Troopers intimate that fatigue led to car accident on I-10

Even though not all of the details regarding a recent crash were reported, the Louisiana State Police took the opportunity to remind motorists not to drive while they are fatigued because it could be just as dangerous as driving drunk. The car accident took place on Interstate 10 and ultimately involved four vehicles. One person died and five others suffered injuries.

Preliminary reports show that a vehicle was traveling westbound shortly before 9 a.m. For an as yet unknown reason, the driver lost control of the vehicle. It then careened through the median into the eastbound lanes. Before finally coming to a rest, the vehicle slammed into an SUV, then a semi truck and finally a minivan.

Despite the fact that the driver of the westbound vehicle was properly restrained at the time of the crash, he suffered fatal injuries. His passenger’s injuries were described as moderate. The nature of that person’s injuries, along with his or her current condition, was not reported.

Four other people reportedly suffered only minor injuries. A toxicology sample was taken from the deceased driver and was sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab to determine whether impairment was a factor in the crash. None of the other drivers involved was found to be impaired.

Even moderate injuries can require a lengthy recovery and leave lasting effects on a victim. Therefore, the surviving passenger retains the right to file a personal injury claim against the estate of the driver, seeking restitution for the financial losses that often accompany a car accident. If the court rules that the passenger’s injuries were due to the driver’s negligence, an award of damages could be ordered.

Source: klfy.com, “Crowley man dies in morning crash on I-10 near Egan“, Jan. 26, 2016