The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge on I-10 is 18.2 miles (or 96,100 feet) in length. Also known as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge, the bridge is a pair of parallel structures that carry traffic over the Atchafalaya Basin between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.
According to the Advocate, this bridge has been the site of over 1,000 accidents since 2014. Out of these crashes, there have been 15 fatalities.
History of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
The bridge opened to the public in 1973. In 1989, the Louisiana legislature renamed the bridge the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge in tribute to the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. At the time of construction, the bridge was the longest in the country.
It is now the:
- Third longest in the U.S.
- Second longest on the interstate system
- Fourteenth longest in the world by total length
The bridge serves over 50,000 each day, according to The Advocate.
Atchafalaya Basin Today
After a series of motor vehicle accidents that claimed the lives of four people on the bridge, the speed limit was lowered from 70 miles per hour to 60 in 1998. The high number of wrecks was attributed to the volume of 18-wheelers using the road for commercial purposes.
However, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) reported that in 2018, the bridge saw 245 accidents that resulted in 70 serious injuries. While the DOTD is currently working on implementing measures to promote driver safety, as it stands, the narrow lanes and density of traffic still put motorists at risk.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
Frequent Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Accidents on I-10
With such a high number of commuters using the bridge each day, the chances of a serious crash are a very real possibility. An average of 197 auto accidents occurs on this roadway per year, with 70% of those collisions caused by distracted drivers, according to the DOTD.
One particularly dangerous section of the bridge is the two river crossings area where the lanes narrow. The lack of shoulders along this section of the bridge makes for especially hazardous conditions.
Lower speed limits and traffic regulations requiring large trucks to remain in the right lane all aim to help control traffic flow and reduce traffic accidents.
Construction to repair parts of the bridge can delay travel and contribute to congestion. Stopped traffic or one-lane traffic due to the construction, combined with distracted driving, can place drivers at risk for serious harm.
Why You Need an Auto Accident Attorney on Your Side
A serious car accident on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge can leave you with medical bills and lost wages. If you were injured due to a distracted or otherwise negligent driver, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses.
An insurance company may make you a settlement offer soon after your injury accident. While the amount they propose may seem like a large sum, it may not factor in the cost of future expenses that may arise. Accepting any amount of compensation from the insurance company will forfeit your right to pursue additional litigation.
If you lost a close loved one due to a traffic accident on the bridge, you may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Possible types of compensation may include final medical expenses for the decedent, funeral and burial costs, and more.
While no amount of money can return your life to how it was before being injured in a car accident, it can help ease your financial stress during this difficult time.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
The Louisiana statute of limitations for filing a civil action or wrongful death claim is one year, which can pass quickly when you are dealing with accident injuries or the loss of a close loved one.
While securing legal representation may be the farthest thing from your mind, it should top your to-do list after an automobile accident that was not your fault. To protect your best interests, you may want to contact a personal injury attorney.
If you experienced losses while traveling on the Atchafalaya Basin due to a negligent driver, contact us. Our personal injury law firm can fight for your right to compensation.
You do not have to bear this burden alone. When you work with our injury attorneys, we can examine the cause of your accident, estimate the value of your personal injury claim, and negotiate with the responsible parties for a fair settlement. Our goal is to get you back on your feet after the crash so that you can move forward with your life.
We operate on contingency, meaning that we only get paid if you accept an offer from the liable party.
Fight for the justice you deserve. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now for a free case evaluation at (337) 777-7777.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
