Zachary, LA, Car Accident Statistics

In East Baton Rouge Parish, the insight provided by Zachary, LA, car accident statistics can shed light on high-risk behaviors and factors that could influence liability in a car accident legal claim. Because of this, experienced attorneys review local statistics when building their case, and, as part of a broader strategy, these statistics can help secure full and fair compensation.

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Murphy Law Firm has a proud 30-plus-year history of advocating for Louisiana clients. Peyton Murphy, personally meeting every new client, ensures individualized attention from start to finish. With four record jury verdicts, including one for $18.9 million, and daily courtroom advocacy, the firm delivers results clients can trust.

Overview of Car Accidents in Zachary, LA

Zachary, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, is a growing city, and as the population rises, so too does the traffic volume and the likelihood of accidents. Although specific, up-to-date accident numbers for Zachary aren’t always publicly reported, data from East Baton Rouge Parish can provide insight to estimate local trends. In 2024 alone, there were:

• There were 21,132 crashes in the parish
• There was a total of 66 fatalities
• March and September saw the most fatalities
• There were 2,045 crashes in the month of October
• 13.11% of all crashes occurred between 1 am and 2 am
• Fridays saw the most crashes, with 17.17% of all crashes
• Sundays saw the most fatal crashes, with 0.68%

As traffic continues to grow with the city’s population, the overall picture of car accidents in Zachary reflects broader trends across the parish, providing important context when accidents occur.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Although every accident is unique, many crashes in Zachary stem from the same underlying behaviors and conditions. These common causes also heavily influence how insurance companies investigate claims and how legal cases are ultimately built. They include:

• Distracted driving. The cause of 3,275 fatalities across the US in 2023, distracted driving continues to be a major problem in Louisiana. Whether a driver is texting, eating, or simply not paying full attention, even a brief distraction can lead to a serious crash. To prove negligence, attorneys need to gather evidence such as surveillance videos, phone records, and witness statements.
• Speeding and reckless driving. In 2023, speeding killed 32 people per day in the United States. Driving too fast increases the chances of a crash and often makes the injuries in these accidents more severe.
• Impaired driving. In Louisiana, 29% of all traffic fatalities are caused by impaired driving. Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications remains a serious problem across the state. In legal cases, evidence of impairment can strongly support a claim that the at-fault driver acted negligently.
• Weather and road conditions. Louisiana’s frequent rain and sudden storms can make driving especially hazardous. Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distances, which leads to more crashes. While drivers are expected to slow down and adjust to these conditions, poorly maintained roads, flooding, or missing warning signs can also contribute to accidents.

When these factors are involved in a crash, an attorney can root out the source of liability to develop a legal strategy that maximizes your compensation. When combined with statistics, these factors can reveal patterns of negligence, strengthening your claim.

The Role of Statistics in Legal Strategy

Statistics are an important tool when building a strong legal case. Lawyers use this data to identify common causes of crashes, spot patterns of negligence, and estimate the potential costs of injuries and property damage.

If statistics show a high number of rear-end collisions at a certain intersection, an attorney could argue that the city or road designers share some responsibility for not addressing a known hazard. Similarly, if certain types of accidents, such as those caused by wet roads, often occur under specific conditions, these trends can help show that the crash was foreseeable and preventable.

Statistics also help attorneys decide whether a case is suited for settlement or trial. By examining trends in similar accidents, lawyers can predict likely outcomes, anticipate insurance companies’ arguments, and guide clients toward the right strategy. For accident victims, this means their legal team builds their case on a broader understanding of risk, liability, and how similar situations have played out in the past.

FAQs

How Long Does a Car Accident Case Usually Take to Resolve in Zachary?

In Zachary, a car accident case can take a long time to resolve, depending on the nature of the claim. Simple cases involving minor injuries and clear fault often resolve quickly. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties could take longer. An experienced attorney can help estimate a reasonable timeline for your case.

If I Was Partially at Fault, Can I Still Seek Compensation?

Yes, you can still get compensated if you were partially at fault. Under Louisiana’s comparative fault system, you could be assigned a percentage of responsibility for the accident. Later, your compensation is reduced by the same percentage. An experienced attorney can work to minimize your portion of blame to maximize your compensation.

When Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you generally have two years to file a car accident claim. If you don’t file within that time frame, you forfeit your right to pursue compensation. However, some cases could be subject to shorter deadlines, and the longer you wait, the more likely it is that the insurance company can claim your injuries aren’t from the accident, so contact a local car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

What Factors Make a Car Accident Case Take Longer to Settle?

Some factors that can make a car accident case take longer to settle include serious or permanent injuries, disputed fault, the involvement of multiple vehicles or insurance companies, delays in medical treatment, and the need for professional testimony. Cases that proceed to trial rather than settle outside of court almost always take longer to resolve.

Get the Legal Support You Deserve

At Murphy Law Firm, our attorneys are committed to fighting for accident victims in Zachary and throughout Louisiana. We’re ready to hold negligent parties accountable so we can secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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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