Auto Accidents

Louisiana Senate Passes Bill Banning Social Media While Driving

April 18, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A bill prohibiting the use of social media sites while driving was passed by the Louisiana Senate Wednesday.

The bill by Senator Dale Erdey is designed to further prevent accidents caused by distracted drivers. Louisiana Law currently prohibits drivers from reading or sending text messages while driving. Senate Bill 147 seeks to add the use of Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites to the law.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident in which a driver was text messaging, you may be able to recover. Contact Broussard, David & Moroux at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll free) to find out what legal rights you may have.

Reports show Lafayette “red-light cameras” have reduced accidents

March 15, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A recently released report indicates that Lafayette’s “red-light camera” programs have reduced crashes across the city. The report monitored intersections for three years before the cameras were installed and then for three years after the installation of the cameras. By the end of the study, they found that the presence of traffic cameras reduced the number of crashes by 64 percent in the last three years.

Lafayette’s “red-light camera” programs have been controversial since their inception. Many critics have argued that traffic cameras would increase the number of rear-end collisions because drivers would be more likely to slam on their brakes in order to avoid a ticket and fine. However, according to the report, rear-end crashes were also reduced by approximately 80 percent. Overall, this study suggests that “red-light cameras” encourage Lafayette drivers to exercise greater caution at intersections.

Louisiana State Police Report Thirteen Fatal Holiday-Week Crashes

December 18, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

The Louisiana State Police reported thirteen fatal crashes in Louisiana over the Thanksgiving holiday week. The accidents tragically resulted in fourteen deaths. Two crashes were caused by driver impairment and one crash involved a motorcycle and a pedestrian.

Louisiana law takes a harsh stance on drunk driving. This past legislative session, state lawmakers passed six new laws giving officers several methods to test an individual suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These laws also create harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

Despite the state’s recent crack down on drunk driving, driving under the influence remains a serious problem in the state, especially during the holidays. Impaired driving is a leading cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana. If your loved one was seriously injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, you should speak with a lawyer to learn about your legal rights.

Texas Thanksgiving Interstate Pileup Kills Two and Injures Many

December 3, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

At least 140 vehicles collided on Interstate 10 in southeast Texas in thick fog Thanksgiving morning, killing two people and injuring more than 80. The two people who died were tragically crushed by an 18-wheeler in their SUV. Due to the dense fog, officers at the scene were initially unable to determine the magnitude of the massive accident.

In a multi-vehicle pileup, it may be difficult for an insurance company to ascertain fault and determine liability. Even in extreme weather conditions, drivers still have a duty to drive responsibly and exercise caution on the road. In large vehicle pileups, state laws and precedent often set the tone for assigning fault after the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess the accident and give you an estimate of each party’s fault in the accident.

Texas Students Injured in School Bus Crash

October 23, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Two Texas school buses crashed into each other in San Antonio Monday morning near the entrance of a Texas high school. One bus driver died in the accident, and five student passengers suffered injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

School bus crashes are uncommon. However, when these crashes occur, they all too often result in tragedy and loss of life. When bringing a personal injury claim after a school bus accident, a plaintiff must first determine fault. Many actors can contribute to a school bus accident, including a negligent bus driver and other careless drivers on the road.

Iberia Parish Pedestrian Hit by 18-Wheeler

October 2, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 18-wheeler truck struck a pedestrian in Iberia Parish last week. The pedestrian died at the scene of the accident. The 18-wheeler driver was not injured. State police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Pedestrian accidents involving 18-wheelers are especially deadly because of the heavy weight of these large trucks. Each year, pedestrian fatalities make up about 12 percent of all traffic fatalities. Among these fatalities, statistics show that children and the elderly are more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident.

Ford Recalls Nearly 50,000 Escape SUVs

September 6, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Ford Motor Co. issued an international recall of nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 68 complaints. These complaints included reports of 13 accidents and one fatality. The recall includes the 2001 to 2004 model year Escapes.

The NHTSA says the problem is linked to an inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the cruise control cable. This defect can cause the gas pedal to stick. Ford also recalled its 2013 model year Escapes after discovering that the engines could catch fire due to a defective fuel line leak.

Baton Rouge Experiences Interstate Closure Due to 18 Wheeler Crash

August 30, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 18-wheeler driver lost control of his truck on Interstate 10 recently, crashing into the retaining wall. According to authorities, the driver refused to cooperate with the police in determining the cause of the accident. The police later determined the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident. There were no injuries in the accident.

The immense size and weight of an 18-wheeler truck can cause serious injuries in an automobile accident. Each year, over 150,000 people are injured by 18-wheeler accidents in the U.S alone. By law, drivers of 18-wheelers are under a heightened duty to operate the truck in a safe and cautious manner. Federal and state laws also govern the practices of 18-wheelers. These laws typically cover the number of hours a driver can drive within a 24-hour-period, the company’s maintenance and loading standards, and driver qualifications.

After an accident with an 18-wheeler, it is important to choose an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases. 18-wheeler accidents differ from typical auto accidents because the truck driver’s employer’s practices may also have contributed to the cause of accident. In addition, an employer can often be held vicariously liable for the accident. An experienced attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Baton Rouge Cyclist Killed in Collision with SUV

August 23, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An SUV driver struck a bicyclist riding his bike late Monday night in Baton Rouge. The bicyclist died at the scene of the accident. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Due to its large size and weight, a vehicle can cause serious and even fatal injuries to a bicyclist. Statistics reveal bicyclists are most likely to become involved in an accident while riding in intersections and at night. It is important for bicyclists and drivers to take extra precautions in the presence of each other. These precautions include driving cautiously, making each other’s presence known, wearing reflectors and abiding by traffic laws.

Gulf Coast States Rank Among the Most Dangerous States for Drivers

August 16, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A recent study shows Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi rank among the top ten states with the highest rates of auto fatalities in the nation. Mississippi had the highest rate of motor vehicle-related deaths in the United States. The Trust for America’s Health, a non-profit group, conducted the study through analyzing a series of U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports.

The study also analyzed the current policies of states with higher numbers of motor vehicle-related deaths. The study suggests that Louisiana has taken positive steps to improve its fatality statistics through state legislation. These laws include requiring the installation of an ignition lock in the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers, penalizing distracted driving and mandating seatbelt use. Nevertheless, the study notes that the state has failed to effectively enforce these laws.