Woman Dies After Being Ejected from Vehicle in Head-on Collision

A 20-year-old woman died after she was ejected from her vehicle in a head-on collision. The deceased, Angelica Matamoros, was driving south on U.S. 61 when her 2002 Toyota Camry swerved into oncoming traffic.

According to NOLA, Matamoros’ Camry collided with a 2002 Honda CRV. The impact threw Matamoros from her vehicle, and she died at the scene. The driver of the CRV was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.

Investigators do not believe that Matamoros was impaired; however, according to state police, she was not wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash.

No tragedy can compare to the unexpected death of a family member. If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one due to a negligent driver in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC.

An injury lawyer in Baton Rouge will evaluate your case, interview witnesses, assess the police report and doctors’ records, and help you claim the maximum compensation. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation.

NHTSA: Being Ejected from a Vehicle Increases the Risk of Dying in an Accident

It’s no secret that seat belts save lives. Not only do they prevent head injuries due to impacts with the dashboard, side windows and steering wheel, but seat belts also keep occupants inside their vehicles

Researchers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated the effects of ejection on car accident injury and death rates. They discovered that people who are ejected from their vehicles are much more likely to die in an accident than occupants who are not ejected. The study also revealed that:

• 44 percent of passenger-vehicle occupants who are not restrained are ejected – either partially or totally – from their vehicles during accidents
• Only 6 percent of passenger-vehicle occupants who wear their seat belts are ejected
• 65 percent of SUV occupants who were unrestrained and died in accidents were ejected either partially or totally from their vehicles. Most of these victims – 57 percent – were totally ejected from their vehicles.

For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185

How Effective Are Seat Belts?

Despite advancements in automotive technology, the seat belt is still the most effective safety feature in a vehicle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of teenagers and adults aged 20 to 44 who died in traffic accidents were not buckled up at the time of the crash.

Fortunately, seatbelt use rates are increasing across the United States. According to the NHTSA, seat belt use increased from 86.7 percent in 2014 to 88.5 percent in 2015. Sadly, the CDC reports that Louisiana’s seat belt use rate is much lower than the national average – at only 79 percent in 2012. This may be one reason why the traffic fatality rate in Louisiana is higher than the national average for all age groups.

Unfortunately, a seat belt cannot protect you from every injury. If you were injured by a negligent driver in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC.

Our legal team will help you pursue justice and compensation from the at-fault driver. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Baton Rouge.

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