Repeat offenders are responsible for a significant number of drunk driving accidents. When Louisiana State Police troopers looked into the background of a driver recently arrested in connection with a fatal car accident, they discovered that the man was convicted three previous times for driving under the influence. The first time, he went through a diversionary program at the age of 18. The second time, he was also underage and pleaded to a misdemeanor for which he was sentenced to 32 hours of community service and six months’ probation. No information regarding the third incident was available.
The man, who is now 27 years old, is suspected of being impaired when he recently ran a stop sign on westbound La. 620 at La. 983 at approximately 5 a.m. The driver of a pickup truck on La. 983 was unable to avoid colliding with the man’s car. After the impact, the allegedly intoxicated driver fled the scene. A brief search resulted in his arrest about a half mile away in a cane field.
The 53-year-old driver of the pickup did not survive the crash. Even though it is not believed that the victim was impaired, a routine toxicology test is being processed. A sample was also taken from the accused driver for testing. He faces charges including vehicular homicide and a fourth DUI and felony hit-and-run, among others.
The victim’s family may separately exercise its right to file a wrongful death claim against him. If he is found guilty of a crime in connection with this fatal car accident, proof of the conviction may be used as evidence of negligence in a Louisiana civil court. Successfully litigating such a claim could result in an award of damages.
