Interstate 10, or I-10, is a major highway that runs through Louisiana. This highway includes the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, also known as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge, which consists of two parallel bridges that travel between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.
As an experienced auto collision attorney could attest, I-10 bridges are hotspots for traffic accidents that can lead to severe traffic congestion. If you were injured in an accident on or around the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge, you should speak with a Baton Rouge I-10 car accident lawyer from Tomeny | Best about your legal options.
What Makes I-10 So Dangerous?
The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge opened to the public in 1973. According to data from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the parallel bridges are 18 miles long and carry approximately 60,000 vehicles per day.
The Louisiana DOTD has noted that elevated sections of highway, such as the I-10 bridge in Baton Rouge, have inherent risks for auto wrecks due to carrying high-speed traffic on non-expandable lanes with no shoulder area. Additionally, bad weather conditions such as fog or rain can increase the risk of a crash.
Certain driver behaviors can also increase the danger along this highway, such as:
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Traveling at excessive speeds
- Driver impairment due to alcohol or drugs
When accidents happen on an I-10 bridge, the length of the bridge and the limited number of entry and exit points along the bridge can lead to significant traffic backups, which can make it difficult for police or emergency services to access a crash site and lead to hours of delays. The state has taken certain measures over the years to reduce accidents on the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge. For example, in 1998, the speed limit for cars was reduced from 70 mph to 60 mph.
Taking Legal Action After a Crash on I-10
Despite the inherent risks presented, many car accidents that occur on I-10 in Baton Rouge result from driver negligence. When a driver’s negligence leads to an accident, a party that sustained injuries or property damage can pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Individuals are generally liable when their conduct causes damages to another person or their property, according to La. Civ. Code Ann. § 2315. Proving negligence will depend on the specific facts of the case. If the injured person proves that the at-fault driver violated a state traffic law, it can help establish that a defendant breached their duty of care owed to other drivers.
For example, evidence that a motorist was driving at an excessive speed can help establish that they breached their duty of care. The injured person must also show that the alleged breach was the proximate cause of their injuries. A Baton Rouge lawyer can help a person who has been injured to determine the relevant evidence, such as police incident reports, surveillance footage, accident scene photos, or witness statements, to prove a breach of care in an I-10 car accident.
Relevant Damages
If a person who has been injured can prove negligence, they may be able to recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, or lost consortium with a partner. A skilled lawyer could help with this process.
Time Is of the Essence When Filing Negligence Claims
When a person is injured in a Baton Rouge I-10 car crash, it is essential to file a lawsuit within the relevant statute of limitations. If a person was injured on or after July 1, 2024, they have two years from the date of the injury to bring a claim. If they were injured before this time, they have one year to pursue a lawsuit.
Certain exceptions exist to the general one-year rule.
Speak With a Baton Rouge Lawyer Immediately About Your I-10 Car Accident Case
If you were injured in an accident and need professional advice about your legal options, please schedule an initial consultation with a Baton Rouge I-10 car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
A tenacious lawyer from Tomeny | Best could also fight on your behalf when dealing with insurance companies that may potentially offer you an inadequate settlement amount. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.