Drivers in Lake Charles and across Louisiana are putting their trust in other motorists when they are on the road. Therefore, safety is only ensured when everyone adheres to the posted speed limit, refrains from driving under the influence, keep both eyes and hands on the road avoiding distractions, and not behaving recklessly. Unfortunately, not all drivers follow these basic rules and accidents happen because of it. Many times, the accident does not injure or kill the driver who was exhibiting these dangerous behaviors, but leads to a wrongful death incident with innocent individuals, as illustrated by a recent crash.
There, a 51-year-old woman died when the vehicle she was riding in was hit by an apparent speeding driver. The crash occurred on the interstate at around 7 p.m. According to law enforcement, a 2011 Nissan Altima driven by a 27-year-old woman was heading east and speeding. The driver switched lanes and her rear collided with the front of another vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet pickup in which the deceased woman was a passenger. The 53-year-old driver of the pickup lost control as did the driver of the Altima. They went off the road. The pickup crashed into a tree and both vehicles went into a ditch. Investigators believe that speed was a reason the accident happened. The driver of the Altima was charged with multiple traffic offenses, and more charges may be coming. That individual did not suffer any injuries.
Any fatal accident will have long-term consequences for the family left behind. Various costs including funeral expenses will need to be paid, and there might have been other contributions the person provided. These financial damages can amplify the emotional pain and suffering that surviving family members feel in the aftermath of one of these wrecks.
Compensation may be recoverable, though. To file a claim to be compensated, it is vital to accrue evidence demonstrating the defendant’s negligence and how it caused the accident in question. Police reports are key, but they alone are typically insufficient to lead to a successful legal outcome. This is why a skilled attorney may prove beneficial in helping families build their wrongful death cases.
As the investigation into the accident mentioned above moves forward and the driver who was allegedly speeding faces charges for her actions, the family of the woman who died must protect themselves. This may be accomplishable by contacting a law firm that is experienced in helping those impacted by a fatal accident so they can move forward with a wrongful death lawsuit.
