Contrary to what some people may expect, rural roads in Louisiana can be significantly more dangerous in terms of motor vehicle accidents than city roads. Many people may be lulled into a false sense of security by their remoteness, assuming that fewer vehicles means more safety, but this is not the case.
Wildlife in rural areas that may run out in front of cars can present serious dangers. The two-lane roads that are more prevalent in rural areas could increase the likelihood of head-on collisions when one car is passing the other. Another potential danger is the lack of streetlights. This can make for lower visibility at night.
Even the assumption that the roads are safer can be dangerous because people might become more careless, thinking that they do not have to worry as much about drinking and driving or wearing a seat belt. People may drift out of their lanes or speed more, assuming there will be fewer cars on the road and that their actions will not endanger anyone. Once an accident has occurred, it can take medical help much longer to arrive than would be the case in an urban area, increasing the risk of people dying from their injuries.
Identifying the person who caused the motor vehicle accident is also important because this person could owe compensation to people who have been injured. Whether the accident was caused by distracted or reckless driving, falling asleep at the wheel, drunk driving or some other action, these injuries could be serious. If the driver who caused the accident had no insurance or was underinsured, the injured person might struggle to collect compensation. An attorney may be able to help in negotiations with the insurance company and might also be able to help file a lawsuit if one is necessary.