Navigating busy Louisiana roads can be a challenge for even experienced drivers. Distractions such as cellphones and weather conditions often add to the chance that a person will be involved in a car wreck. And when the person injured is a passenger, they often are helpless to do much more than watch as catastrophe unfolds. Unfortunately, a similar scenario happened recently on Louisiana roads.
A 15-year-old boy died on April 7 after a two-car wreck in Greenwood, and the young teenager was later pronounced dead at LSU Hospital. Reportedly, he was a passenger in a car attempting to make a left-hand turn at the intersection of Greenwood Road and West 70th Street. As the car turned, it collided with an SUV that was turning onto the road, resulting in the fatal car wreck. There were no reports of injuries to other drivers or passengers, though police are likely continuing to investigate the cause of the car wreck.
The family of the deceased teen has surely suffered an immense loss. No compensation by any court could even begin to make them truly whole again. However, Louisiana law does permit surviving family to pursue a claim for wrongful death when it appears a fatality was caused by the negligent act of another.
While it is too early to know precisely what caused this car wreck, official accident reports can be useful in determining if someone was at fault in a crash. This review can offer them the opportunity to determine whether or not a wrongful death claim is appropriate.
Car Accidents
Louisiana Woman Sustains Head Injury in 2-Car Crash
A two-vehicle accident in Lake Charles, Louisiana, left one woman with injuries to her head after the collision caused her to hit a fire hydrant. The auto accident happened at an intersection that at least one resident labeled as “dangerous.” No information was available as to whether or not anyone received a citation in connection with the incident.
The collision happened during the evening hours at the intersection of two local streets. After her vehicle hurtled into the fire hydrant, the woman was reportedly bleeding from her head. Moreover, since the woman suffered a blow to her head, there may be concerns about a traumatic brain injury or even permanent brain damage.
In any accident there may be concerns about damage to the body that could lead to a disability for months or even years to come. In some cases, that disability may be permanent and require ongoing medical expenses. This is a particular concern with regard to head injuries as some damage done to the brain may never heal.
In this case, it may be necessary to reconstruct the auto accident in order to determine the circumstances that led up to it and to assess liability. Whoever is deemed to be the at-fault driver may eventually be held responsible for the medical and other expenses of the victim. This can be done by filing a suit with the appropriate Louisiana court. When a person is injured through no fault of their own and as the result of the carelessness of another party, they do not deserve to have their bodily injury compounded by becoming a financial injury as well.
12-Year-Old Killed in Louisiana Bicycle Accident
Louisiana police report that a 12-year-old boy was killed on March 17 as he rode side-by-side with another bicyclist. The auto accident occurred about 160 miles east of Lake Charles on Louisiana Highway 43 in Albany in the early evening. The cyclists were riding southbound as the car approached. Reports say that the driver was unable to avoid hitting the boy because the child attempted to cross the street just as the car came upon him. Tragically, the impact of the collision killed the boy.
There have been no charges filed against the driver in connection with the auto accident. Indeed, preliminary indications are that the deceased victim of the car accident may have swerved into the path of the motor vehicle. Nonetheless, the family of the boy will likely be interested in the official report of the accident as well as any other evidence gathered from the tragic incident.
While it is too early to say whether or not a civil claim for wrongful death may be appropriate, the family may wish to consider its legal options once all the facts are known. Even when a driver is not charged with any crime or traffic violations, facts may come to light that establish negligence on the part of the driver or another party in causing the car accident.
In any auto accident, when a driver is found to be at fault, personal injury claims may result. When a victim suffers injuries, or even death, there are economic costs for medical care and other expenses. Additionally, there may be other damages as well as pain and suffering occasioned by the crash. The personal injury laws of Louisiana are designed to assist victims of car accidents caused by the negligence of another as they recover from their injuries. Losing a child in a car accident like this one is an unimaginable tragedy. Filing for compensation can allow the family and friends of a victim to mourn together without having to worry about funeral expenses and other costs.
