One of the most important tasks of the Louisiana State Police at an accident scene is to determine precisely what happened. Sometimes, that task is easy. Other times, it requires more investigation. For instance, it can take valuable time and resources to locate a driver suspected to be responsible for a hit-and-run car accident.
Recently, troopers with the Louisiana State Police answered a call about a crash involving two vehicles. Upon their arrival, they found a pickup truck and its driver. The driver suffered serious injuries in the collision, including broken ribs, a fractured pelvis and a fractured back. Emergency personnel transported the victim to a hospital in the area for treatment.
In the meantime, troopers gathered as much evidence as possible from the scene that could lead them to the other vehicle and driver, which did not remain at the scene. Once the make and model of the vehicle were ascertained, a vehicle matching its description was found at a Sulphur car dealership. Reportedly, the vehicle’s damage was consistent with the crash.
The owner of the vehicle was located. Officials say the man confessed to being the driver in the car accident that injured the victim and that he failed to remain at the scene. He now faces criminal charges surrounding the events of that morning. Further, the victim may file a personal injury claim against him seeking damages. If the claim is successful, the victim may receive monetary restitution that might defray the medical expenses and lost wages being incurred daily as he or she recovers, along with any other damages awarded by the court.
Source: katc.com, “Troopers nab alleged hit-and-run at his Sulphur home”, Dave Fields, Aug. 8, 2014