Lake Charles LA Personal Injury Attorneys Blog

91-year-old driver hits, kills Welsh man in Lake Charles accident

2012-05-18T13:05:26Z

Louisiana State Police responded to a crash in Lake Charles on Highway 14 on the evening of May 4 in which a pedestrian was reported to have been struck by a vehicle. The victim was a 45-year-old local man who later died from injuries he sustained in the fatal accident. He was struck and killed by an oncoming vehicle as he worked to flag traffic after dark for a broken-down truck.

A truck pulling a camper was headed westbound on Hwy 14 when it stalled and pulled onto the road shoulder. A second vehicle stopped to assist and pulled to the front of the disabled truck to try and jump-start the engine. The passenger from the assisting truck exited his vehicle and walked to the rear of the camper to direct traffic. While flagging traffic he was struck by a car driven by a 91-year-old Lake Charles man.

]]> After running into the pedestrian, the car also struck the parked camper. The elderly driver was taken to a Lake Charles hospital and treated for minor injuries. Police reports indicate that he was wearing his seat belt. Investigators are awaiting the results of routine toxicology samples that were submitted for analysis. The wreck is still under investigation, and no charges have yet been filed.

Studies show that 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. To help prevent a fatal accident of this nature, Louisiana law enforcement encourages pedestrians to always wear light-colored clothing. Reflective materials and flashlights can also help ensure that pedestrians are visible to drivers. Drivers are also asked to adhere to traffic laws, be alert and keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times. Hopefully the victim's family is able to find comfort in one another during this time of grief.

Source: Sulpher Daily News, "Pedestrian killed by vehicle on Hwy 14," May 6, 2012

Hit-and-run crash leaves Lake Charles man dead

2012-05-11T13:02:19Z

Pedestrian accidents rarely end well. Cars are powerful machines, and often a human body is no match. Sadly, a Louisiana family is now grieving after a pedestrian was hit by a car and killed on Saturday.

Police say the fatal accident occurred in the early morning hours of May 5. For reasons unknown, a 35-year-old Lake Charles man was apparently lying on Louisiana Highway 3112 when he was struck by an oncoming car. Unfortunately, the driver of the car did not stay behind to attend to the injured pedestrian. Sadly, the pedestrian died from injuries sustained in the car accident.

]]> Although police are not sure why the Lake Charles man was in the road at the time of the accident, drivers still have a responsibility to remain at a crash scene, should they ever be involved in one. While we don't know the exact circumstances of this incident, it's not unfathomable that this man could have received treatment and possibly lived had the driver stopped and called authorities. Now, however, this man's family is left to wonder if something could have been done to save his life.

When faced with tragedy of this nature, it is important for Louisiana residents to know that they have legal rights. When death or serious injuries occur due to someone else's negligence, it may be possible to seek compensation. While it may seem insensitive to talk about money at such a difficult time, a death in the family shouldn't bring with it major economic hardships as well. Seeking compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim could result in monetary awards that can go toward hospital costs and funeral expenses, allowing families of victims to focus less on the financial aspect and more on helping one another through such a difficult time.

Source: KTBS.com, "Authorities: Lake Charles man dies in hit-and-run," May 6, 2012

Tire change death of Lake Charles man, wrongful death?

2012-05-05T00:12:35Z

A 44-year-old Louisiana man from Lake Charles lost his life in a fatal accident as he was trying to change a flat tire on April 22. State police say the man, a passenger in a vehicle that became disabled by a flat tire, was attempting to retrieve a spare from the car trunk when the collision occurred about 7 p.m. The driver of the car that caused the fatal accident was a 25-year-old female, also of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Both drivers and another person in the vehicle with the flat tire were also injured. Authorities say a 13-year-old passenger in that car suffered more serious injuries than the driver, though both were said to be wearing their seat belts. All three individuals in the fatal accident were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

]]> Louisiana law enforcement confirmed that toxicology tests will be a part of the investigation. Many other circumstances of the crash are likely to be discovered in the still-open accident investigation. If it is determined that negligence on the part of any individual caused or contributed to the collision, a legal basis to pursue civil claims for personal injury and wrongful death may exist.

Whether or not criminal charges are filed against anyone in this fatal accident, the deceased man's family may consider filing a wrongful death claim against any party or parties whose negligence caused the death. Similarly, those seriously injured through no fault of their own may decide to file personal injury claims against any at-fault party. A successful claim may include reimbursement for medical bills and other damages, including pain and suffering related to the accident.

