3-vehicle crash in Louisiana leaves one dead

Authorities in Louisiana took the opportunity to remind motorists not to drive while impaired, fatigued or distracted, and not to exceed the posted speed limit, after a three-vehicle accident on Monday morning that resulted in a fatality as well as minor injuries. The cause is currently unknown, and the collision is still under investigation.

The accident occurred in Ouachita Parish on Louisiana Highway 34 near milepost 84 in the community of West Monroe. For unknown reasons, the 19-year-old driver of a westbound pickup truck allegedly struck an eastbound passenger car after crossing over the center line. He then collided with a second eastbound passenger car. The driver of the second vehicle was a 25-year-old man; both he and the 19-year-old driver sustained only minor injuries for which they received treatment at a nearby hospital. However, authorities pronounced the driver of the first vehicle struck, a 69-year-old man, dead at the scene of the accident due to the severity of the injuries sustained.

Authorities obtained toxicology samples and submitted them for analysis even though they claim that they do not suspect that impairment was a factor in the crash. Law enforcement closed both lanes of Highway 34 following the accident. It is not known whether the other two drivers are still hospitalized or what their current conditions are.

Though usually over in a matter of moments, a car accident can have long-lasting repercussions not only for those directly involved but for their families as well. For this reason, those affected by a motor vehicle accident may which to discuss the case with a lawyer.