Investigation of two-vehicle fatal accident on U.S. 51 continues

Traffic patterns can change in the blink of an eye. If drivers are not prepared for that eventuality, the results could be disastrous. Troopers with the Louisiana State Police continue to wonder why the driver of a pickup truck in a recent fatal accident failed to stop in response to the traffic in front of it.

At approximately 5:45 p.m. on a Monday afternoon, the Louisiana State Police received a call regarding the accident. Upon arrival at the scene on U.S. Highway 51, it was discovered that a pickup truck had run into the back of a tractor-trailer. The 28-year-old driver and his two 27-year-old passengers all perished in the crash. No other injuries were reported.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the traffic ahead of the pickup truck was slowing due to a vehicle that had become stuck in the driveway of a private residence. For some reason, the driver of the pickup failed to stop. The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office was called to the scene to pronounce the victims’ deaths. As part of the investigation, blood samples were taken and sent for analysis.

While the official investigation continues, the families of the two passengers in this fatal accident might exercise their right to file wrongful death claims against the estate of the deceased driver. Proving that the driver’s negligent actions led to the deaths of their loved ones could result in an award of damages. Any restitution the families receive could help with the unexpected expenses incurred as a result of this tragedy.

Source: ksla.com, “3 Kentwood residents killed in 2-vehicle crash in Tangipahoa Parish”, July 12, 2016