Deadly crashes on the Atchafalaya Bridge are all too common. The Interstate-10 bridge stretches over the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana and is the scene of countless accidents involving injury and death every year.
A serious crash on the bridge often stops traffic for hours, but a deadly crash changes people’s lives forever. If you lost a loved one in a deadly crash on the Atchafalaya Bridge, which may have been caused by another driver’s reckless actions, you might be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer in Louisiana may be able to help you.
The Atchafalaya Bridge Is Prone to Having Fatal Accidents
The Advocate reports that the Atchafalaya Bridge is approximately 18 miles long and has about 55,000 cars and trucks pass through it daily. This amount of daily use places travelers at risk for serious harm.
According to The Advocate, more than 1,000 accidents have occurred since 2014, including 13 fatalities. Dangerous driving behaviors can place you at risk for serious harm or death, and include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
Most drivers understand the dangers involved with such behaviors, yet many take the same risks behind the wheel. In a survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, researchers found that 78 percent of drivers stated texting while driving poses a significant danger, yet nearly 35 percent of drivers also admitted to having done it.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation continues to explore methods and fund projects to improve the safety of the Atchafalaya Bridge. According to The Advocate, the state had a backlog of road and bridge needs worth $14 billion in 2019.
Construction projects require drivers to use extra caution when crossing the bridge. The bridge is no place for anyone to engage in careless actions behind the wheel. Still, no matter how defensively you drive, there is no way to predict the behavior of the driver next to you. When you see an out-of-control car approaching you on the bridge, there is little room to get out of its way.
If you lost your loved one to a deadly crash on the Atchafalaya Bridge, we understand you may be going through a difficult time processing everything, including how the accident might have happened if you were not involved. During your time of immense grief, it is important to protect their memory, your future, and other drivers. A legal option you may have for doing so is to pursue a wrongful death claim.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
File Your Wrongful Death Claim Within the Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana is one year from the date of death. Twelve months is not very long when you are mourning your loved one.
Louisiana’s Civil Code § 2315.2 is very specific as to who may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Your relationship with the decedent plays a key role in pursuing litigation. If you qualify for pursuing damages, you may receive financial compensation for expenses such as funeral and burial costs and for the loss of income.
Get Help From Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
If you lost a close loved one in a deadly crash on the Atchafalaya Bridge, let us help you. You do not have to bear this burden alone. We may handle the details of your case so that you can focus on your time with family.
The expenses associated with your loved one’s death and the loss of their potential future earnings may have caused you great financial stress. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, receiving compensation might ease the financial burden that came after your loved one’s accident.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand the dangers associated with the Atchafalaya Bridge. We know that it serves as an important east and west passageway across the Atchafalaya Basin.
We also understand that drivers take a risk each time they get behind the wheel. This is no excuse for a negligent driver to not use extreme care and caution while traveling the extensive length of the bridge.
All drivers must keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their mind on driving. This is vitally important when using the Atchafalaya Bridge to reach their destination.
If your loved one did not reach their destination but instead lost their life due to a careless driver, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation now at (337) 777-7777.
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