Around 5:30 p.m. on a recent Friday, troopers with the Louisiana State Police responded to a crash on LA 3042. When they arrived, they discovered one person dead and one moderately injured. The surviving driver is suspected of causing the fatal accident, and it is believed he was intoxicated at the time.
Preliminary reports indicate that the accused driver was heading east on the highway. Another vehicle, driven by the 52-year-old victim was coming toward him from the west and most likely had no idea what was to happen next. As the two vehicles approached each other, the 47-year-old westbound driver’s vehicle crossed over into the oncoming lane of traffic and slammed into her vehicle.
The Louisiana State Police discovered that the driver who had veered into her path had made bail nearly six hours prior to this crash after having been arrested for driving while intoxicated, open alcohol container and driving carelessly. It appears that arrest might not have been enough to deter the man from getting behind the wheel a second time within 24 hours after drinking. Now, he faces further criminal charges for vehicular homicide, driving recklessly and other offenses related to the accident.
Reportedly, when released from the hospital, the man will be taken to the Evangeline Parish Jail for booking. The family of the victim may also file a wrongful death claim against the man. The family may use evidence that prosecutors intend to use in the criminal case — and any conviction secured — to establish negligence in the civil action. If successful, the family could be awarded damages often seen in a fatal accident.
Source: kplctv.com, “Duson man charged following fatal accident, second DWI arrest in less than 24 hours“, Jan. 31, 2015