Auto Accidents

Ford Recalls Nearly 50,000 Escape SUVs

September 6, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Ford Motor Co. issued an international recall of nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 68 complaints. These complaints included reports of 13 accidents and one fatality. The recall includes the 2001 to 2004 model year Escapes.

The NHTSA says the problem is linked to an inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the cruise control cable. This defect can cause the gas pedal to stick. Ford also recalled its 2013 model year Escapes after discovering that the engines could catch fire due to a defective fuel line leak.

Baton Rouge Experiences Interstate Closure Due to 18 Wheeler Crash

August 30, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 18-wheeler driver lost control of his truck on Interstate 10 recently, crashing into the retaining wall. According to authorities, the driver refused to cooperate with the police in determining the cause of the accident. The police later determined the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident. There were no injuries in the accident.

The immense size and weight of an 18-wheeler truck can cause serious injuries in an automobile accident. Each year, over 150,000 people are injured by 18-wheeler accidents in the U.S alone. By law, drivers of 18-wheelers are under a heightened duty to operate the truck in a safe and cautious manner. Federal and state laws also govern the practices of 18-wheelers. These laws typically cover the number of hours a driver can drive within a 24-hour-period, the company’s maintenance and loading standards, and driver qualifications.

After an accident with an 18-wheeler, it is important to choose an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases. 18-wheeler accidents differ from typical auto accidents because the truck driver’s employer’s practices may also have contributed to the cause of accident. In addition, an employer can often be held vicariously liable for the accident. An experienced attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Baton Rouge Cyclist Killed in Collision with SUV

August 23, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An SUV driver struck a bicyclist riding his bike late Monday night in Baton Rouge. The bicyclist died at the scene of the accident. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Due to its large size and weight, a vehicle can cause serious and even fatal injuries to a bicyclist. Statistics reveal bicyclists are most likely to become involved in an accident while riding in intersections and at night. It is important for bicyclists and drivers to take extra precautions in the presence of each other. These precautions include driving cautiously, making each other’s presence known, wearing reflectors and abiding by traffic laws.

Gulf Coast States Rank Among the Most Dangerous States for Drivers

August 16, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A recent study shows Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi rank among the top ten states with the highest rates of auto fatalities in the nation. Mississippi had the highest rate of motor vehicle-related deaths in the United States. The Trust for America’s Health, a non-profit group, conducted the study through analyzing a series of U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports.

The study also analyzed the current policies of states with higher numbers of motor vehicle-related deaths. The study suggests that Louisiana has taken positive steps to improve its fatality statistics through state legislation. These laws include requiring the installation of an ignition lock in the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers, penalizing distracted driving and mandating seatbelt use. Nevertheless, the study notes that the state has failed to effectively enforce these laws.

Acadiana Girl Killed, Another in Critical Condition After Recent Accidents

August 2, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 11 year-old girl died in a tragic car crash earlier this month on LA Highway 104. The accident occurred when the driver drove off the road and hit a tree. Police do not know what caused the driver to leave the road. The other passengers, a 12 year-old girl and 13 year-old boy suffered only minor injuries.

Another 15 year old girl is currently in critical condition after the driver of the vehicle she was riding in also left the road, hit a ditch, and flipped the vehicle. The accident occurred on LA 320 and is currently under investigation.

Louisiana Legislature Toughens Rules For Teen Drivers

July 19, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Louisiana’s first-time drivers will now be legally required to undergo more classroom and behind-the-wheel training. State lawmakers passed this legislation last session with little opposition.

The new rules require 30 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel instruction for 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. In addition, 18-year-olds must undertake six hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel training. Lawmakers believe the legislation will make roads safer and lower insurance rates across the state.

Car accidents continue to be the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. Last year, car accidents claimed the lives of almost 6,000 teens. Statistics show that teens are more likely to speed, use cell phones and succumb to distractions inside and outside the vehicle.

Traumatic Brain Injury Study Released

July 12, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A study released by the University of Oklahoma indicates that the symptoms of traumatic brain injury can persist for years. The study followed over 500 veterans who suffered from post-concussion syndrome. Their research found that almost half of the veterans’ symptoms did not improve until eight years after the injury.

Post-concussion syndrome is a disorder that follows a blunt impact to the head or brain. The symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia, memory loss and sensitivity to light and noise. For years, doctors have believed that these symptoms were only temporary.

Sports-Related Brain Injuries On The Rise

April 19, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An increase in the number of sports related traumatic brain injuries has many neurological surgeons and families of athletes concerned with the quality of protective gear.

The Brain Injury Resource Center estimates 300,000 traumatic brain injuries a year are sports-related with concussions being the most common. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons declared traumatic brain injuries to be the leading cause of death from sports-related injuries. According to the Association, from 2008 to 2009 the number of traumatic brain injuries in baseball and softball increased by more than a third, from 26,964 to 38,394. Cycling and football top the list with the highest number of brain injuries.

Dr. Jeff Cone, a Texas neurologist, said equipment is safer now than it was a decade ago, but there is still room for improvement in the design of equipment and prevention of traumatic brain injuries.

3 Year Old Louisiana Boy Dies Riding Tricycle

April 12, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A three year old boy from Plain Dealing died when he was hit by a car while riding his tricycle. After being pushed off the road and into a ditch, he was pronounced dead at LSU Hospital in Shreveport.

Tragic deaths such as this can be heart-wrenching and devastating experiences for families. In addition to emotional pain from the loss of a loved one, surviving family members can also experience future financial hardship. Under these circumstances, a wrongful death claim may allow injured family members to recover.

BP Oil Spill Settlement Reached

March 8, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

BP recently reached an estimated $7.8 billion settlement with private individual and business plaintiffs this month. Out of the settlement, the parties agreed to allocate $2.3 billion to claimants from the seafood industry. However this settlement is uncapped and only reflects BP’s estimate of the damages.

A court will actively monitor the process, ensuring that BP pays damages to all legitimate claims including compensation for economic loss and medical claims. However, mystery continues to surround the terms and conditions of the agreement, which is expected to be released mid-April. The court-monitored settlement appears to be replacing the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, which has already paid out an estimated $6 billion in compensation to approximately 221,000 claimants out-of-court.

Some plaintiffs’ lawyers suggest that this transparent approach will ensure that thousands of individuals receive compensation for their injuries. Even more significant, reports indicate that depending on the details of the agreement, thousands of new people across the Gulf Coast may become eligible to receive compensation and care for physical and mental health problems caused by the disaster.