Source: American Press, "Lake Charles man hit, killed," April 24, 2012

Louisiana car wreck in Reserve ends in death and injury

2012-04-27T19:29:43Z

A three-car accident ended in injuries and death for several Louisiana residents recently. The April 17 car wreck occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on River Road in Reserve. The site of the collision was near the road's intersection with West 22nd Street.

Police say that a 31-year-old man from Lutcher was driving a car on the roadway when he inexplicably struck the back end of another vehicle. The impact of the collision caused the vehicle to veer into the oncoming lane of traffic before coming to a rest. Authorities say the man began to get out of his car, and as he did, the car was struck by a pickup truck operated by another Lutcher resident.

]]> As a result of the collision, both drivers were taken to local hospitals. Sadly, the 31-year-old driver later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the pickup was said to have suffered injuries characterized as moderate and remained hospitalized for further medical care.

Louisiana police are continuing to investigate the cause of this fatal car wreck. Reports indicate that they do not suspect alcohol or impairment of the drivers, but toxicology test results are pending. Once the investigation concludes, a cause for the accident will likely be determined. The report may also address which party or parties are deemed to have been at fault in causing or contributing to the fatal collision.

In any Louisiana car accident, if one of the drivers is found to have been the cause of the accident, any victims may have the right to file civil claims. In a case in which a deceased driver is determined to have been negligent, any liability would potentially result in a claim against his estate. If, however, another party is determined to have negligently caused the death, the victim's surviving family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim in Louisiana courts.

Source: NOLA.com, "Garyville man dies Tuesday in Reserve traffic accident," Lori Lyons, April 17, 2012

Shreveport car wreck leaves 1 dead, 2 children injured

2012-04-18T23:24:48Z

A car accident involving three vehicles reportedly backed up traffic on LA 3132 on April 12 in Shreveport. The car wreck occurred at the intersection of the highway and Line Avenue. Authorities indicated the accident may have been caused in part by an earlier collision on the same road.

An SUV was hit by a pickup truck then pushed into the path of an 18-wheeler. Three occupants of the SUV, a male driver and two children, were seriously injured.

]]> They were taken to LSU Health Shreveport. Though the man was said to be in critical condition and the children in serious condition, the man subsequently died. No other injuries to those involved in the car wreck were reported.

As the police investigation continues, there will likely be a causal determination for this tragic car wreck. In the event one or more parties are found to have acted negligently in a manner that caused or contributed to the fatal accident, civil liability for injuries and other legal consequences could follow.

The injured children may suffer more than the physical injuries that have left them in the hospital. They may now be facing a long road to recovery. And the family of the deceased male driver must not only cope with his loss of life, but may also have expenses occasioned by the crash. In situations like this, damages may be able to be recovered through personal injury claims under Louisiana law should the accident be attributable to the negligence of another party. In the case of a fatality, the claim would be made in the form of a wrongful death action by the victim's surviving family. While such a claim could never replace a life lost, it can help a victim's family worry less about finances so they can focus on comforting one another during such a difficult time.

Source: KSLA, "UPDATE: One fatality in LA 3132 three-car wreck," Amber Edwards, April 12, 2012

Car wreck claims life of 15-year-old boy from Greenwood

2012-04-13T12:48:36Z

Navigating busy Louisiana roads can be a challenge for even experienced drivers. Distractions such as cellphones and weather conditions often add to the chance that a person will be involved in a car wreck. And when the person injured is a passenger, they often are helpless to do much more than watch as catastrophe unfolds. Unfortunately, a similar scenario happened recently on Louisiana roads.

A 15-year-old boy died on April 7 after a two-car wreck in Greenwood, and the young teenager was later pronounced dead at LSU Hospital. Reportedly, he was a passenger in a car attempting to make a left-hand turn at the intersection of Greenwood Road and West 70th Street. As the car turned, it collided with an SUV that was turning onto the road, resulting in the fatal car wreck. There were no reports of injuries to other drivers or passengers, though police are likely continuing to investigate the cause of the car wreck.

]]> The family of the deceased teen has surely suffered an immense loss. No compensation by any court could even begin to make them truly whole again. However, Louisiana law does permit surviving family to pursue a claim for wrongful death when it appears a fatality was caused by the negligent act of another.

While it is too early to know precisely what caused this car wreck, official accident reports can be useful in determining if someone was at fault in a crash. This review can offer them the opportunity to determine whether or not a wrongful death claim is appropriate.

