New Orleans Personal Injury Law Blog

In New Orleans, car accidents are inevitable

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, November 14, 2019.

New Orleans is the largest and fastest growing city in the state of Louisiana. It's no secret that roadways in and around New Orleans are very crowded and also very dangerous. Car accidents have become almost inevitable here. No person wants to be involved a crash, but statistics say that the majority of motorists will be involved in a traffic accident at some point in their driving career.

A recent crash on the New Orleans Causeway claimed the life of a driver. The crash happened in the southbound lanes during the afternoon hours about four miles from the Southshore. Reports said police received a call about a stalled vehicle. According to police, another vehicle crashed into the stalled vehicle while they were on the phone with the driver of the stalled vehicle.

Truckers identify safety issues that could cause truck accidents

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC posted in Truck Accidents on Thursday, November 7, 2019.

For the past 15 years, the research branch of the American Trucking Association has conducted a survey to determine what issues concern the industry the most. Recently, both the hours of service and driver shortages has garnered top votes. Truckers from every state, including Louisiana, hope that identifying these recurring issues will lead to a reduction in the numbers of serious truck accidents.

The American Transportation Research Institute surveys truckers to get a grasp on the top safety issues that concern drivers. Though the federally mandated hours of service has been a priority over the past few years, driver shortage actually took the top spot. According to statistics provided by both the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age for a trucker is 55. The hours of service regulations are currently being reviewed by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration for possible revisions that may bring relief for some truckers.

Car companies are not concerned about pedestrian deaths

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Even though reckless drivers are still a problem, today's cars are much safer than they were even a decade ago. This means that you have a better chance of surviving if a distracted or negligent driver hits you. Unfortunately, this increased safety only extends to people inside the car. Pedestrian deaths are on the rise after nearly two decades of decline.

It is no secret that the United States is not the friendliest place for walking. This does not change the fact that people in Louisiana still walk for a number of different reasons. People without vehicles have to travel by foot, while others simply enjoy the exercise and fresh air. Here are just a few reasons why these people are at risk.

Program warns teens about dangers of distracted driving accidents

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC posted in Distracted Driving Accidents on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Louisiana police state that, so far in 2019, there have been an estimated 50 fatalities along state highways. The state is about average when it comes to teen fatalities caused by car crashes. However, officials and educators are working to educate and warn teen drivers about the dangers of distracted driving accidents.

Police, state agencies and medical professionals devised a program to help decrease the likelihood that teens may make poor choices that can lead to a serious accident. The program, Sudden Impact, was designed to thoroughly educate teenagers on all of the dangers and responsibilities that come with the privilege of obtaining a driver's license. Students are taken through all of the possible outcomes when they neglect to use safety restraints or practice safe driving skills.

Is driver negligence to blame for fatigue-related truck crashes?

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC posted in Drunk Driving Accidents on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. A smaller, lighter vehicle is often no match for the significantly larger and heavier semi-trailer or commercial vehicle, and it is often the people in the passenger vehicle who suffer serious or fatal injuries. When these accidents happen, Louisiana readers may ask if driver negligence is to blame, particularly in cases involving fatigued truckers.

Fatigue plays a role in a high number of fatal truck accidents. While the trucker may be to blame to some extent, it's important to remember that truck drivers are often pressured by their employers to drive longer hours. Trucking companies may not have realistic schedules or mandate rest breaks for their workers. As a result, a person could be behind the wheel of a large truck while also dangerously tired.

New lawsuits may reduce chances of truck accidents

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC posted in Truck Accidents on Thursday, October 17, 2019.

In 2017, more than 4,760 people were killed in crashes involving tractor-trailers. In spite of safety features that are widely available to reduce the chances of truck accidents, travelers in Louisiana and elsewhere will continue to face the hazards posed by these large vehicles until effective changes are made. Two recent lawsuits look to make these changes happen soon.

Recently, two tractor manufacturers were sued over their optional safety features. Though some countries require frontal collision warning systems and automatic braking, the U.S. considers such equipment optional. These civil actions were prompted after two crashes that included multiple fatalities and seriously injured victims. In both crashes, safety warning systems could have prevented the wrecks or at least mitigated the damages.

Family laments wrongful death of man; seeking answers from driver

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.

The unexpected loss of a loved one in a preventable accident is understandably devastating. When the motorist believed responsible for such a collision flees the scene without rendering aid, the tragedy is often compounded. A Louisiana family finds themselves waiting for answers after a family member became a victim of what appears to have been a wrongful death accident.

The accident occurred on a recent week night. The victim was riding his bicycle, which family members claim was equipped with a working headlight. The driver who struck the man fled the scene without summoning aid for the victim. A sister said she was first at the scene and spotted her brother lying along the side of the road.

Just 1 incident of driver negligence can forever change lives

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

Every time an individual gets behind the wheel of a car, he or she undertakes a responsibility to others within the vehicle and in or near the roadway. Even an unintentional moment of distraction could result in a crash with devastating consequences. One recent wreck in Louisiana, which appears to have been caused by driver negligence, has left one family mourning the loss of a loved one.

According to Louisiana State Police, a crash killed a passenger in a car that collided with another vehicle. A northbound driver of an SUV on LA Highway 109 attempted to make a left-hand turn into a private driveway. Reportedly, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming car, resulting in the accident.

Does the FDA care about the safety of medical devices?

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC on Thursday, September 26, 2019.

Seeking necessary medical care can be stressful, but it is an important part of living a long, healthy life. You understand this, which is why you went to your doctor when you were experiencing health issues. Unfortunately, it is possible that you are suffering even more after treatment. Many medical devices that are currently on the market are not as safe as many companies and medical professionals claim.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides easy pathways for companies seeking approval for their medical devices. When a new medical device is substantially equivalent to an existing device, the FDA will approve it on an accelerated path. However, there is little monitoring after approval.

Trucking company owners sentenced for safety violation scheme

On behalf of Gregory P. DiLeo of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC posted in Truck Accidents on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

While traversing Louisiana highways, motorists are required to share the roads with numerous commercial vehicles. The majority of commercial transportation companies strive to ensure that they are operating in compliance with all federal and state safety regulations. Unfortunately, there are sometimes cases where the owner of a trucking company seeks to skirt the laws in an attempt to keep unsafe vehicles in operation.

Recently, the co-owners of two scrap metal and recycling companies were sentenced for their scheme to keep their potentially dangerous tractor-trailers on the road. According to their drivers, the co-owners, a married couple, issued termination threats to their employees if they refused to deny knowledge of any safety issues related to their trucks. Employees were instructed to falsify Department of Transportation paperwork by claiming that their vehicles were free from any defects.