Louisiana State Police officers keep records regarding all the car accidents they investigate throughout any particular year, including those in which there are fatalities. At last report, Troop D was involved in the investigation of 16 motor vehicle fatalities. The fatal accident that raised Troop D’s number to 16 took place on Aug. 7 between two vehicles that were traveling on La. 3226.
Initial reports of the crash indicated that the victim, a 56-year-old Louisiana man, was traveling north on the highway on the day of the crash. At the same time, another vehicle was heading toward his from the opposite direction. For a reason that troopers have not yet determined, the second vehicle crossed over into the oncoming lane of travel and rammed head-on into the vehicle of the unsuspecting victim.
The man in the northbound vehicle succumbed to injuries suffered in the impact. The southbound driver survived the crash, but was hospitalized with injuries officials described as serious. Troopers did not believe that impairment was a factor in the crash, but toxicology samples were sent for testing nevertheless. No indication was given as to what charges, if any, may be filed against the surviving driver.
However, the dead man’s family may file a wrongful death claim against the driver even if officials do not file charges against him. If they successfully show the court that this fatal accident was due to the negligence of that driver, an award of damages may be considered. A monetary judgment may not bring back their loved one, but it could help with the unexpected expenses the family incurred because of their loss.
Source: kplctv.com, “Merryville man killed in head-on crash in Beauregard“, Johnathan Manning, Aug. 7, 2015