Pedestrian Killed in a Car Wreck in Vernon Parish
Crossing a busy roadway can be a dangerous task for Louisiana residents. Speeding traffic is only one of the concerns when a pedestrian steps into the road. A car wreck can happen when a driver is distracted or impaired, and injuries to a walker can result.
Louisiana police say that a pedestrian was attempting to cross U.S. Highway 171 in Vernon Parish on March 10 when he was struck and killed by a motorist. The 21-year-old victim died at the scene. There was no report of any injuries to the driver in this collision.
An investigation into the car accident continues, and police reportedly suspect that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. No reports as to the blood alcohol level of the driver or any field sobriety tests were initially reported. The driver was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular homicide. While no other details of the collision were initially reported, the driver will now have to answer the criminal charges.
The surviving family of the deceased man has undoubtedly suffered a great loss, which may affect them both economically and emotionally for years to come. While no amount of money can make up for life tragically lost, the family may be able to make a legal claim to help compensate for the expenses they may now be facing. Damages sought could include funeral expenses, lost wages and lost future income as well as for pain and suffering occasioned by the senseless tragedy. By relieving their financial burden, the family may be able to better focus on comforting one another in their time of sorrow.
Louisiana Woman Killed in Rainstorm Car Wreck
When inclement weather is cited as a contributing factor in a car wreck, it can be difficult for investigators to determine who is at fault. All of the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident are collected before ultimate responsibility is placed. Every time an individual gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, a reasonable duty of care must be followed to ensure the safety of other people sharing the road, even in poor weather conditions. Louisiana drivers are required to turn their headlights on and also reduce their speed any time poor weather occurs while driving. A fatal car wreck has provided an unfortunate reminder of the care drivers must assume when driving in bad weather.
A 19-year-old Maringouin woman was traveling southbound on Highway 411 during a rainstorm when she lost control of her car. As she was rounding a curve south of Slacks Bridge, her vehicle crossed over the center line directly into the path of a northbound vehicle. The two cars collided, severely injuring the 19-year-old. She was later pronounced dead. The second driver was transported to a local hospital, suffering from non-life threatening injuries.
Both were wearing seat belts, and police do not believe that any type of impairment played a part in this car wreck.
Poor weather may have contributed to the accident but the injured party will likely wish to stay informed about the progress of the accident investigation. While all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this Louisiana car wreck are not entirely clear at this time, one person died and the other has been hospitalized. These tragedies show just how important safe and cautious driving is, especially when inclement weather strikes.
Truck Driver Negligence Leads to Fatality in Louisiana
A serious truck accident in Louisiana recently resulted in the death of a motorcycle driver. Initially, troopers were called in to assist with a report of a stray dog located west of the Whiskey Bay Bridge. Traffic was blocked while animal control and law enforcement removed the animal from the road, but an 18-wheeler driver failed to stop for the traffic. The resulting auto accident snarled traffic and caused the troopers to initiate an accident investigation to determine exactly what happened.
While the dog was being removed from the roadway and traffic was backed up, several miles back the 18-wheeler driver veered into the center of the road. His truck struck three vehicles and the back of a motorcycle. The motorcycle driver was pronounced dead on the scene. No other injuries were reported.
The 18-wheeler driver was charged with reckless operation and negligent homicide. All of the drivers voluntarily submitted breath samples, which showed no alcohol in any of their systems. For this reason, police do not believe that alcohol or any other type of impairment was involved in the auto accident.
The truck driver is facing serious criminal charges for his part in the truck accident. He may also be facing liability claims for the family of the deceased motorcycle driver for his negligent actions. Distracted drivers are a danger on the roadways and can cause serious harm to other motorists. This man’s failure to pay attention caused an extremely serious auto accident in Louisiana and shows that just a few seconds of inattention on the road can cause a lifetime of repercussions.