When Louisiana drivers make mistakes behind the wheel, accidents can happen. In most cases, drivers are willing to take responsibility — and not break the law — by remaining at the scene. However, drivers in some car crashes believe that if they drive away, they will not have to face the repercussions. They do not consider the fact that if they are discovered, the consequences could be far more severe.
Recently, a 55-year-old man was riding his bicycle on Louisiana Highway 636-6. A vehicle came along, struck him and then fled the scene. He suffered severe injuries to which he succumbed. It is not clear from reports whether the bicycle rider died upon impact or could have lived had he received immediate medical attention.
Police began searching for the vehicle and driver responsible for the man’s death. Troopers with the Louisiana State Police recently arrested a 29-year-old woman after one of her family members contacted authorities implicating her in the crash. It is believed that the woman had gotten behind the wheel of her car after consuming alcohol. Upon her arrest, she was booked on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, felony hit and run, and homicide by vehicle.
She may also face a wrongful death claim filed by the family of the bicyclist. Louisiana law outlines the types of damages that may be sought in civil actions filed in the aftermath of car crashes. If the court decides that the driver was negligent and that her actions caused or contributed to the death of the victim, the family may receive a monetary judgment for the damages incurred due to their loss.
Source: greenfieldreporter.com, “State police arrest St. Rose woman in death of bicyclist in St. John the Baptist Parish”, May 8, 2015
