Posted on July 29, 2016
Many Louisiana residents have suffered injuries or worse in car accidents that were caused by the negligence of drunk drivers. One such alleged drunk driving car accident took the life of a teenager late on a recent Tuesday night. Blood sample results are pending for the driver who authorities say was intoxicated at the time of the fatal crash.
According to a preliminary accident report prepared by the Louisiana State Police, a 20-year-old driver was eastbound on LA 42 when the SUV she was driving developed mechanical problems. She reportedly activated the hazard lights; with her steering, her 18-year-old passenger attempted to push the SUV off the road surface. At that time, a 41-year-old driver in another vehicle was traveling in the same direction on LA 42. This driver smashed into the SUV, killing the young man who was pushing it.
Troopers say the driver of the second vehicle appeared to be impaired but refused to submit to a breath test. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, at which time blood samples were also obtained for analysis by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. He is now facing a vehicular homicide charge, along with other DWI-related charges.
Although there was no indication of impairment on the part of the SUV driver or the deceased passenger, blood samples were ordered as per routine. The surviving family members of the deceased victim who lost his life in this car accident are entitled to pursue recovery of financial losses. They retain the right to file a wrongful death claim in a Louisiana civil court. Providing evidence of negligence on the part of the other driver, along with documentation of end-of-life expenses and other financial losses may lead to an award of monetary relief by the court.
Source: wafb.com, “Teen killed while pushing friend’s disabled vehicle, other driver faces charges“, Aug. 5, 2015