Following the death of a teenager in a single-vehicle crash in Louisiana, the risk of getting into a car with a teen driver is underscored. Louisiana State Police launched an investigation into a single-vehicle accident in the early evening of a recent Wednesday. The life lost in this crash also shows why wearing a seat belt is crucial.
Accident report
In the preliminary accident report, Louisiana State Police indicated that a 16-year-old teenager was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an 18-year-old. The cause of the accident has not been determined yet. What is known is that the two teens were heading east on Interstate 12 when the driver lost control of the vehicle.
The car rolled over in the median after it left the roadway. The 16-year-old teenager, a passenger in the front seat, was not wearing his seat belt. He was ejected as the car rolled over. The teenager was rushed to a hospital, and although he initially survived the crash, he succumbed to his injuries later.
Reportedly, the 18-year-old driver suffered less severe injuries. He was wearing a seat belt, which might have saved his life. It is not known whether speed or alcohol played a role in this accident. Toxicology samples from the driver were taken, and the results are pending.
Legal options
The parents or guardians of the deceased teenager might have grounds to hold the driver accountable for his death by filing a wrongful death lawsuit in a Louisiana civil court. However, they must have proof of negligence on the driver’s part to make their claim viable. Once that is established, the court will adjudicate documented claims.
The claims could include the medical expenses leading up to his death, the cost of the end-of-life arrangements and other financial losses caused by the car accident. Furthermore, their documented claims could include emotional damages like their pain and suffering.
