What is the Most Common Type of Car Accident in Louisiana?

What is the most common type of car accident in Louisiana? The most common type of car accident in Louisiana is a rear-end collision, in which one driver fails to stop soon enough and collides with the vehicle in front of them. 

Numerous types of car accidents happen in Louisiana, all of which can lead to a serious risk of injury and loss of life. As always, speak with an experienced New Orleans car accident lawyer about your case.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Louisiana: Head-on Collisions

A head-on collision occurs when two drivers collide with the front of their vehicles. Head-on collisions are some of the most devastating because of the risk of serious injury. There are various factors that contribute to the cause of a head-on collision, but some of the most common reasons they happen include:

• Reckless overtaking, a process in which a driver tries to pass a slower vehicle on a two-lane road without visibility to the vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
• Wrong-way driving often occurs on city streets where visibility is limited or signage is inadequate.
• Distraction behind the wheel, including in situations where the driver is making a call or turns around to deal with someone in the backseat.
• Impaired driving causes the driver to misjudge the car’s movements and speed.
• Fatigued driving often leads to the driver drifting into the opposite lane of traffic if they fall asleep.

Head-on collisions can be worrisome because they often indicate the driver did not try to stop. That can mean that the driver is moving at full force at the time of the accident, which can create a higher risk of serious damage and injury to the vehicles. Head-on collisions are common in Louisiana due to the high number of intoxicated and fatigued accidents. Learn more about what to do after a Louisiana car accident.

Rear End Collisions

Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that rear-end collisions account for as much as 29% of traffic accidents, the most out of all types. These accidents occur as a result of victims failing to stop in time, but they could be caused by either the driver in front or in the rear, depending on the circumstances. Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions include:

• Distracted driving, such as the driver looking at their phone, can lead to an inability to stop.
• Brake failure due to faulty or worn brakes.
• Tailgating, or following the person in front too closely, can lead to a high risk of being unable to stop in a fast-changing situation.
• Weather conditions, including icy conditions, wet, or windy conditions.
• Impaired driving due to the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Driver fatigue, often caused by working long hours or driving at night with little sleep.

Rear-end accidents may be the fault of the driver behind in situations where the driver failed to stop in time due to distraction or other factors. It is important to note that in some cases, the driver in front may be at fault, particularly if they stop suddenly without warning and fail to provide the driver behind them with adequate notice. Aggressive driving can be a cause of either party being hurt.

Red Light Accidents are Common Car Accidents in Louisiana

Another common type of car accident in Louisiana is a red light accident, which occurs when a driver fails to stop at a red light, resulting in a collision at an intersection. Any type of red light accident can be challenging to prove who is at fault if there are no witnesses or any video to document what took place.

Many times, red light accidents occur when a driver is trying to beat the light, which often means they were speeding or otherwise violating the law. In these situations, drivers can strike others in a T-bone accident if a driver enters the intersection from the opposite direction. Other accidents may result in a head-on collision when a driver strikes a car approaching from the opposite direction.

Red light accidents can be seriously damaging, especially when victims are struck by a car traveling at high speed. In these situations, the risk of loss of life is high due to the speed. Moreover, these accidents are often brought on by intentional actions, meaning they were fully avoidable. For victims of a red light accident, it can be essential to seek legal support from a car accident attorney to hold those at fault accountable through a comprehensive investigation.

Other Common Types of Car Accidents in Louisiana

Common car accidents in Louisiana can occur for various reasons, and in some situations, there may be more than one cause of an accident involving multiple at-fault parties. Victims who are in a car accident like the following often benefit from the support of an attorney who will guide them in proving who is at fault and minimizing any level of responsibility they have, as much as is possible. The following are some of the other common types of car accidents in Louisiana.

• Single-vehicle accidents may occur as a result of one vehicle striking a structure. It may not seem like this type of accident is due to more than one driver, but a vehicle can be involved in a collision as a result of trying to avoid another driver or because of poor road conditions.
• Sideswipe accidents occur when a driver strikes another vehicle traveling in the same direction, often during attempts to overtake the other driver.
• Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle is traveling at a high speed or has a significant amount of weight, causing it to roll over after striking another vehicle.

Hit-and-run accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, and low-speed accidents are also common types of accidents that occur in the state. You may find that any accident is worrisome if you do not have legal guidance on your side. Learn more about what you should know about Louisiana car accidents.

Seek an Attorney to Pursue Fair Compensation

If you are involved in any of these common types of car accidents in Louisiana, seek the help of a car accident lawyer in proving fault. 

Call Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case at a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in New Orleans.