Most Louisiana drivers understand that in order to safely navigate the roadways, they need to pay attention to their surroundings and anticipate obstacles. Sometimes, however, even when a driver does everything right, a serious or fatal accident can occur. This is often due to other drivers not following the same rules that everyone else does.
Recently, a Louisiana State Police trooper happened to be in the right place at the right time. She witnessed a collision involving a motorcycle and an SUV. Regrettably, her presence ultimately could not save the life of the fallen motorcycle rider.
The motorcycle rider was traveling south. At the same time, an SUV heading in the opposite direction began making a left turn from the parkway onto the Interstate 10 Service Road right into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcycle rider was unable to avoid colliding with the SUV. Reportedly, the SUV attempted to drive away from the scene, but it did not get very far because the motorcycle was jammed underneath it.
The motorcycle rider initially survived the crash, and emergency personnel transported him to an area hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel to save his life, he succumbed to the injuries he had suffered in the crash. Police took the driver of the SUV into custody. He faces a vehicular homicide charge along with other traffic-related offenses.
In addition to criminal charges, the SUV driver could face a wrongful death claim filed by the family of the deceased motorcycle rider. When the court is satisfied that someone died due to the negligence of another, an award for damages may be considered. Any monetary damages received could defray the costs associated with the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident.
Source: therepublic.com, “Jefferson Parish sheriff’s deputies investigate fatal crash involving motorcycle and SUV”, , June 13, 2014