As the weather gets warmer, more people are heading for the beaches. There are dangers associated with the beach, such as being stung by a jellyfish, being robbed and even cutting a foot on glass that could be in the sand, among other things. What most people do not expect to happen as they sunbathe is being hit by a car. However, that is exactly what happened to a woman recently who was sunbathing on a Louisiana beach when she became involved in a car accident.
Reports indicate that the woman was run over by a Ford F-250 pickup truck. Another woman who was also in the path of the pickup managed to avoid being hit. Even though the injured woman was conscious and communicating at the scene, emergency medical personnel determined that she needed to be flown from the scene via helicopter. At last report, she required surgery, though her current condition is unknown.
A Grand Isle police officer said that he did not see anyone as he headed south down the beach in the pickup truck. When he turned around to head back north, he failed to be sure that his path was still clear. The Louisiana State Police is handling the investigation into this incident. The findings will be reported to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether the officer will face any charges.
Meanwhile, the sunbather is incurring a significant amount of medical expenses, lost income and other damages as she recovers from her injuries. Even if the officer does not face criminal charges in connection with this car accident, the victim retains the right to file a personal injury claim against the officer and his employer. If the court determines that the officer’s negligence led to her injuries, an award of damages could be entered on her behalf to help with her medical bills, lost income and other damages.
Source: nola.com, “Grand Isle police vehicle hits beach sunbather, State Police investigating”, Ben Myers, April 7, 2016
