Louisiana Highway 17 Scene of Fatal Accident, Alcohol Suspected

Most Louisiana readers are already aware that accidents involving alcohol or drug use on the part of the drivers believed to be responsible are some of the most preventable on the state’s roadways. This is one of many factors that often elevates any charges filed in these crashes to homicide by vehicle. Suspicion by law enforcement officials in a recent fatal accident that the driver was intoxicated could account for the fact that he was booked into jail for vehicular homicide and other charges.
The Louisiana State Police responded to the scene of the single-car crash on Louisiana Highway 17 at around 1:15 a.m. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the passenger in the vehicle, a 57-year-old woman, suffered severe injuries in the impact to which she succumbed at the scene. Preliminary reports show that the driver somehow lost control of the vehicle as it traveled south.
The vehicle went off the highway, flipped over and landed on its roof in a ditch full of water. It is not known whether the driver suffered any injuries for which he received treatment prior to being taken to the West Caroll Parish Jail. As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was taken from the driver.
The results of that test may be useful in any wrongful death claim filed by the deceased woman’s family. Proof of negligence is required before a court will consider awarding any damages sought. Therefore, successfully establishing that the death of their loved one was caused by the negligence of the driver could result in an award of damages seen in similar fatal accident cases.