2 Louisiana Residents Killed in Car Wreck on US 61

Driving on the highways of Louisiana can be treacherous. There are always things to watch out for and obstacles to avoid. Even if a driver manages to avoid a car wreck by being attentive and vigilant, sometimes unexpected things happen that are simply unavoidable. Recently, a flying pickup truck altered the lives of three people in East Baton Rouge Parish.
The driver and passenger in a Mercury Grand Marquis traveling down US 61 became the unfortunate victims of the airborne pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck had lost control of his vehicle, crossed the median, became airborne and flipped over. As it flipped, it hit the top of the Grand Marquis killing the 84-year-old driver and 81-year-old passenger. The driver of the pickup truck was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital. A third vehicle was hit by debris from the accident, but, thankfully, no one in that vehicle was injured.
The Louisiana State Police are still investigating the accident. They do not believe that impairment was a cause of the accident, but have sent blood samples to the state crime lab for confirmation. They do say that speed may have been a factor in the crash.
Tragically, the victims of this fatal car wreck were in the wrong place at the wrong time. But knowing that may not give their families any solace. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any criminal charges are going to be filed against the driver of the pickup truck, though authorities have indicated that charges are pending the outcome. A criminal conviction against the pickup driver, if obtained, may be offered as evidence of liability in any wrongful death action filed in Louisiana courts by the surviving family members of the victims. If liability is established, the families may demand financial remuneration for damages suffered as a result of the fatal accident.