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Gonzales, LA, Car Accident Statistics
News and Articles
Summary
This blog post covers the risks of driving in Gonzales, Louisiana. Poor road quality in the state leads to over $10.6 billion in costs each year. The text lists dangerous roads like I-20, US-190, and US-90, and notes that rural roads are frequent spots for accidents involving impaired drivers.
It also explains the 2026 law change. Now, a person can only seek money for an accident if they are 50% or less at fault. Finally, the post details the time limits for starting a legal claim, which is usually two years for personal injury and one year for cases involving a death.
No one wants to think about being involved in an auto accident. Unfortunately, you can never guarantee that you won’t be in one, even if you’re the safest driver on the road. It’s helpful to have a plan in place, so you know what to do after a car accident in Louisiana. Furthermore, knowing more about Gonzales, LA, car accident statistics can better prepare you for what to expect as you travel on Louisiana highways, streets, and rural roads.
Car Accident Statistics in Gonzales, LA
Louisiana is known for having some of the most dangerous roads in the United States. It was recently estimated that motor vehicle crashes cost Louisiana residents over $10.6 billion in a single year. These costs account for individual costs like higher insurance rates, medical bills, and property damages, as well as the impact on the community as a whole due to damage to infrastructure.
In 2024, the Federal Highway Administration gave $7,382,869 to the state to repair damages to roads in the wake of Hurricane Delta and Hurricane Ida. Still, there are significant issues with Louisiana’s roads.
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave state infrastructure a “C-” rating, with roads specifically receiving a “D.” Understanding the top 3 causes of car accidents in Louisiana highlights how bad road quality, weather, and driver behavior intersect to create hazardous conditions. Extreme weather conditions, old road ages, and underfunding were listed as top reasons for the declining infrastructure. Bad road quality can make it more difficult for people to control their vehicles, resulting in more traffic incidents.
Many other things factor into the likelihood of a traffic accident in Louisiana, including drivers’ behaviors, high traffic volumes, and weather conditions. It’s very important to be aware of all the potential hazards you may face on the road in order to stay safe.
Louisiana has a total of 65,918 miles of roadways running through the state. Some of the most dangerous roads throughout the state run through and around Gonzales, such as I-20, US-190, and US-90. Highways aren’t the only risky place to drive. Normal streets and neighborhood roads can be the scenes of accidents, too.
Rural roads also pose a unique risk for drivers, as there are plenty of them throughout Gonzales. Rural roads have consistently been a hot spot for accidents, especially those involving impaired drivers. Recent data found that drunk drivers were involved in 66.8 percent of rural fatal car accidents versus 33.2 percent of fatal accidents in urban areas.
No matter where you’re traveling, it’s imperative that you practice safe driving and have a basic understanding of your options if you’re involved in a traffic accident. For example, you may still be in a position to start a claim and recover damages for an accident even if another car wasn’t involved. A skilled Gonzales car accident attorney can show you how and guide you through each step of the process to ensure you get the recompense you deserve.
FAQs
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Gonzales?
The most common causes of car accidents in Gonzales include bad driver behaviors, high traffic volumes, and poor road conditions. Speeding is one of the biggest factors in the volume of accidents as well as the severity. This is what makes aggressive drivers so dangerous.
Fatigued driving is another leading factor in crashes on Louisiana roadways and streets across the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigued driving causes 100,000 crashes across the country every year.
Is Louisiana a No-Fault Accident State?
Louisiana is not a no-fault accident state. Historically, it has been a pure comparative fault state. As of 2026, it is a modified comparative fault state. This change means that victims can only file an auto accident claim if they are 50 percent or less at fault for the incident.
Furthermore, you can expect your percentage of fault for an accident to affect your total settlement amount. If you want to recover the maximum amount, it’s imperative that you establish fault.
How Much Can I Recover From an Auto Accident Claim in Gonzales?
How much you can recover from an auto accident claim in Gonzales can vary depending on the details of your accident. Most personal injury cases settle out of court, which involves negotiating for a fair settlement with the at-fault party and their insurance provider.
Some cases do go to court. In this case, you can expect a judge to decide based on the severity of all your injuries and the strength of the evidence you present with your claim.
How Much Time Is There for Me to Start an Auto Accident Claim in Gonzales?
How long you have to start an auto accident claim in Gonzales can vary depending on the details of your claim. You can typically file a personal injury claim within two years of an incident, but every case is different.
Furthermore, some cases may involve a wrongful death claim, which usually must be filed within a year of the decedent’s death. A Gonzales car accident attorney can assist you in understanding your options based on your unique case.
Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer to Start a Claim in Gonzales Today
It can be scary to think about the realities of an auto accident, but it’s imperative that you prepare yourself for that reality just in case something does happen on the road. That said, preparing for an auto accident can only get you so far. It’s wise to reach out to a Gonzales car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash to improve your chances of securing a fair settlement.
You can hire an auto accident lawyer from Murphy Law Firm to assist you throughout every stage of the process. We have decades of experience negotiating with local insurance companies and taking them to court when we can’t come to an agreement.
Our attorneys have secured over $250 million for clients over the years, and we’re just getting started. If you want to discuss your situation in more detail, contact our attorneys at Murphy Law Firm to set up a meeting with a team member today. We’re conveniently located right off I-10, making it a quick trip for many of our clients throughout South Louisiana.
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