As residents of Louisiana are likely aware, there are always dangers when traveling the roadways. The risks present themselves as negligent drivers, poor weather and treacherous road conditions. Oftentimes, when these dangers are present they can lead to an injurious or a fatal car accident.
There is always the potential that a car accident can lead to injuries suffered by those that are involved. However, when a wreck leads to a chain reaction, the risk may be much higher. Unfortunately, one of these crashes occurred recently in Baton Rouge, leaving one dead.
The initial accident occurred when a 28-year-old woman attempted to merge her vehicle onto US Highway 61 and struck another vehicle. As the woman’s vehicle was stopped in the road after the first accident, she searched her car for her cell phone. However, an SUV approached her vehicle and rear-ended it, striking the woman while she was looking through her vehicle.
Tragically, the woman suffered fatal injuries as a result of the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are still investigating the accident but they do not believe there was a drunk driver involved. However, it is unknown this time if the accident could be attributed to negligent or distracted driving.
As this accident is still being investigated, it is unknown whether anyone that was injured will be able to recover compensation. However, if it is determined that a negligent party was responsible for the crash, the injured parties may be able to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Residents of Louisiana who feel they should recover compensation from such a lawsuit would be well-served by speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand whether or not they have a cause of action for recovery. An attorney can provide sound legal guidance and represent the victim’s best interests, thereby giving him or her the best possible chance of succeeding on a claim.
Source: WAFB, “Woman dies while standing outside car after initial crash,” March 28, 2014