Baton Rouge car accident laws exist to protect drivers on the road when they’re injured due to another party’s actions or negligence. It’s possible to be in a traffic accident even if you’re doing everything correctly on the road. One way to keep yourself safe behind the wheel is to be aware of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Baton Rouge, LA.
Once you’re aware of the dangers you may face on the road, you can prepare yourself for what to expect in the event you are in a crash. A Louisiana car accident attorney can help you with all of this, but it’s still important to learn this information for yourself, too.
Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Baton Rouge, LA
Driving can be dangerous for even the safest drivers. This can be especially true in Louisiana, which is considered to have the seventh most dangerous roads in the country. This low rating is in part due to negligent or unsafe drivers, but it also has a lot to do with the quality of the roads themselves and the nature and volume of the traffic that travels on them.
There are around 65,918 miles of roadways throughout the state of Louisiana, including highways, interstates, surface streets, and rural roads. There are many risks drivers face on the road throughout the state and specifically throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.
Some of the most dangerous highways and interstates that travel through Baton Rouge include:
- Interstate 10. I-10 is one of the most congested roadways in Louisiana. Traveling on I-10 can be challenging, especially at peak driving times throughout the week. The interstate features aggressive drivers, multi-lane stretches of road, and congested on- and off-ramps.
- Interstate 12. I-12 starts just east of downtown Baton Rouge and is known for its heavy commercial traffic volume and high-risk segments of road, especially during inclement weather. The I-10/I-12 interchange can be particularly risky for drivers due to the number of commercial drivers and challenging lines of sight on the road.
- U.S. Route 190. US-190, also known as Florida Boulevard, is a major east-west route that travels through Baton Rouge. The corridor features busy intersections, high posted speed limits, and significant pedestrian activity.
- U.S. Route 61. US-61 is locally known as Airline Highway throughout the Baton Rouge area due to the direct path it draws between the city and New Orleans. It’s thought to be similar to the flight path of an airplane. This route is well-traveled by commercial vehicles and everyday drivers alike, making it a hot spot for crashes.
In addition to busy highways and interstates, there are many local surface streets that pose serious risks for Louisiana drivers. Other dangerous intersections throughout the Baton Rouge area include:
- Drusilla Drive and Jefferson Highway
- Dalrymple Drive and May Street
- Brightside Drive and Nicholson Drive
Some roads are labeled more dangerous than others, but that doesn’t automatically make driving elsewhere any safer. Traffic accidents can be the result of any number of factors on the road, and they can happen anywhere.
The grounds for filing a car accident case in Baton Rouge include driver negligence and intentional harm. You must prove that another party’s actions or inaction directly caused your injuries. It’s wise to hire an experienced car accident lawyer to help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, communicate with insurance adjusters, and advocate for your fair compensation.
FAQs
Is Louisiana an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Yes, Louisiana is an at-fault state for car accidents. More specifically, Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault law. Even if you were somewhat at fault for an accident, you might still be eligible for compensation. Only individuals who were more than 50% at fault for the accident are barred from seeking compensation.
Speak with an attorney to determine your potential fault determination. Their assistance can help you lower your level of fault for full compensation.
What Can Lead to a Car Accident in Baton Rouge?
Many things can lead to a car accident in Baton Rouge. It’s important to be able to figure out what caused an accident in order to identify who is at fault and whether or not you can recover damages for your losses. Common causes of accidents on the road can include:
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Heavy traffic volume
- High posted speed limits
- Inclement weather
- Lack of road maintenance
- Negligent pedestrians or cyclists
- Poor road infrastructure
- Reckless driving or speeding
What Do I Do Right After a Car Accident in Baton Rouge?
Right after a car accident in Baton Rouge, get yourself and any involved parties out of immediate danger. If possible, it’s wise to document the scene and gather as much information as possible. Exchange information with involved parties and talk to witnesses, too.
Once you’re able, contact the Baton Rouge Police Department or East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. You can request a copy of the police report.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge?
The cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge mostly depends on the complexity of your case and the size of your settlement. Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys typically charge contingency fees.
With this fee structure, they collect payment as a percentage of the compensation you recover. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket for legal representation.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Recovery Options After a Crash in Baton Rouge
If you’re seeking to recover damages after a crash, a Baton Rouge car accident attorney from Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege can evaluate your case and help you submit a strong claim backed by supporting evidence. We’ve recovered millions for our clients through settlements, judgments, and jury verdicts over the years.*
We’ve also built a stellar reputation amongst our peers:
- AV-Preeminent® with Martindale®
- Louisiana Super Lawyers**
- Best Lawyers/Best Law Firms
- Involvement with the Louisiana Association for Justice (LAJ)
One of our firm’s partners, Scott Andrews, is the immediate past-president of the Louisiana Association for Justice (LAJ), which is the state’s primary organization for personal injury attorneys. Our firm has the skills and resources to navigate complex injury claims in Baton Rouge.
If you want to talk to an attorney about the details of your situation, look no further than Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege. Call us to schedule a meeting with a member of our team to get started today.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
