4 Most Dangerous Types of Auto Accidents in New Orleans, LA

Vehicle collisions happen every day, and each of them has the potential to cause serious injuries and damage. However, some car accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries than others. By understanding the four most dangerous types of auto accidents in New Orleans, LA, drivers can operate their vehicles with more care and know how to handle these accidents if they do occur.

1. Rollover Accidents
   A rollover accident can occur during a collision or be the cause of an accident. When rollovers occur suddenly, they generally happen to vehicles that have a higher center of gravity. This includes SUVs, trucks, large vehicles, and vehicles with equipment loaded on the roof.Rollover accidents were disproportionately responsible for fatal crashes in Orleans Parish in 2024, according to information reported by the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS). Even though the 16 rollover accidents in New Orleans only made up 0.33% of all vehicle accidents by the first harmful event, the one fatal crash made up 1.72% of all fatal accidents.Rollovers are more likely when there are dangerous road conditions like potholes and sharp turns, or when drivers are going over the speed limit. Vehicles may also be poorly designed, making them more prone to rollovers. An attorney can help you determine who can be held liable for a rollover accident, such as the manufacturer of a dangerous vehicle, a negligent driver who caused you to swerve and rollover, or another party.
2. Head-On Collisions
   Head-on collisions between two vehicles are a frequent cause of fatal crashes nationwide, but none occurred in New Orleans in 2024 that resulted in fatalities.CARTS reported 41 suspected injury crashes that were head-on collisions. However, in 2023, the 41 head-on collisions made up 0.89% of all injury crashes by manner of collision, but the one fatal head-on collision in the parish made up 1.69% of all fatal crashes. Accident reports in 2022 also show head-on collisions being disproportionately responsible for fatal crashes in New Orleans.Head-on crashes are especially dangerous when both drivers are going at high speeds, but can even be dangerous when the vehicles are not going as quickly. Fatigued drivers are a common cause of fatal head-on collisions, as drivers may drift out of their lanes or even fall asleep at the wheel.
3. T-Bone and Side-Impact Collisions
   The sides of passenger vehicles do not have the same level of collision protection as the front and rear of the vehicle. Angle collisions along the side of the vehicle can be catastrophic, especially for the occupants of the vehicle being hit on the side. T-bone collisions occur when one vehicle directly impacts another vehicle at a perpendicular right angle. These collisions often occur at intersections and parking lots.There were 1,515 suspected injury crashes that were perpendicular or other angle collisions according to CARTS, largely including T-bone accidents, and these were the primary cause of suspected injury accidents by manner of collision. These accidents also resulted in five fatal crashes.The severity of these accidents relies on the speed and size of each vehicle involved, and the safety features in the vehicles.
4. Single-Vehicle Accidents
   One of the more dangerous types of vehicle accidents is not a multi-vehicle accident but a single-vehicle accident collision with a stationary object. This could include a tree, a fire hydrant, a light or telephone pole, a bridge support, or a guard rail.In New Orleans in 2024, there were several fatal crashes that involved a collision with an object, according to CARTS, including:

• Three fatal crashes with a standing tree
• Three fatal collisions involving a concrete traffic barrier
• Three fatal crashes from hitting a curb
• One fatal collision with a traffic sign support
• One fatal crash with a guardrail support
• One fatal collision with a culvert

When these collisions occur at high speeds and head-on, they are especially likely to cause fatalities.

FAQs

What Is the Deadliest Type of Car Accident?

The deadliest type of car accident in the United States is a head-on collision. These crashes are disproportionately responsible for fatal crashes when comparing the types of collisions between two or more motor vehicles. The National Safety Council reported that while 4.1% of all vehicle crashes were head-on collisions, 27.7% of fatal crashes were head-on collisions.

Head-on collisions were thankfully not responsible for any fatal crashes in New Orleans in 2024.

What Is the Leading Cause of Traffic Collisions in Louisiana?

One of the leading causes of traffic collisions in Louisiana is distracted driving. In Louisiana, CARTS reported that 13.43% of accidents that are caused by a driver’s violating action were caused by careless, inattentive, or improper driving without due care. In New Orleans, this violation was responsible for 5.08% of accidents, while 7.22% of accidents were caused by the failure to yield the right-of-way.

Accidents are also frequently caused by speeding, impaired driving, and other moving violations.

Why Do You Need to Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?

When you hire an auto accident lawyer in Louisiana, you are more likely to recover financial compensation in a claim. You are also more likely to maximize the damages you recover in that claim. A car accident lawyer knows Louisiana laws, negotiates with insurers, and has the resources to build a strong case. If you have been seriously injured in a vehicle collision, you should not have to stress about determining the cause of the accident or proving that another driver was to blame. With an experienced car accident attorney on your side, you can focus on healing while they handle your case and fight to prove liability on your behalf.

What Damages Can You Recover After an Auto Accident?

The damages you can recover after an auto accident depend on the specific damages that you sustained in the accident. These damages may include:

• Existing medical bills
• Future medical needs and expected injury complication costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage repair or replacement costs
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life

An attorney can help you assess these damages, fighting for fair financial compensation in an insurance claim.

Reach Out to a New Orleans Auto Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident, you have options. When you get in contact with Murphy Law Firm, we can review your collision to determine how you can recover compensation. When another driver is at fault for the crash, you can hold them liable for any damages you sustained in the accident.

About The Author

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community. Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991. Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice. Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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