Single-Vehicle Accidents in Louisiana: Causes, Consequences, and Your Legal Rights

Louisiana’s roads can be unpredictable. Sudden storms, potholes, or even wildlife can lead to a road accident.

Single-vehicle accidents happen when a car crashes without another vehicle being involved—hitting a tree, rolling over, or veering off the road. These accidents are common, especially on Louisiana’s rural and flood-prone roads.

At Shlosman Law Firm, we’ve handled countless car accident cases, including complex single-vehicle crashes. We understand Louisiana’s unique roadways and how liability works in these cases.

If you’ve been in a crash, you may have more legal options than you realize. Let’s break down what you need to know.

Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents in Louisiana

Here are some of the most common reasons these accidents occur.

Distracted Driving

It only takes a second of looking away from the road for an accident to happen. Whether it’s texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or using in-car technology, distractions can be dangerous.

Louisiana law prohibits texting while driving, and penalties increase for repeat offenses. Despite this, distracted driving remains a top cause of crashes across the state.

Speeding

Speeding makes it harder to react to unexpected obstacles—especially on Louisiana’s winding rural roads. The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop, and the more severe the impact will be if you crash.

Louisiana has strict speed limits, but many accidents still occur because drivers underestimate the danger of speeding regardless of the unfavourable road conditions.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drugs, even prescription medications, affect judgment and reaction time. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Louisiana.

The state enforces harsh penalties for DUI, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. But even if a driver isn’t over the legal limit, impairment can still be a factor in a single-vehicle accident.

Driver Inexperience

New drivers lack the experience to handle unexpected road hazards. They may overcorrect when they start to lose control, leading to rollovers or running off the road.

Louisiana’s Graduated Driver’s License Program is designed to help young drivers gain experience before getting a full license, but accidents still happen.

Mechanical Failure

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the driver—it’s the car. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering problems can cause a crash. Louisiana’s high humidity and heat can wear down vehicle parts faster, increasing the risk of sudden failures.

Poor Road Conditions

Louisiana is notorious for its potholes, crumbling highways, and roads that flood after heavy rain. A deep pothole can cause a tire to blow out, and uneven pavement can make a driver lose control.

Government agencies are responsible for road maintenance, and in some cases, they can be held liable if poor conditions lead to an accident.

Weather Conditions

Heavy rain, fog, and even hurricanes make Louisiana’s roads hazardous. Slippery streets and low visibility increase the chances of losing control, especially if a driver doesn’t slow down for the conditions.

Animal Crossings

From deer in rural areas to alligators near wetlands, Louisiana’s wildlife can be a real threat to drivers. Swerving to avoid an animal can lead to a crash—sometimes worse than if the driver had just braked.

Potential Consequences of Single-Vehicle Accidents in Louisiana

These accidents often lead to more than just vehicle damage. The aftermath can be serious, affecting a person’s health, finances, and even emotional well-being.

Injuries and Fatalities

Hitting a stationary object like a tree or guardrail can cause devastating injuries. Common injuries from single-vehicle crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries

Fatalities are unfortunately common, especially in rollover accidents, which are more likely to happen in SUVs and trucks.

Financial Burden

Even a minor crash can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Insurance might not cover everything, especially if the company tries to blame the driver for the accident.

Emotional Trauma

Survivors of severe accidents often deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The stress of dealing with medical treatment, financial struggles, and insurance battles only adds to the emotional burden.

Legal Implications

Drivers in single-vehicle crashes can face traffic citations, higher insurance rates, or even criminal charges if they were speeding, distracted, or under the influence of drugs. However, there are cases where another party could be responsible.

How to Establish Liability and Seek Compensation?

If you’ve been in a single-vehicle accident, you might assume you’re at fault—but that’s not always the case. In some situations, you could be eligible for compensation.

Determine Fault

Louisiana follows comparative negligence laws, meaning fault can be shared between multiple parties. Even if a driver is partially responsible, they might still be able to recover damages.

Police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction can help determine whether factors like road conditions, mechanical failure, or another driver contributed to the crash.

Potential Third-Party Liability

Other parties that could be at fault include:

• Government agencies responsible for road maintenance
• Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect caused the crash
• Other drivers who forced you off the road or caused an unsafe situation

Insurance Claims

Louisiana requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but it doesn’t always cover all damages. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be helpful if another driver played a role in the accident but wasn’t identified.

Seeking Compensation

In cases where a city, county, or state agency is responsible for dangerous road conditions, filing a claim can be complicated. Louisiana law has specific procedures and deadlines for suing government entities.

Statute of Limitations

As of July 1, 2024, Louisiana has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you don’t take legal action in time, you could lose your right to seek compensation.

Injured in a Single-Vehicle Accident in Louisiana? Shlosman Law Firm Can Help

If you’ve been in a single-vehicle accident, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. At Shlosman Law Firm, we know how to investigate these cases and determine if someone else is responsible for your crash.

Our firm fights to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

If you’re dealing with injuries or insurance issues, call us today at 504-826-9427 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and get the justice you deserve.