Source: KSLA, "Family of Greenwood crash victim speaks out," Adam Hooper, April 8, 2012

Louisiana woman sustains head injury in 2-car crash

2012-04-05T14:27:11Z

A two-vehicle accident in Lake Charles, Louisiana, left one woman with injuries to her head after the collision caused her to hit a fire hydrant. The auto accident happened at an intersection that at least one resident labeled as "dangerous." No information was available as to whether or not anyone received a citation in connection with the incident.

The collision happened during the evening hours at the intersection of two local streets. After her vehicle hurtled into the fire hydrant, the woman was reportedly bleeding from her head. Moreover, since the woman suffered a blow to her head, there may be concerns about a traumatic brain injury or even permanent brain damage.

]]> In any accident there may be concerns about damage to the body that could lead to a disability for months or even years to come. In some cases, that disability may be permanent and require ongoing medical expenses. This is a particular concern with regard to head injuries as some damage done to the brain may never heal.

In this case, it may be necessary to reconstruct the auto accident in order to determine the circumstances that led up to it and to assess liability. Whoever is deemed to be the at-fault driver may eventually be held responsible for the medical and other expenses of the victim. This can be done by filing a suit with the appropriate Louisiana court. When a person is injured through no fault of their own and as the result of the carelessness of another party, they do not deserve to have their bodily injury compounded by becoming a financial injury as well.

Source: KPLC 7 News, "Two car accident sends driver crashing into fire hydrant," Lee Peck, March 18, 2012

12-year-old killed in Louisiana bicycle accident

2012-03-28T15:01:00Z

Louisiana police report that a 12-year-old boy was killed on March 17 as he rode side-by-side with another bicyclist. The auto accident occurred about 160 miles east of Lake Charles on Louisiana Highway 43 in Albany in the early evening. The cyclists were riding southbound as the car approached. Reports say that the driver was unable to avoid hitting the boy because the child attempted to cross the street just as the car came upon him. Tragically, the impact of the collision killed the boy.

There have been no charges filed against the driver in connection with the auto accident. Indeed, preliminary indications are that the deceased victim of the car accident may have swerved into the path of the motor vehicle. Nonetheless, the family of the boy will likely be interested in the official report of the accident as well as any other evidence gathered from the tragic incident.

]]> While it is too early to say whether or not a civil claim for wrongful death may be appropriate, the family may wish to consider its legal options once all the facts are known. Even when a driver is not charged with any crime or traffic violations, facts may come to light that establish negligence on the part of the driver or another party in causing the car accident.

In any auto accident, when a driver is found to be at fault, personal injury claims may result. When a victim suffers injuries, or even death, there are economic costs for medical care and other expenses. Additionally, there may be other damages as well as pain and suffering occasioned by the crash. The personal injury laws of Louisiana are designed to assist victims of car accidents caused by the negligence of another as they recover from their injuries. Losing a child in a car accident like this one is an unimaginable tragedy. Filing for compensation can allow the family and friends of a victim to mourn together without having to worry about funeral expenses and other costs.

Source: nola.com, "Livingston Parish crash kills boy on bicycle," March 18, 2012

Pedestrian killed in car wreck in Vernon Parish

2012-03-23T14:14:45Z

Crossing a busy roadway can be a dangerous task for Louisiana residents. Speeding traffic is only one of the concerns when a pedestrian steps into the road. A car wreck can happen when a driver is distracted or impaired, and injuries to a walker can result.

Louisiana police say that a pedestrian was attempting to cross U.S. Highway 171 in Vernon Parish on March 10 when he was struck and killed by a motorist. The 21-year-old victim died at the scene. There was no report of any injuries to the driver in this collision.

]]> An investigation into the car accident continues, and police reportedly suspect that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. No reports as to the blood alcohol level of the driver or any field sobriety tests were initially reported. The driver was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular homicide. While no other details of the collision were initially reported, the driver will now have to answer the criminal charges.

The surviving family of the deceased man has undoubtedly suffered a great loss, which may affect them both economically and emotionally for years to come. While no amount of money can make up for life tragically lost, the family may be able to make a legal claim to help compensate for the expenses they may now be facing. Damages sought could include funeral expenses, lost wages and lost future income as well as for pain and suffering occasioned by the senseless tragedy. By relieving their financial burden, the family may be able to better focus on comforting one another in their time of sorrow.

