Morgan City is situated on the Atchafalaya River, with US 90 serving as the primary east–west corridor connecting Lafayette and New Orleans. Every day, heavy truck traffic shares the road with commuters bound for the Port of Morgan City‘s shipyards and chemical plants. Add in drawbridges, narrow stretches of LA 182, and unpredictable Gulf Coast weather, and it becomes clear why driving here carries serious risk of being in a car accident.
In June 2025, State Police Troop I investigated a fatal crash on US 90 near the LA 182 intersection in Ricohoc that claimed the life of a Centerville motorist. Incidents like this demonstrate how quickly a routine drive can turn tragic, especially at intersections where local and regional traffic converge.
The numbers tell the same story. According to the LSU Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), St. Mary Parish reported 947 crashes in 2024, resulting in 435 injuries and seven fatalities. These figures highlight the ongoing dangers along the parish’s busiest routes and the importance of knowing your rights if you are involved in a collision.
Common Causes of Morgan City Car Accidents
The road network in and around Morgan City creates unique challenges. Some of the most frequent causes of crashes include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, GPS use, and adjusting radios often lead to rear-end collisions on US 90 and city streets.
- Heavy truck traffic: Big rigs traveling to and from the port and offshore industry create blind spots and longer braking distances.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol-related crashes remain a concern on weekend nights along LA 70 and LA 182.
- Bridge and waterway hazards: Sudden lane changes near drawbridges and low visibility during fog increase the risk of collisions.
- Poor weather and flooding: Heavy rain, hurricane-season flooding, and slick roads make routine drives dangerous.
When these factors combine with negligence, the results can be devastating for local families.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Morgan City
Knowing what steps to take immediately after a crash can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Move to safety and call 911. If possible, pull off the road and contact law enforcement. Morgan City Police or Louisiana State Police Troop I typically respond.
- Request a police report. This official record will be critical if you later file a claim.
- Exchange information. Obtain the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of the other driver and any witnesses.
- Document the scene. Take clear photos of the vehicles, road conditions, signage, and your injuries.
- Seek immediate medical care. Ochsner St. Mary Hospital in Morgan City is the primary local ER, but severe trauma cases may be transferred to larger hospitals in Lafayette or Baton Rouge.
- Inform your insurance company. Report the crash promptly, but avoid admitting fault when speaking to your insurer.
- Contact our Morgan City car accident attorneys. Legal guidance from Dudley DeBosier early on can prevent costly mistakes with insurers.
If you’re unsure about your next step, our team can walk you through the process from the very first call.
Insurance in Louisiana: What Drivers Should Know
Louisiana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, often referred to as 15/30/25 coverage:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $25,000 for property damage
For drivers in Morgan City and St. Mary Parish, here are key rules that affect claims:
- Proof of Insurance: You must keep proof of coverage in your vehicle and present it at stops, registration, or after an accident.
- Penalties for Driving Without Insurance: Driving without insurance can result in fines, license suspension, and impoundment.
- “No Pay, No Play” Law: Uninsured drivers cannot collect the first $15,000 in injury damages or $25,000 in property damages, even if they weren’t at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Optional, but invaluable when hit by an underinsured driver.
- Comparative Negligence: Louisiana reduces your compensation by the percentage you’re found at fault.
These rules often create confusion, especially when damages exceed coverage limits or when multiple vehicles are involved.
Common Questions After a Morgan City Car Accident
Even when drivers are aware of local and Louisiana traffic laws and post-accident steps, real-life scenarios can be confusing. Here are answers to questions Morgan City residents often face:
- What if I was borrowing someone else’s car?
Insurance usually follows the car. The owner’s policy is primary, but your own may apply if damages exceed their limits. - What if I didn’t file a police report?
Without an accident report from the Morgan City Police or the Louisiana State Police, insurers may delay or deny claims. This is why it’s important to ensure that the accident is reported either at the scene or immediately after. - What if my injuries didn’t show up right away?
Whiplash, concussions, and back injuries often appear days later. Getting checked immediately at Ochsner St. Mary or another facility protects both your health and your claim. - What if the other driver had no insurance?
Sadly, uninsured drivers are common in St. Mary Parish. UM/UIM coverage is your best protection, but recovery without it is far more complex.
Getting Compensation After a Morgan City Crash
Compensation can vary depending on the injuries and how they affect your life. Victims may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, or ongoing rehab
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability if you miss work or can’t return to your job
- Pain and suffering caused by long-term injuries
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
- Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent returning to offshore work or recreational fishing, which are central to life in Morgan City
Our auto wreck lawyers know how to connect these damages to local realities, ensuring insurers understand what the crash has truly cost you. For help with your claim, contact Dudley DeBosier today.
How Our Morgan City Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Dudley DeBosier, we don’t just file claims, we build strong cases designed to win:
- Investigating crashes and gathering evidence from police, witnesses, and scene photos.
- Working with experts who understand truck accidents, offshore-related crashes, and catastrophic injury cases.
- Proving negligence under Louisiana law.
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies that often try to limit payouts.
- Fighting in court if needed to secure full compensation.
With our No Fee Guarantee, you pay us nothing unless we win. There’s no risk in reaching out for help today.
Contact Dudley DeBosier Today
If you or a loved one were hurt in a Morgan City car accident, don’t face insurers alone. Call Dudley DeBosier’s car accident lawyers at (866) 954-6721 for a free consultation. We know the roads, the challenges, and the law, and we’re here to fight for you.
