Losing a loved one is difficult any day of the year, but the death of a family member on Christmas day is especially heart-wrenching. A Louisiana family suffered just this fate when three female relatives were involved in a car accident with a drunk driver.
The accident happened on Louisiana 35 near Rayne when a 35-year-old woman was driving northbound with two female relatives in the car. A truck driven by a 48-year-old man apparently crossed the center line of the highway and caused a head-on collision. The impact killed the car’s driver and seriously injured one of her passengers. The third passenger and the driver of the truck did not sustain serious injuries.
This accident could have been prevented. Police discovered that the responsible driver of the truck was intoxicated at the time of the fatal crash and that man now faces multiple charges including vehicular homicide, reckless operation and a 4th DWI charge. Investigators also believe that the man unhooked an ignition interlock device from his truck in order to drive his vehicle while impaired.
Drunk drivers are a problem throughout the year but now one Louisiana family must suffer the repercussions of losing a loved one during the heart of the holiday season. In addition to the copious medical bills the three victims will likely incur the family must also cover the costs of burying the 35-year-old car accident victim. In addition to the quantifiable costs they will have to pay, their suffering will likely cost them enjoyment, happiness and impose stress and sadness.
Though police deal with the criminal aspects of drunk drivers‘ charges, individuals who are affected by drunk drivers can sometimes pursue civil claims against them. The victims and family members of this incident may have legal rights to compensation from this responsible drunk driver.
Source: The Times-Picayune, “Acadia Parish man charged with 4th DUI after accident on Christmas kills 1,” Emily Lane, Dec. 26, 2013