera program argue that the traffic cameras do not have a significant impact on deterrence and could be illegal.

One of the issues under debate is how would removing traffic cameras impact the city’s budget. The numbers have changed since the city approved the 2019 budget, but it is estimated that the traffic camera program could result in revenues for the city of $19 million.

Do Red Light Cameras Prevent Accidents?

According to the IIHS, several studies indicate that red light cameras significantly reduce the red light violations. In addition, the studies indicated that incidents of red light running at intersections near the intersection with a camera also fell.

Another study compared cities with red light cameras to cities without a red light camera program. The study found that red light cameras reduced the rate of fatal red light running accidents by 21 percent and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at intersections with cameras by 14 percent. IIHS research conducted in California found that intersections with red light cameras experienced a 29 percent reduction in injury crashes after the cameras were installed. T-bone or side-impact crashes fell by 32 percent, while side-impact crashes involving injuries fell by 68 percent.

The debate whether red light cameras prevent accidents will likely continue. However, the continued use of red light cameras in New Orleans appears to be far from being resolved.

Call a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. However, proving fault in a car accident case can be difficult. It helps to have the assistance of an experienced New Orleans car accident attorney who can investigate the crash to determine cause, fault, and liability.

Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney. Learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve from the driver who caused your car crash during your free consultation.

 

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