A recent accident gave the Louisiana State Police the opportunity to remind drivers to be sure that the path is clear before pulling out into traffic. If there is any question as to whether there is enough time to safely pull out into traffic, a driver should wait. If a driver fails to do so, people could be seriously or fatally injured if a car accident occurs.
Troopers with the Louisiana State Police believe this to be the case in a crash that occurred on Louisiana Highway 1064 at approximately 1 p.m. on a recent Saturday afternoon. A 72-year-old woman was at an intersection of the highway attempting to turn onto it in order to head westbound. At the same time, a vehicle was heading toward hers on the highway.
She began making her turn directly into the path of the second vehicle, which collided with the driver’s side of her car. The occupants of the second vehicle suffered injuries that were considered to be minor. The woman and her 97-year-old passenger, on the other hand, did not fare as well.
They were taken to a hospital in the area where they succumbed to their injuries. The investigation is not yet complete, and even though they do not believe that impairment was a factor in the crash, toxicology samples were taken from both drivers. Speed is also not believed to have contributed to the crash.
Even so, the family of the deceased passenger may exercise its right to file a wrongful death claim against the estate of the driver. If a Louisiana civil court determines that the deceased driver was negligent and that her actions caused the death of her passenger, damages could be awarded to her surviving family members. Any monetary restitution received could defray the financial losses incurred in the aftermath of this deadly car accident.
Source: wdsu.com, “2 Hammond women killed in two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon“, Juan Sanchez, April 3, 2016
