Passenger ejected in fatal accident on I-20 in Louisiana

Being aware of potential hazards is one of the most important tasks a Louisiana driver has while on the road. Other vehicles, people and objects in the road can come into the path of a driver at any time. How the driver handles the situation can determine whether a serious or fatal accident will occur.

A woman and her passenger were heading west on Interstate 20 before 7 a.m. recently. When a vehicle began to merge onto the highway, the vehicle moved from the right lane into the left lane to allow the vehicle the room to enter the interstate. The driver then claims to have struck something in the road, which caused her to lose control of her car.

The car bounced off the guardrail and back into the travel lanes where it was struck by a passing semi-truck that was unable to avoid the out-of-control vehicle. The woman’s car then flipped and landed on its roof. When troopers with the Louisiana State Police arrived at the scene, they discovered that the 28-year-old passenger had been thrown out of the car during the accident. She initially survived but later died at an area hospital. It is not known what injuries, if any, the drivers involved may have suffered.

As the investigation continues, toxicology samples are being tested to determine if impairment was a factor in this fatal accident. It is yet unknown whether charges will be filed. In the meantime, the family of the deceased passenger may exercise its right to file a wrongful death claim against the party or parties deemed responsible for her death. If the court is satisfied that the negligence of one or both drivers caused or contributed to her death, damages may be awarded to the family.

Source: knoe.com, “Update: Fatal accident on I-20 kills Monroe woman”, Jennifer Hensley, Dec. 12, 2014