Guide to Hit and Run Laws in Louisiana

front of black car crushed on side of highway

In Louisiana, a hit-and-run refers to a car accident where a driver leaves the scene without sharing the required information. Remember, regardless of who is at fault, everyone must stay at the scene and exchange all contact information, including: This exchange of information ensures there will be proper handling of any potential damage and injuries.…

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78-Year-Old Driver’s Chaotic Crash into Kenner Shopping Center

optical shop crash

In a heart-stopping incident that unfolded on August 8th, a quiet morning in Kenner turned into a chaotic scene as a 78-year-old man’s vehicle crashed into businesses at a local shopping center on W. Esplanade Avenue. The incident left witnesses shaken and businesses damaged, shedding light on the fragility of life and the strength of…

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Car Fire Incident on Eastbound Bonnet Carre Spillway

car fire incident

Incident Location In a sudden turn of events on Tuesday, August 9, a vehicle fire occurred on the eastbound lanes of the Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge, prompting swift action from emergency crews and traffic authorities.  Smoke and Temporary Lane Closure  The incident, which took place at mile marker 217, sent plumes of black smoke into…

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Guide to Out-of-State Car Accident Jurisdiction

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is a complex process, and when it involves out-of-state parties, the legal landscape can become even more intricate.  At Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys, we understand the challenges individuals face when dealing with out-of-state car accident jurisdiction. This is why we had a Louisiana car accident lawyer from our…

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Opelousas Moving Forward with Interstate Surveillance Cameras 

Interstate Surveillance Cameras

A Step Towards Safer Roads and Communities In an effort to enhance safety and security on its roadways, the city of Opelousas is taking a progressive step forward by implementing a new system of interstate surveillance cameras. The decision, driven by the need to address safety concerns and improve law enforcement capabilities, has been met…

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Go Cart Accident Kills One in Shreveport

go-cart accident police lights

Tragedy struck in Shreveport on Sunday, May 29, 2023, when a man was pinned under a sedan in his go-kart and killed. KTBS reports that on a dimly lit section of the 3700 block of St. Vincent Avenue near Forest Park Cemetery, Shawn Williams was pinned under a sedan when his go-kart made a U-turn…

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Common Head-On Collision Injuries

man wincing in pain from injuries

Head-on collisions can be incredibly dangerous because they involve the impact of two vehicles colliding directly with each other at high speeds. This can cause devastating injuries and even death, making them one of the most serious types of car accidents. Our team of head-on collision lawyers has witnessed the severe physical and psychological consequences…

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Opelousas Police Department Introduces Handheld Speed Cameras for Automated Speeding Citations

Opelousas Police Department sign

Louisiana drivers who are used to pushing the gas pedal may face the consequence of speeding tickets more often via mail delivery. Opelousas Police Department in Acadiana is currently training its officers to utilize cutting-edge technology to issue speeding violations without pulling over offending drivers. This innovative approach aims to enhance community safety and enable…

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Common Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents

truck rolled over on edge of hill

Truck rollover accidents can be some of the most devastating and dangerous incidents on the road. These accidents can cause significant damage, not only to the truck but also to any other vehicles and people involved. Many individuals who have suffered a truck rollover accident count on our experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyers to help…

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Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash on I-10 East Claims the Life of a Texas Man

police car lights on crash scene

In a tragic incident on May 11, 2023, a fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 10 eastbound, resulting in the death of a man from Texas. The crash led to the closure of all lanes on I-10 Eastbound near LA-975, according to the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). At the time of this article,…

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If You Have a Tire Blowout You Should Take These 5 Steps

car accident from tire blow out

A tire blowout can be a frightening experience. One minute you’re driving on the open road and the next you suddenly hear a loud explosion and the car starts shaking uncontrollably. Not only is a situation like this stressful but it also can be very scary.  So, what causes tires to blow out? Many things…

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CPSO Issues Warrant for Driver That Caused Major Crash on I-49

wrecked cars shot at night time

KTAL reports that an arrest warrant was issued on February 24, 2023, for a Shreveport woman who allegedly caused a major crash on I-49, seriously injuring other drivers. 25-year-old Gorgette Riley is alleged to have caused a major crash involving herself and three other vehicles when she drove her car the wrong way on I-49…

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How is Louisiana Law Different from Other States?

downtown New Orleans Louisiana Mardi Gras Decoration

There are a lot of things Louisiana is known for: its delicious food, the party atmosphere, its French influence, and oddly enough, its legal system. While every other state uses Common Law, derived from English law, Louisiana uses French Civil Law, which is derived from the Napoleonic Code. Legal theory and the role of legal…

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What is Tailgating and Why is it Dangerous?

