Financial Cost Of Car Accidents In Louisiana

As New Orleans personal injury attorneys, we deal with the impact of car accidents on families on a daily basis. While our job is to pursue financial compensation for our clients in personal injury lawsuits, we understand that in many cases, no monetary reward can compensate for the suffering of the injured or the hardship imposed on loved ones as a result of a serious – or even fatal – car crash.

Nonetheless, there are several financial costs associated with automobile accidents that can be measured. Recently, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission released a finding that the costs associated with automobile accidents in Louisiana totaled approximately $5.7 billion in 2009. The expenses used in arriving at this figure included medical treatment, property damage, loss of wages and litigation costs.

While those wrongly injured are entitled to full compensation for their personal injuries, this number is truly staggering. It becomes even more problematic in light of the fact that nearly half of the injuries and deaths in Louisiana car accidents in 2009 involved alcohol use. In 2007 and 2008, Louisiana ranked among the top three states in fatal automobile accidents involving alcohol use.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control recently noted that automobile accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 5 and 34. In addition to the human toll, car accidents claim a large financial toll. The CDC estimates that medical and work loss expenses associated with car accidents average of $41 billion every year nationally. This national figure does not even include several of the additional expenses used in the Louisiana study.

If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered a personal injury, we would be happy to help you. Please feel free to call us at (504) 527-8767.