An unidentified female is clinging to life at a local hospital after a pedestrian-auto crash in Lafayette.
According to police, an oncoming car hit the victim in the 2400 block of Johnson Street. She was immediately transported to a local hospital with unspecified injuries that were described only as severe. Authorities shut down Johnson Street and the surrounding area for several hours while they conducted an intensive investigation.
No charges are pending against the driver, whose name was not released, at this time. [Read more…] about High-Speed, Non-Crosswalk Wreck Seriously Injures Pedestrian
Pedestrian Accident
Bizarre Collision Creates Liability Questions
Authorities identified the victim in a fatal pedestrian-auto wreck which occurred in Bienville Parish, but legal responsibility remains uncertain.
The incident took place on U.S. Highway 371 south of State Highway 516. Investigators state that 27-year-old George Arkeem, of Minden, was northbound on 371 when he came upon an adult woman lying prostrate in the roadway. He was unable to avoid running over her and she died almost instantly. The victim, who apparently had no identification on her person, was later determined to be 51-year-old Theresa Williams, of Ringgold.
State police do not expect to bring charges at this time. [Read more…] about Bizarre Collision Creates Liability Questions
Deadly Pedestrian Crash in Eastern Louisiana
A 22-year-old woman faces negligent homicide charges after a fatal pedestrian-auto crash in West Feliciana Parish.
Sherriff’s deputies state that Tiffany Cage was on Solitude Road near the Heir Road intersection when she hit 59-year-old James White, who was walking near the Solitude Road shoulder. He was pronounced dead at the scene; Ms. Cage was not injured. No other details were available.
Mr. White represented District 3 on the West Feliciana Parish School Board. [Read more…] about Deadly Pedestrian Crash in Eastern Louisiana
Near-Fatal Pedestrian-Auto Crash In Lake Charles
A young woman who inexplicably stopped in traffic and exited her vehicle is in critical condition at a local hospital, after she was injured by an oncoming car.
The woman, whose name was not released, was airlifted to the hospital following the incident. While eastbound on East Prien Lake Road, the woman slowed and stopped near the intersection of Louisiana 397. A trailing truck swerved to the left to avoid a collision, but at the same time, the woman got out of her vehicle, and the truck hit her at practically full speed. Toxicology tests on both drivers came back negative.
Police are still investigating the incident. [Read more…] about Near-Fatal Pedestrian-Auto Crash In Lake Charles
The Dangers of Auto Pedestrian Accidents
While walking is an inherently safe activity for millions of Americans, many pedestrians on sidewalks or roadways have a higher risk of injury or death. Although pedestrians only make up approximately 10% of travelers, they account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. With over 4,500 pedestrians killed in auto pedestrian accidents each year, walking to school, work, or just taking a Sunday stroll, could have catastrophic consequences.
How Do Auto Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
It is a motorist’s responsibility to be in control of their vehicle at all times, but for a variety of reasons, motorists do not always do so. One of the most common causes of auto pedestrian accidents is driver distraction. Passengers, multitasking, and particularly cell phone usage can easily distract drivers. Any time a driver takes their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel, people could get hurt. Driving under the influence also poses a significant threat to pedestrians, as limited reaction times and impaired judgment greatly increase the likelihood of an accident.
Who Is Most At Risk?
While anyone could be a victim in an auto pedestrian accident, the elderly and children are most at risk. Because the elderly are often unable to move quickly out of the way, they account for a larger number of auto pedestrian accident injuries and fatalities than other adults. Children also have a substantially higher risk of auto pedestrian accidents. Because of their size, many drivers may not see children on the road or in their mirrors. Children are also usually less familiar with traffic rules and pedestrian safety, making them extremely vulnerable.
What Makes Auto Pedestrian Accidents So Dangerous?
Auto pedestrian accidents have a higher fatality rate than other motor vehicle accidents because pedestrians have no protection from the impact of a vehicle. With thousands of pounds of force behind them, even slow moving vehicles can cause devastating injuries and even death.
Lake Charles Auto Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you have been the victim of a Louisiana auto pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced attorneys at Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers can help get you the compensation you deserve. Consultations are free and confidential. Call us today to see how we can help.
Man Arrested in Connection With Fatal Pedestrian Accident
Police were called to the scene of a hit-and-run accident involving a woman who was crossing the intersection of Canal Street and N Gayoso Street. She was still alive when emergency personnel rushed her to an area hospital. Unfortunately, the efforts of medical personnel were in vain, and the 50-year-old woman succumbed to the injuries she suffered in the accident sometime later.
Officers with the New Orleans Police Department tracked the vehicle believed to be involved in the accident to the parking lot of a mall several blocks away. A 38-year-old man suspected of driving the car was tested to determine whether he was impaired. His blood alcohol level was determined to be .172, which is well above the legal limit of .08 here in Louisiana.
He was booked into jail on suspicion of vehicular homicide. The victim’s family may also file a wrongful death claim against the man. Any conviction secured by prosecutors could be used as evidence of negligence in the civil claim. If he is found to be at fault in the woman’s death by the court, the family could be awarded damages consistent with those ordered in other fatal pedestrian accident cases.