Louisiana woman killed in car accident on U.S. 190

Around 8 p.m. on a recent Wednesday night, the Louisiana State Police received a call regarding a crash on U.S. 190. Upon arrival, it was determined that a car had run into the back of an 18-wheeler. The car accident ultimately ended with the death of a passenger in the car.

The tractor-trailer and passenger car were both traveling west on U.S. 190 in Louisiana. Accounts from witnesses and the preliminary investigation both indicate that the driver of the car was maintaining the posted speed limit of 55 mph, but the truck was traveling below the speed limit. For some reason, the driver of the car failed to slow down as it approached the slow-moving truck.

The car slammed into the back of the semi. The 35-year-old driver of the car walked away from the crash without injury. His front-seat passenger, however, was not as lucky. The 33-year-old woman suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to an area hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries the next day.

Even though troopers do not believe the driver of the car was impaired, a sample of his blood was taken and sent for analysis. The investigation will not be considered complete until those results are received and all information available is gathered. The final report regarding the car accident will be forwarded to prosecutors to determine whether any charges should be filed.

Regardless of what prosecutors decide, the family of the deceased passenger retains the right to file a wrongful death claim against the driver. If the family successfully proves to the court that the driver’s negligence led to the death of their loved one, it could result in an award of damages. Any monetary judgment could provide the family with restitution for the unexpected expenses and other damages incurred because of the car accident.

Source: nola.com, “Ponchatoula woman killed in Mandeville car crash: State Police“, James Varney, April 30, 2015