How to Stay Safe on the Atchafalaya Bridge in Louisiana
Regarding how to stay safe on the Atchafalaya Bridge in Louisiana, a driver should consider how to stay safe on all roads—adhering to speed limits, remaining aware of other drivers and road conditions, focusing on your driving and nothing else, and ensuring that your vehicle is safe can all contribute to your security and success of getting to your destination safely.
Traversing the bridge can be hazardous, as it has been the site of 14 fatalities and over 1,100 accidents since 2014, according to an article published by The Advocate.
Leading causes of such accidents could include:
- Narrow lanes along some sections of the bridge
- Frequent lane closures for repair work
- High volumes of traffic
- Impaired driving
- Aggressive driving
- Excessive speeding
- Hazards due to merging/exiting activity of vehicles in the right lane
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating causing rear-end collisions
- Large rigs violating lane and speed restrictions
It is important to be mindful of the hazards listed and to drive attentively, adhering to speed limits and being especially observant at the two points where the bridges merge, as the roadway becomes very narrow and has no shoulders at that juncture.
If you do find yourself involved in an accident on the Atchafalaya Bridge, you may want to protect your right to compensation hiring a personal injury lawyer. They can help you to navigate the complex legal issues often present in such claims.
Determining Liability in Atchafalaya Bridge Collisions Can Be Complicated
The Advocate reports that in 2003, then-Governor Mike Foster reduced the speed limit for both cars and large trucks in a bid to increase safety. With so many 18-wheelers using the bridge, collisions caused by negligent driving can lead to life-changing and devastating injuries for the victims (who are often in smaller vehicles that take the brunt of the impact).
Determining liability for this type of accident claim can be complicated. One or more parties may be at fault, including drivers, trucking companies, other businesses or government entities, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
A personal injury lawyer can help you by:
- Providing a thorough investigation into the collision
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Establishing liability
- Estimating the full extent of your injuries and other losses, current and ongoing
- Negotiating with insurance companies throughout the settlement process
- Representing your interests in court
If you have sustained serious injuries in a car accident, legal statues in Louisiana limit the time for which you can bring your claim to court. Missing the deadline will usually mean you are forgoing your opportunity to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions or to recover compensation at any point.
Auto Accidents on the I-10 Frequently Cause Profound Injuries or Death
Even if you do follow advice about how to stay safe on the Atchafalaya Bridge in Louisiana, accidents unfortunately still happen. Injuries from such events can change your life in a second and result in profound life-changing harm—not only physically, but emotionally and financially as well.
Trucking companies have access to legal representation that has the sole aim of paying you as little compensation as possible. You may want to seek legal representation who understands trucking laws, driver error, mechanical failures, improper loading, third-party negligence, and likely road and bridge conditions at the time of your accident.
You should not have to settle for anything less than fair compensation. A lawyer may be able to help you recover damages that cover your expenses, including:
- Current and ongoing medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of current and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Burial and funeral costs, in the event of wrongful death
Your lawyer will be able to examine every aspect of your claim in order to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Getting your Life Back on Track With a Fair Settlement
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers tirelessly advocates for victims of auto accidents whose lives have been impacted by severe injuries and losses incurred by the recklessness of another.
If you were injured or a family member was killed while driving on the Atchafalaya Bridge, investigating the cause and proving who is liable can be challenging, especially while you are trying to recover from your injuries. This is where we can step in and take on the legal fight for you.
Our case review is free and we represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your case. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for legal advice and support today at (337) 777-7777. We can help.
