The Horace Wilkinson Bridge is the highest bridge in the state of Louisiana. Located in Baton Rouge, the structure guides traffic across a portion of I-10 and safely over the Mississippi River. It was built in 1968 and is open to vehicles of all sizes.
This bridge rises 167 feet above water levels. In an article published by The Advocate that interviewed DOTD officials, an estimated 100,000 drivers use this roadway every day. The number of car accidents and the density of commercial vehicles sometimes means that only one lane is available for travel, even at its busiest hours.
How Tall Is Horace Wilkinson Bridge?
Horace Wilkinson Bridge stands 167 feet above sea level. To put this in perspective, let’s compare this bridge to another noteworthy bridge in the U.S. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is taller at 220 feet. Horace Wilkinson may not be as tall as that bridge, but it’s still an incredibly deadly place to be if you get in an accident.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientInterstate 10 Is One of the Deadliest Highways in the U.S.
The Horace Wilkinson Bridge is part of a large network that connects roadways for trade opportunities. Because it is a part of I-10, it is frequented by commercial trucks using the route for delivering cargo. What this means for other motorists is that they must be diligent in avoiding car wrecks with these large vehicles.
In Louisiana, crashes involving large trucks accounted for 9.6% of all accident-related fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2017. With these semi-trucks sometimes weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, when they collide with a passenger car, there is no surprise in who is more severely injured.
To treat these car accident injuries, some of the medical procedures that are administered include:
- Stitches
- Resetting of bones
- Emergency surgery
- Rods or screws implemented to treat spinal damage
- Physical therapy
- Skin grafts for burns
- Life support
These medical bills can be quite costly. If you have been involved in an auto accident with another vehicle on the Horace Wilkinson Bridge, and you are incurring mounting expenses because of another party’s negligence, you are not alone. Seeking legal help may be your best option for recovering compensation to cover the costs relating to your car crash.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientFactors in Louisiana’s Interstate Crashes
Motor vehicle accidents on Louisiana’s interstates and major roads can have numerous causes and contributing factors. These can include:
- Distracted driving (such as texting)
- Speeding
- Inclement weather
- Hazardous roadways
- Braking suddenly
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue
- Poor judgment or error
When you work with a personal injury law firm, they can use their resources and expertise to determine why your traffic accident occurred. They can collect evidence that points to how your car wreck happened and then works to assign fault to the liable party. You should not have to pay out-of-pocket for a car accident you did not cause.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientSupport Your Personal Injury Claim with Proper Documentation
If you were injured or a loved one passed away as a result of a car crash, you may have the grounds for a claim or personal injury lawsuit. One of the first steps you can take to solidify your injury case is filing a police report following your vehicle accident.
In Louisiana, if your accident resulted in bodily injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $500, filing a police report is mandatory under Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §32:398.
Make sure that when you are doing so, either at the scene or after the fact, your personal injuries are documented in the report. This will create a link between your current physical condition and the accident itself.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientMaintain Your Right to File a Lawsuit
Being the victim of a car accident on the highest bridge in Louisiana can be a terrifying experience that leaves you with both physical and emotional trauma. A traffic accident that happens in seconds can take weeks and months to recover from.
When you seek financial recovery in the aftermath of your crash, your settlement may cover the cost of:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death
In Louisiana, you generally have a single year to file a civil action for personal injury expenses. During this time frame, it is wise to hold onto all evidence regarding your wreck, including photographs, videos, and other relevant information. This will help your Lafayette car accident lawyer determine how to proceed.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Any accident is a nerve-wracking experience. If you were hurt as the result of a vehicle collision on the Horace Wilkinson Bridge, you do not have to fight for compensation on your own.
In the aftermath of a car accident, your expenses can add up quickly. You deserve to have a personal injury attorney that will negotiate on your behalf. When you work with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can make sure that the party who caused your wreck is held responsible for their negligence.
Our goal is to use our knowledge and resources for your benefit. When you work with us, you do not have to worry about how you will pay for our services. We operate on a contingency-fee-basis, which means that we do not request any payment until you agree to a fair settlement.
To learn more about what we can do for you, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
