The High Cost of Mobility
Americans love their mobility and the cars that make it possible. In fact, our entire culture and national infrastructure is built on the millions of vehicles that travel our roads and highways. However, this innovation has come with a heavy price. Louisiana auto accident attorneys note that it is estimated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that more than 20 million Americans have lost their lives in auto accidents since the 1920s. That is several times the deaths in all of our country’s wars.
In an analysis of what states in the U.S. represent the greatest risk to drivers, a helpful infographic shows that Louisiana is one of the most dangerous. Evaluating the total traffic fatalities in each state from 2007 – 2009, Louisiana ranks 7th, totaling 20.2 deaths per 100,000 population. This study by the CDC also makes the disturbing observation that traffic accidents are the primary cause of death for all Americans between the ages of five to 34.
One of the difficulties in talking about auto safety is that we often become numbed to the number of accidents that occur and the damage they cause. We see these accidents on the highways regularly, failing to realize how quickly the numbers add up. There were more than 2.5 million injuries and more than 32,000 fatalities on the nation’s roads in 2009. That equates to at least 4 people losing their lives every hour. More perspective comes if you could imagine a mid-size airplane crashing every day of the year with 100 deaths in each crash.
Driving in Louisiana: Understanding Fatal Auto Accidents in Louisiana
Relating these numbers to Louisiana drivers, fatal auto accidents in Louisiana totaled 912 in 2008, with roughly 60 percent of those occurring in urban areas. In addition, over 80 motorcyclists were killed that year, with over 70 percent of those involved in auto or truck collisions. What makes these number more concerning is the number of fatal auto accidents in Louisiana that were caused by driver negligence. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, at least 338 fatalities occurred in accidents where alcohol was a contributing factor. Another 250 fatalities were in accidents that involved speeding of one or more vehicle. In Louisiana auto accidents, driving while intoxicated or at excessive speeds can be grounds for punitive damages.
When comparing these statistics of fatal auto accidents in Louisiana to other states, the NHTSA uses a measure of .08 percent to indicate impaired driving. When this BAC standard is applied, 37 percent of all Louisiana fatalities are caused by impaired drivers. The national average is only 32 percent and the best state’s average is only 16 percent. This helps one understand the constant emphasis on the dangers of drinking and driving in Louisiana.
When Vehicle Accidents Occur
We all know that a vehicle accident that results in death or serious injury is a life-changing event. Few understand, however, just how expensive these accidents are to individuals or our nation as a whole. According to a 2008 study by the American Automobile Association, each serious injury represents a cost in excess of $68,000 and each fatality more than $3.2 million in costs and lost income. The total cost of such accidents, injuries, and deaths in 2007 was estimated to be more than $166 billion.
These costs indicate why you should consider contacting a personal injury attorney affiliated with Attorney Group for Louisiana at your earliest convenience if you or a loved one has been involved in a fatal auto accident in Louisiana or truck collision that results in serious injury. Protecting your rights and getting help in covering your medical costs, lost income from not being able to work, and other damages requires that you take steps to deal with your situation. A call to Attorney Group for Louisiana puts you in contact with a knowledgeable attorney that will visit with you at no cost to discuss your legal options and answer your questions. Together you can choose the right course of action to protect your rights in the event of your involvement in one of the many fatal auto accidents in Louisiana. So contact Attorney Group for Louisiana today for your free consultation.