Auto accident involving two cars on a city street

Under Louisiana law, tailgating is defined as a motor vehicle following another more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway (LA RS 32:81). Tailgating can lead to rear-end collisions, which according to the National Highway Transportation Safety…

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Louisiana Right of Way Rules: Explained

High risk of collision. A road sign with an exclamation point and two cars that crashed into each other

Whether you’re driving to work, taking a day trip to one of Louisiana’s beautiful parks, or walking in one of our bustling towns, you are subject to Louisiana’s right of way laws. A right of way rule defines who must yield to whom at a given intersection, and applies to everyone using the road, whether…

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What To Do After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Louisiana

Car Insuance Adjuster

After a car accident, it’s not uncommon to question, “What happens if I get hit by an uninsured driver?” Accident victims typically have the option to file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider to get compensation. However, if the responsible driver lacks insurance coverage, victims are left with the burden of personally…

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6 Safety Tips for Driving at Night

night drive ,shoot from the window of speed car, motion blur steet light.

Staying safe while driving is often as simple as following the rules and best practices of the road: stay focused, follow the speed limit, and drive defensively. However, driving at night poses its own challenges, and with the days getting shorter, it’s important to drive safely at all times of day. Driving at night is…

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Accident on I-12 Leaves Six Horses Injured and One Dead 

Three 3 horse slant load horse trailer with dressing room

During the night of October 18th, a pickup truck from Texas crashed into the treeline on I-12 near Sherwood Forest Blvd while pulling trailers carrying seven wild horses. Luckily, East Baton Rouge Animal Control and a local man were able to successfully locate and wrangle the horses. As reported by WBRZ, six horses were rushed…

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Louisiana Car Insurance Laws

Auto insurance policy and car key

Whether you’re buying a new car, being gifted a used car, or bringing your car to Louisiana from out of state, Louisiana car insurance laws dictate that you’ll need some form of auto insurance. Like every state, Louisiana has insurance minimums that all drivers are required to carry in order to drive on the roads.…

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Louisiana Ranked in Top 10 for Worst Roads

Louisiana pinned on a paper map

If you’ve driven for any length of time in Louisiana, you’ve probably noticed the poor state of our roads. In fact, a new study has found that Louisiana is the second-worst state in the country as far as quality of roads is concerned, behind only Rhode Island. Our poor road quality doesn’t help when it…

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Baton Rouge Traffic Ranked Fourth Worst in US

Baton Rouge pin drop

If you’ve been frustrated at the sometimes glacial pace of your morning commute in Baton Rouge, you’re not alone. A study performed by TomTom, the GPS and travel company, has found that Baton Rouge has the fourth-worst traffic congestion in the country, behind only New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. In 2021, Baton Rouge drivers…

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Hit and Run Accidents in Louisiana: What evidence do you need for a case?

Traffic accidents are some of the worst experiences you can have—even if no one is hurt, you could be saddled with hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair costs, increased insurance premiums, and more. Of course, if you’re less lucky, you could be facing thousands in medical bills, ongoing physical therapy, lost wages, permanent disability,…

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Is Louisiana a No-Fault State?

car accident argument, Louisiana Car Traffic Deaths Up in 2021

It’s essential to know the answer to the following question if you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Louisiana: Is Louisiana a no-fault state? At , we’re here to help, and want to be your source for information! So, first things first—Louisiana is NOT a no-fault state when it…

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What are Louisiana’s Traffic Laws?

