An accident in the early morning hours of Oct. 19 near Lake Charles resulted in the death of one person, hospitalization of another and charges being filed against the driver. The driver in this car accident has been charged with driving while intoxicated, vehicular homicide, careless operation, negligent vehicular injuring and having an open beverage containing alcohol. He is being held at the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center on a $27,000 bond.
According to authorities, a preliminary investigation revealed that the driver lost control of the vehicle as it was entering the intersection of LA 385 (Common Street) and LA 3092 (Gauthier Road) south of Lake Charles. The vehicle went careening into a pole supporting a traffic light. It then bounced off that pole back into the road.
The deceased passenger was killed during the crash. A second passenger was taken to a local hospital to be treated for serious injuries. At last report, that victim was still in the hospital. The driver only suffered minor injuries. A toxicology sample was taken from the driver and sent for analysis.
Impaired driving still takes the lives of more people in Louisiana than any other car accident cause. Authorities are taking this opportunity to remind people not to drink and drive and to use a designated driver. Drivers may also report impaired drivers to the Louisiana Highway Patrol.
State law provides the family of the victim with the ability to file a civil action against the driver in order to recover the costs and damages the family has sustained as the result of this tragic car accident. Further, the passenger in the vehicle may also file an action to recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and any other damages. In order to prevail in court, it will be necessary to prove the driver was negligent and that negligence led to the death and injury of the passengers.
Source: kplctv.com, Impairment suspected in early morning fatal crash, Lee Peck, Oct. 19, 2013