Source: The Town Talk, "Vernon Parish crash kills Missouri pedestrian," March 13, 2012

Louisiana woman killed in rainstorm car wreck

2012-03-16T20:02:42Z

When inclement weather is cited as a contributing factor in a car wreck, it can be difficult for investigators to determine who is at fault. All of the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident are collected before ultimate responsibility is placed. Every time an individual gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, a reasonable duty of care must be followed to ensure the safety of other people sharing the road, even in poor weather conditions. Louisiana drivers are required to turn their headlights on and also reduce their speed any time poor weather occurs while driving. A fatal car wreck has provided an unfortunate reminder of the care drivers must assume when driving in bad weather.

A 19-year-old Maringouin woman was traveling southbound on Highway 411 during a rainstorm when she lost control of her car. As she was rounding a curve south of Slacks Bridge, her vehicle crossed over the center line directly into the path of a northbound vehicle. The two cars collided, severely injuring the 19-year-old. She was later pronounced dead. The second driver was transported to a local hospital, suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

]]> Both were wearing seat belts, and police do not believe that any type of impairment played a part in this car wreck.

Poor weather may have contributed to the accident but the injured party will likely wish to stay informed about the progress of the accident investigation. While all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this Louisiana car wreck are not entirely clear at this time, one person died and the other has been hospitalized. These tragedies show just how important safe and cautious driving is, especially when inclement weather strikes.

Source: The Advocate, "Maringouin teen killed in two-vehicle wreck," March 13, 2012

Truck driver negligence leads to fatality in Louisiana

2012-03-09T21:12:20Z

A serious truck accident in Louisiana recently resulted in the death of a motorcycle driver. Initially, troopers were called in to assist with a report of a stray dog located west of the Whiskey Bay Bridge. Traffic was blocked while animal control and law enforcement removed the animal from the road, but an 18-wheeler driver failed to stop for the traffic. The resulting auto accident snarled traffic and caused the troopers to initiate an accident investigation to determine exactly what happened.

While the dog was being removed from the roadway and traffic was backed up, several miles back the 18-wheeler driver veered into the center of the road. His truck struck three vehicles and the back of a motorcycle. The motorcycle driver was pronounced dead on the scene. No other injuries were reported.

]]> The 18-wheeler driver was charged with reckless operation and negligent homicide. All of the drivers voluntarily submitted breath samples, which showed no alcohol in any of their systems. For this reason, police do not believe that alcohol or any other type of impairment was involved in the auto accident.

The truck driver is facing serious criminal charges for his part in the truck accident. He may also be facing liability claims for the family of the deceased motorcycle driver for his negligent actions. Distracted drivers are a danger on the roadways and can cause serious harm to other motorists. This man's failure to pay attention caused an extremely serious auto accident in Louisiana and shows that just a few seconds of inattention on the road can cause a lifetime of repercussions.

Source: KATC, "Update: Troopers have identified vehicles, drivers in I-10 accident," Lauren Wilson, March 2, 2012

Costa Concordia maritime accident may lead to stricter regulations

2012-03-02T21:33:07Z

As many Lake Charles residents will recall, the Costa Concordia -- a cruise ship owned by a subsidiary of Carnival Corp. -- capsized off of the coast of Tuscany in mid-January. The maritime accident resulted in 17 confirmed deaths and an additional 15 people left missing. Purportedly, the ship's captain ran the vessel ashore near the island of Giglio; the ship was ripped open by rocks, and it eventually capsized.

A number of survivors of the shipwreck and their families are embarking on lawsuits seeking compensation for their losses. According to a Thomson Reuters news report, Costa Cruises -- the Carnival subsidiary company that owns the ship -- offered the survivors of the maritime accident less than $15,000 each. Some believe the amount to be disrespectful, given the magnitude of the disaster.

]]> So, how might these occurrences affect residents of Lake Charles, Louisiana? For starters, insurance companies will likely demand an increase in safety and training protocols for maritime staff, while implementing tighter regulations on the maritime industry as a whole. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation into the tragic accident, it is safe to say that the insurance company for Carnival Cruise Lines will be faced with some decisions. Reportedly, Carnival Corp. will lose up to $175 million in profits as a result of the incident, and it anticipates future effects as well.

No amount of reparation can replace the loss a loved one when tragedy strikes. However, the law provides that those who find themselves victimized by accidents like this are entitled to seek compensation for pain and suffering. An in-depth knowledge of the law can prove a substantial benefit in the wake of a painfully difficult situation.

