Winter Weather Car Accidents in New Orleans: What Drivers Need to Know

Although New Orleans is usually not subject to freezing temperatures, areas like the Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway are frequently closed due to weather-related accidents. Avoiding winter weather car accidents in New Orleans requires advanced preparation and planning.

Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in New Orleans

At Blake Jones Law Firm, we try to get to know each of our clients. We know that every accident victim has a story that is important to understand in order to recover compensation. Our listening ear and compassionate representation are an important part of many successful car accident claims.

Tips for Winter Weather Car Accidents in New Orleans

Many car accidents can be avoided, including those during winter weather. Some of the most important tasks include:

• Practice. Many New Orleans residents are not accustomed to driving in winter weather. Before driving on main roads, practice on an empty parking lot or another area without other drivers to ensure you can control your vehicle. Otherwise, consider staying inside until the winter weather leaves.
• Pack emergency supplies. An emergency kit is essential in winter weather. In the event of an accident or a pile-up, some people could be stranded on the Interstate for long periods. Things like flashlights, food, clothes, and water are important to have in your vehicle in case you need to camp out for the night.
• Check your vehicle. Winter is not the time to drive with existing maintenance issues on your vehicle. Oil should be refilled, and tires should be checked to ensure they perform well on ice. Keep your car’s gas tank relatively full to prevent yourself from being stranded in an emergency.
• Drive responsibly. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, 30.1% of vehicle accidents had to do with alcohol in 2023. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is already dangerous in favorable weather conditions. With winter weather, it becomes even more reckless. If you are intoxicated, tired, or simply do not feel well, get some rest or delay your trip.
• Stay cautious. If it is difficult to see on the road due to fog or winter weather, keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Leave more space between you and other vehicles while stopped at traffic lights to prevent skidding on ice and rear-ending others. In adverse conditions, it is okay to go below the speed limit to maintain control of your vehicle.

Winter weather often takes people by surprise. Don’t let this happen to you. Stay prepared for sudden weather changes to prevent accidents and get to your destination safely.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you do get into a car accident due to winter weather, a car accident attorney is one of the most effective resources you can work with to resolve issues after the accident.

First off, medically recovering from a car accident can take a significant amount of time. This means there are often significant medical bills. If you have a job, you might need to take some time off work to heal. These are real damages that can be compensated for in a personal injury claim.

Louisiana works on a fault-based system for car accidents. This means that whoever is at fault is on the hook for damages. For this to be calculated, there must be a thorough review of what actually happened in the accident. Lawyers regularly do this through analyzing footage and police reports to help assign fault.

Most of these claims settle without going to court. In some cases, however, it is necessary to go to court to get the damages you need. In these situations, an attorney is an important part of your claim.

Why Choose Us?

Our experience in litigating winter-weather accidents includes recovering $26 million for an 18-wheeler accident that occurred on Christmas Eve. Although the aftermath of these accidents is often devastating, our help can at least help the victim and their family recover monetary damages after such a horrible event.

FAQs

What Are the Three Ps of Winter Driving?

The three Ps of winter driving are preparation, protection, and prevention. Preparation means checking your vehicle for things like tire tread and oil level. Protection deals with you and your passengers. Make sure any children are in child safety seats and that you have an emergency kit. Prevention includes reducing risky behaviors like speeding or reckless driving.

What Are Some Weather Hazards in New Orleans to Watch Out for While Driving?

Some weather hazards in New Orleans to watch out for while driving include winter weather, black ice, and fog. Fog can be especially hazardous because it reduces visibility, preventing you from seeing issues ahead. In 2024, six separate fog-related accidents occurred simultaneously, temporarily shutting down the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

What Are the Five Cs of Safe Driving?

The five Cs of safe driving are care, caution, courtesy, control, and concentration. In general, it’s important to prioritize the safety of people in your vehicle as well as others on the road. This can be done by following road safety laws, keeping control of your vehicle, and staying alert at all times.

What Is the 12 Second Rule in Driving?

The 12-second rule in driving is the amount of time a driver should look ahead to prevent collisions. It is important that drivers scan the road ahead for obstacles, such as broken-down cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians. It can take a significant amount of time to avoid these hazards, so the 12-second rule is used to give time to adapt.

Stay Safe in Cold Conditions

There were 165 road crashes related to frost in Orleans Parish in 2024. These crashes happen more often than many people think. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a winter-weather accident, schedule a consultation with Blake Jones Law Firm for help. With an experienced legal team on your side, you can trust that you are getting the quality legal representation you deserve.