Fatal Auto Accident Leads to Charges for Lake Charles Woman

Drivers are responsible for everything that happens while they are behind the wheel of a car. When a driver fails to maintain control of his or her vehicle, the potential exists for a serious or fatal auto accident. Anyone in or around the vehicle is at risk when that happens.
A Lake Charles woman placed her passenger at risk when as they traveled west on Louisiana Highway 370. For a yet unknown reason, the woman lost control of her vehicle and careened off the road. The vehicle ended up flipping over in a ditch. The driver was fortunate to avoid any injuries in the crash.
The passenger, however, was not as lucky. Emergency personnel managed to stabilize the 22-year-old man long enough to get him to an area hospital. Unfortunately, hospital personnel were not able to save the man’s life. He passed away because of the injuries he suffered in the crash.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. So far, the woman driving the vehicle, who is also 22 years old, faces charges that include reckless driving and vehicular homicide. She was also cited for not wearing a seat belt.
While the investigation continues, the deceased man’s family is forced to deal with his sudden loss. The family retains the right to file a wrongful death claim against the Lake Charles woman. If prosecutors secure a conviction against the woman for a crime connected to this fatal auto accident, the family may offer proof of that conviction as evidence of negligence in a related civil lawsuit. If a civil court rules that the family has proved negligence, an award of damages may be considered, which could help alleviate any financial burden facing the family due to their loss.