Louisiana car accident claims the life of school teacher

Louisiana State Police are investigating a recent crash that killed one and injured several others. The loss of a beloved teacher and colleague has shaken a community, and devastated her students. She was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the incident. However, the force of two impacts during the multiple motor vehicle accident was just too much.

The others involved sustained minor injuries, according to reports, and there was no mention of any medical transport needed. As the investigation continues, authorities will sift through the details to reach an official determination as to the cause of the tragic collision. The victim was a teacher at Opelousas High School and was cherished by her students, noted for her love of teaching and care for her students.

Police reports state that she was driving in an SUV and had slowed for another vehicle about to make a turn when she was struck from behind by a pickup truck driven by a 17-year-old Opelousas resident. The force of the collision forced the teacher’s car into oncoming traffic, where it was struck again by an oncoming tractor-trailer. She was pronounced dead at the site of the car accident.

The family of this adored teacher retains the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if the evidence confirms that the teenage driver was negligent in causing the car accident. A wrongful death lawsuit is permissible under Louisiana law when a fatality occurs due to the negligent or intentional actions of another. If the family chooses to file a lawsuit, proof of negligence is required to establish liability. Once liability is confirmed, damages shown to have resulted from the fatal car accident are recoverable.

Source: KLFY-TV, “Opelousas Teacher Dies in Car Crash,” Sept. 11, 2012