Louisiana State Police responded to a crash in Lake Charles on Highway 14 on the evening of May 4 in which a pedestrian was reported to have been struck by a vehicle. The victim was a 45-year-old local man who later died from injuries he sustained in the fatal accident. He was struck and killed by an oncoming vehicle as he worked to flag traffic after dark for a broken-down truck.
A truck pulling a camper was headed westbound on Hwy 14 when it stalled and pulled onto the road shoulder. A second vehicle stopped to assist and pulled to the front of the disabled truck to try and jump-start the engine. The passenger from the assisting truck exited his vehicle and walked to the rear of the camper to direct traffic. While flagging traffic he was struck by a car driven by a 91-year-old Lake Charles man.
After running into the pedestrian, the car also struck the parked camper. The elderly driver was taken to a Lake Charles hospital and treated for minor injuries. Police reports indicate that he was wearing his seat belt. Investigators are awaiting the results of routine toxicology samples that were submitted for analysis. The wreck is still under investigation, and no charges have yet been filed.
Studies show that 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. To help prevent a fatal accident of this nature, Louisiana law enforcement encourages pedestrians to always wear light-colored clothing. Reflective materials and flashlights can also help ensure that pedestrians are visible to drivers. Drivers are also asked to adhere to traffic laws, be alert and keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times. Hopefully the victim’s family is able to find comfort in one another during this time of grief.
Pedestrian Accidents
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.
Fatal Auto Accident: Lake Charles Woman Behind the Wheel
For residents of Lake Charles Louisiana, pedestrian accidents may feel as though they’re becoming an all too common occurrence. These types of accidents are particularly tragic because they almost always result in serious bodily harm or death. Just last week we highlighted the story of a 23-year-old man who died as a result of injuries sustained when he was struck by vehicle on Elliot Road. Unfortunately, the tragic auto accident trend continues. Louisiana State Police have confirmed that a 76-year-old man recently lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in Avoyelles Parish.
The fatal car crash took place when the elderly man was hit by a 68-year-old woman from Lake Charles. Purportedly, the woman was driving on Highway 115 when the Mansura man walked into the northbound lane at about 6:40 p.m.
News reports allude to the fact that the woman may have had difficulty seeing the man, because he was dressed in black attire. Police officers routinely make it a point to encourage pedestrians to wear bright clothing, and possibly carry a flashlight or light source, when walking in low visibility conditions.
The accident remains under investigation and results of toxicology tests are still pending. There is currently no indication what criminal charges, if any, the driver may face for her part in the auto accident. It remains unclear as to whether she was distracted or impaired in some way at the time of the incident. Undoubtedly, the friends and loved ones of the man who lost his life in the fatal crash are grieving. Depending upon the outcome of the investigation, the victim’s family may seek more information concerning their rights and options within the parameters of the legal system.
Pedestrian Killed in Fatal Accident Near Lake Charles
Under normal circumstances, walking is considered a safe and relatively fear-free means of transportation. Unfortunately though, what should be a common, simple or everyday occurrence can result in unforeseen tragedy. Case in point, a 23-year-old Louisiana man was killed in a fatal accident last week after being hit by a vehicle near Lake Charles.
The young man was struck at approximately 4 a.m. while strolling northbound on Elliot Road. Investigators have identified the man, and did confirm that he was struck by a vehicle headed southbound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The fatal accident remains under investigation by authorities. However, a spokesperson for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office told reporters that impairment resulting from the use of drugs or alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the man’s death. Nonetheless, as a part of the accident investigation, toxicology tests will be performed on both the crash victim and the driver of the vehicle that struck him.
There is currently no information available on the legal ramifications, if any, the driver of the passing vehicle may face. If the driver is found to be at fault in the collision, he or she could face serious charges. However, regardless of the investigative outcome, the victim’s loved ones will likely be left with more questions than answers. Family members may choose to seek their own answers — and possibly reparation for their loss — through avenues available to them under the umbrella of the law. In cases like this, monetary damages are sometimes sought despite no criminal conviction.