Driver Pulled Over

While some may have a general understanding of the rules of the road, they may not know the exact traffic laws in Louisiana. So, before driving through the famous Pelican State, it’s important to learn the particulars of Louisiana road laws. Being well-informed could save you from unintentionally breaking the law and even help prevent…

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Common Dental Injuries in Car Accidents

Dental clinic and dental instruments

Injuries resulting from a car accident can range from the relatively minor to completely disabling. Among these, dental injuries can be some of the most serious. While you may not realize it daily, your teeth and dental health have a major impact on your overall quality of life. When your teeth are damaged, broken, or…

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Celebrate National Traffic Awareness Month With Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys

Traffic signs, one way and no return sign

August is National Traffic Awareness Month and brings our focus to, you guessed it, traffic safety! Each day, both drivers and pedestrians become victims when they experience a car wreck that could have been avoided by the other party involved. Unfortunate events like this can turn out to be detrimental, physically and emotionally. It can…

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DOTD is Installing Speeding Cameras in Atchafalaya

Atchafalaya Basin Bridge

Drivers commuting from Lafayette to Baton Rouge or vice versa will hopefully be a little safer, starting August 2022. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will be installing speed cameras on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge—the “new bridge” on I-10—hopefully within the year. Governor John Bel Edwards signed the bill, SB435, into law in…

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How Many Wrong Way Driving Accidents Happen in Louisiana?

wrong way sign

Wrong-way driving accidents are fairly rare—but they’re some of the deadliest crashes you can experience. Wrong-way drivers are a leading cause of head-on collisions, which accounted for 10.5% of fatal crashes in the US between 2019 and 2020. This is despite the fact that head-on collisions were less than 1% of all motor vehicle collisions…

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Louisiana Car Crashes Expected to be Up in 2022

Louisiana Car Crashes Expected to be Up in 2022

2022 is shaping up to be a record year for fatal crashes on Louisiana interstates. Even though the number of deadly crashes this year has so far been low, experts predict that the number will continue to grow through the end of the year. One of the main reasons behind fatal crashes is drunk driving.…

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Plywood falls off of 18-wheeler on I-10 and crushes 2 cars

Plywood falls off of 18-wheeler on I-10 and crushes 2 cars

On Monday, a piece of plywood fell off an 18-wheeler crushing two cars on I-10 East. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while the truck driver was ticketed for recklessly operating his vehicle.  Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents vary from distracted driving, improper cargo handling, and poor maintenance. No company was…

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Louisiana Car Traffic Deaths Up in 2021

texting and driving, Louisiana Car Traffic Deaths Up in 2021

According to our car accident experts who studied a report from the Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD), a staggering 997 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021. This tragic toll breaks the record previously set in 2007, and is over a hundred more people than died last year in crashes. The Governor of Louisiana,…

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I-10 West Shuts Down For Nearly Fours After 6-vehicle pileup in Whiskey Bay

Significant damage from t-bone collision

On Friday, June 10th, at Whiskey Bay, a 6-vehicle pile-up closed the west lane of Interstate 10 for nearly four hours, resulting in twelve people injured. While the cause of the accident and the severity of the damages is still unclear, officials reported that five people were sent to the hospital after the multiple crashes…

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Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer

In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation. Consulting with a knowledgeable Louisiana car accident lawyer can provide invaluable guidance throughout the process. However, it’s essential to ask the right questions during your initial consultation to make an informed decision and understand…

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Louisiana Texting and Driving Laws

In the United States, texting and driving is behind over 60% of all traffic accidents, and is the leading cause of death for teens. This epidemic of texting-related car accidents has led to many states banning texting while driving, including Louisiana. Distracted driving laws aim to prevent texting and driving accidents in Louisiana. Not only…

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How are Lost Wages Determined After a Car Accident?

Close up of "Wages & Salary" line from US tax form 1040.

If you’ve been in a car accident, you’ve likely missed some work to recover from your injuries. It’s possible that you’re still out of work, or even that you’ll be unable to work for weeks, months, or even years. Thankfully, the average number of missed days is much lower than that—around 11 missed work days—but…

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Is My Car Accident Settlement Offer Fair? 

calculator and pen

A Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer Explains Calculating the total value of the injured victims’ losses in a car accident is rarely a simple matter. The factors that go into a car wreck injury settlement involve medical bills, lost wages, and other costs that have already been incurred from the accident, as well as anticipated future…

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Wrong-Way Driver Causes Multi-Vehicle Accident on I-10

Interstate 10 connects all of the Southern US, from the Pacific coast of California all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. One of the most dangerous sections of I-10 is located at the border of Texas and Louisiana outside of Lake Charles. This fact was brought into sharp relief on April 12,…

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