Motor Vehicle Accidents During Mardi Gras Season in Louisiana

Mardi Gras is one of the best times of year in Louisiana. Whether you’re celebrating in New Orleans with its world-famous parades or in Lafayette with its unique Cajun traditions, carnival season brings our communities to life. However, this exciting time also creates serious dangers on our streets. As personal injury lawyers who work throughout Louisiana, we’ve helped many people who got hurt in car accidents during carnival season. Understanding what makes Mardi Gras dangerous and knowing what to do if you get hurt can make a real difference.

The weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday transform Louisiana cities into very different places to drive. Over a million visitors flood into the state, bringing tons of out-of-town drivers who don’t know our streets. In New Orleans, unfamiliar drivers struggle with French Quarter streets and parade routes along St. Charles Avenue. In Lafayette, drivers get confused navigating downtown or routes along Johnston Street. In New Orleans, crossing into or out of “the box” is not possible.  GPS apps can’t keep up with closed roads, causing drivers to make sudden, dangerous turns.

Beyond just traffic volume, drinking during carnival leads to serious problems. Police arrest way more drunk drivers during Mardi Gras, but plenty still slip through, creating devastating crashes. Even sober drivers face major distractions from parade watching, catching beads, and dealing with pedestrians walking everywhere. In New Orleans, crowds fill the French Quarter and parade routes. In Lafayette, downtown areas near Jefferson Street see similar congestion. These pedestrians often step into streets without looking, especially at night.

Our law firm sees certain types of accidents spike during carnival. Drunk driving crashes remain the most serious, often involving multiple vehicles or pedestrians. Rear-end crashes happen constantly around parade routes where traffic stops suddenly. Hit-and-run accidents also increase as drivers flee scenes, requiring immediate police involvement.

If you’re in an accident during Mardi Gras, Louisiana law protects your rights to compensation. Stop at the scene, get the other driver’s information, take photos of everything, and collect witness’s contact information. Call police to file an official report, whether that’s New Orleans Police Department, Lafayette City Police, or Louisiana State Police. Act quickly because carnival crowds disperse fast and tourist witnesses may leave town.

Louisiana uses a fault-based system, meaning the person who caused the accident pays for damages through their insurance.  However, insurance companies often dispute fault in chaotic Mardi Gras scenarios, making legal representation valuable. Remember, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Louisiana, but memories fade and witnesses disappear. It is important to contact us as soon as possible.

Prevention matters too. If you’re drinking, use Uber, Lyft, taxis, or a designated driver. Avoid driving near parade routes during parades. Watch carefully for pedestrians, give yourself extra time, and put your phone away. Slow down and leave extra space between vehicles.

Contact the Blake Jones Law Firm if you suffered injuries requiring medical treatment, if the other driver was drunk or fled, if fault is disputed, or if insurance denies your claim or offers too little. Many Mardi Gras accidents involve out-of-state drivers, commercial vehicles, or liability when bars over-serve drunk patrons who later cause crashes.

We want everyone to celebrate Mardi Gras safely. But when accidents happen, we’re here to help injury victims navigate the legal process and recover compensation. If you have been hurt in an accident during the Mardi Gras season, call us for a free consultation. With over 50 years of experience, we understand the specific laws that apply to these scenarios and the unique challenges of carnival season accidents. Let us handle the legal stress while you focus on recovery.

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This essay is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact a qualified Louisiana personal injury attorney to discuss your specific situation.