KPLC reports on a head-on collision on La. 27 that killed one person and injured another. The accident occurred at around 6 a.m. and involved a 2004 Nissan Sentra and a 2015 GMC Sierra.
According to authorities, the driver of the Nissan, 38-year-old Jesse Warren Touchet, crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck the GMC, which was driven by Murrell Koonce, Jr., 65. Touchet died at the scene, and Koonce suffered minor injuries.
Although the cause of the crash is still under investigation, it is likely that driver error played a role. Approximately 94 percent of all traffic accidents are caused by driver errors, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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If you were injured or lost a family member in a collision, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. A Lafayette accident attorney from Laborde Earles Law Firm can evaluate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the maximum compensation to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free consultation.
How Often Do Head-on Collisions Occur?
Head-on collisions are not as common as rear-end accidents and other types of wrecks; however, they cause a disproportionally high number of critical injuries and fatalities. Data from the NHTSA shows that 13 percent of all deadly crashes in rural areas are head-on collisions. In urban areas, head-on accidents account for about 7 percent of all fatal accidents. People who are fortunate enough to survive these crashes often suffer brain trauma, broken bones, and other catastrophic injuries.
There is a myriad of factors that contribute to head-on collisions, but the following six driver errors cause the vast majority of these wrecks:
- Driving while fatigued;
- Distracted driving;
- Not obeying traffic signals and signs;
- Failing to adjust behavior to poor weather;
- Drunk or drugged driving; and
- Using improper technique to overtake a vehicle.
Do I Need to Hire an Accident Attorney to File a Personal Injury Claim?
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Although you are not required to hire an injury lawyer to file your claim, doing so is highly advisable because a small mistake could significantly reduce the amount of compensation you recover or prevent you from recovering any compensation at all. For example, if you overlook future damages, you might wind up in overwhelming debt due to future medical bills and loss of earning capacity. If you miss doctor’s appointments, the insurance company might argue that your injuries were caused by something else or that your own negligence contributed to their severity. An experienced injury attorney can help you avoid these mistakes and fight for the maximum compensation.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a collision, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm to discuss your case. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Lafayette.
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