Source: Thomson Reuters, "Italy cruise lawsuits will force higher standards-lawyer," Phillip Pullella, Feb. 9, 2012

Fatal auto accident: Lake Charles woman behind the wheel

2012-02-24T22:19:34Z

For residents of Lake Charles Louisiana, pedestrian accidents may feel as though they're becoming an all too common occurrence. These types of accidents are particularly tragic because they almost always result in serious bodily harm or death. Just last week we highlighted the story of a 23-year-old man who died as a result of injuries sustained when he was struck by vehicle on Elliot Road. Unfortunately, the tragic auto accident trend continues. Louisiana State Police have confirmed that a 76-year-old man recently lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in Avoyelles Parish.

The fatal car crash took place when the elderly man was hit by a 68-year-old woman from Lake Charles. Purportedly, the woman was driving on Highway 115 when the Mansura man walked into the northbound lane at about 6:40 p.m.

]]> News reports allude to the fact that the woman may have had difficulty seeing the man, because he was dressed in black attire. Police officers routinely make it a point to encourage pedestrians to wear bright clothing, and possibly carry a flashlight or light source, when walking in low visibility conditions.

The accident remains under investigation and results of toxicology tests are still pending. There is currently no indication what criminal charges, if any, the driver may face for her part in the auto accident. It remains unclear as to whether she was distracted or impaired in some way at the time of the incident. Undoubtedly, the friends and loved ones of the man who lost his life in the fatal crash are grieving. Depending upon the outcome of the investigation, the victim's family may seek more information concerning their rights and options within the parameters of the legal system.

Source: TheTownTalk, "Mansura pedestrian dies when hit by car in Avoyelles," Feb. 12, 2012

Pedestrian killed in fatal accident near Lake Charles

2012-02-17T19:01:15Z

Under normal circumstances, walking is considered a safe and relatively fear-free means of transportation. Unfortunately though, what should be a common, simple or everyday occurrence can result in unforeseen tragedy. Case in point, a 23-year-old Louisiana man was killed in a fatal accident last week after being hit by a vehicle near Lake Charles.

The young man was struck at approximately 4 a.m. while strolling northbound on Elliot Road. Investigators have identified the man, and did confirm that he was struck by a vehicle headed southbound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

]]> The fatal accident remains under investigation by authorities. However, a spokesperson for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office told reporters that impairment resulting from the use of drugs or alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the man's death. Nonetheless, as a part of the accident investigation, toxicology tests will be performed on both the crash victim and the driver of the vehicle that struck him.

There is currently no information available on the legal ramifications, if any, the driver of the passing vehicle may face. If the driver is found to be at fault in the collision, he or she could face serious charges. However, regardless of the investigative outcome, the victim's loved ones will likely be left with more questions than answers. Family members may choose to seek their own answers -- and possibly reparation for their loss -- through avenues available to them under the umbrella of the law. In cases like this, monetary damages are sometimes sought despite no criminal conviction.

Source: The Republic, "Lake Charles man hit by car dies," The Associated Press Feb. 10, 2012

Fatal accident on I-10 kills 5 near New Orleans

2012-02-10T23:02:00Z

A tragic accident on Interstate 10 left five people dead early this morning. The fatal accident happened after a driver was reportedly traveling the wrong way on the interstate near LaPlace, Louisiana. The wrong-way driver collided with another vehicle that was carrying four occupants, killing everyone inside. The wrong-way driver also died in the collision.

Many details regarding the circumstances of the tragedy were unavailable in a news report, including the identity of the wrong-way driver. However, police are presumably investigating the accident and will hopefully release an accident report soon so as to allow the families of the victims some understanding of what occurred. Based on early reports, troopers became aware of the wrong-way driver only moments before the accident happened.

]]> Additionally, at least two others received minor injuries as a result of the accident. An 18-wheeler sideswiped the wreck, causing another vehicle to crash into it. Fortunately, they are expected to recover from their injuries.

In cases such as these, little can be done to replace the life of a loved one. However, through a wrongful death lawsuit, the families may be able to collect monetary compensation to cover funeral expenses along with any medical expenses and other damages. A wrongful death refers to a fatality caused by the negligent or willful conduct of another, and may apply to the heartrending nature of this fatal accident. One can only hope that the families of these five car accident victims find peace eventually as they struggle with their sudden loss.

Source: The Washington Post, "Trooper: 5 killed in wrong-way crash on Interstate 10 in Louisiana outside New Orleans," Feb. 10, 2012