Maintaining control of a vehicle is the primary objective of every Louisiana driver on the road. When a person is unable to perform this function adequately, a car accident can result. Depending on the severity of the crash, lives can be lost and injuries suffered.
Recently, three people suffered moderate injuries and a 10-year-old girl was killed. She, her mother and one other person were traveling in the southbound lane of Louisiana 1. A 60-year-old man was driving in the opposite direction. At some point, the woman veered into his lane.
The man attempted to avoid the collision by quickly steering his vehicle onto the shoulder. Sadly, it was not enough, and the two vehicles collided. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries for which they were transported to a hospital in the area. The unknown passenger in the woman’s vehicle also suffered injuries described as moderate.
The investigation into this tragedy is not yet complete. The preliminary investigation leads officials to believe that neither driver was impaired. However, blood samples were taken from both drivers to be tested for drugs and alcohol. This is protocol in a crash involving a death.
The woman authorities believe caused this crash is not only recovering from her injuries, but also is dealing with the loss of her daughter. Even though the law does not discriminate against family members suing family members for such a loss, many do not exercise that right for obvious reasons. However, the car insurer may be looked to for coverage regarding the injured parties as well as the deceased child.
Moreover, the injured victims may decide to exercise their right to sue for personal injuries if the proceeds of the insurance coverage are not sufficient to cover their financial damages. The medical and other expenses they are incurring as a result of this car accident could present a significant financial burden. If a Louisiana court is satisfied that the woman was negligent, it may award damages that could relieve some of that burden.
Source: wafb.com, “10-year-old girl dies in head-on collision“, Josh Auzenne, Oct. 27, 2014