Driving in Louisiana can sometimes be a dangerous task. As many residents may already know from daily commutes or even just recreational trips, there are often smaller vehicles such as motorcycles on the road; and drivers need to keep an eye out for them. When drivers of larger vehicles fail to remember that there are two-wheel vehicles on the road with them, it could lead to a bicycle or motorcycle accident. When a driver has been drinking and driving, the ability to notice such vehicles is reduced, and things can turn deadly in a heartbeat.
For one motorcyclist, an evening ride became fatal. According to the Louisiana State Police, a 45-year-old motorcyclist was involved in an accident with a pickup truck on Louisiana Highway 429. The accident occurred after 7 p.m. in the Ascension Parish area. Reports indicate that the 25-year-old driver of the pickup truck was traveling northbound when he lost control of his truck.
While attempting to regain control, he inadvertently over-corrected and swerved across the center median and straight into oncoming traffic. In doing so, he slammed into a motorcycle. Unfortunately, the crash killed the motorcyclist instantly. There was no report or mention of whether the driver of the pickup truck suffered any injuries in the crash. The suspected drunk driver was booked and charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and reckless endangerment.
As Louisiana authorities begin their criminal proceedings, the family of the deceased rider is undoubtedly grieving the loss of their loved one. Whatever evidence is used by prosecutors during the criminal proceedings against the alleged driver may be used by the family of the victim in a wrongful death claim as evidence of his negligence. Any monetary restitution that may be ordered as a result may help defray the financial burdens caused by the death of the motorcycle rider. No amount of money can take away the pain that this motorcycle accident has caused, but it may help set an example to those who drink and drive of the dangers associated with it.
Source: greenfieldreporter.com, “State police: Gonzales man killed in motorcycle-pickup accident on La. 429 in Ascension Parish”, , March 27, 2014
