2 Teens Dead, 2 Others Injured in Head-on Collision

KALB reports on a head-on collision that killed two teens and injured two others just outside of Alexandria. The accident happened at about 2 p.m. on LA Hwy 107.

According to authorities, Jonathan T. Hooper, 19, lost control of his 2011 Ford pickup and crossed the centerline. He crashed head-on with a 1997 GMC pickup driven by Timothy S. Darnall, also 19. A passenger in Darnall’s vehicle, Taylor C. Basco, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, Tyler S. Deville, 22, later died from his injuries. Darnall was moderately injured and transported to Rapides Regional Trauma Center.

Any accident that takes a life is a tragic event – and this is particularly true when the victim is a teenager. Although the latest reports indicate that the cause of the crash is still under investigation, it is likely that driver error played a role. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 94 percent of motor-vehicle accidents stem from driver error.

If you were injured or lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm. An Alexandria personal injury lawyer will help you pursue justice and compensation for medical bills and other damages.

Our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience representing the injured. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free consultation.

What Damages Might I Be Able to Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Although no amount of compensation can undo the tragedy of a loved one’s death, you may be able to restore financial stability by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

• Medical expenses the deceased incurred due to his or her final injury or illness;
• Lost household services;
• Funeral and burial costs;
• Property damage;
• Lost benefits and wages;
• Loss of companionship, care, emotional support, and guidance; and
• Pain and suffering the deceased endured due to his or her final injury or illness.

If the person who killed your loved one acted with particularly egregious behavior, you also may be able to claim exemplary damages, also called “punitive” damages. According to the Louisiana Law Review, these are not intended to compensate the plaintiff but, rather, to punish the defendant and to deter other people from committing similar acts. If, for example, your loved one’s death occurred because a driver was drunk or was fleeing the scene of an accident, you may be able to claim punitive damages.

If a member of your family was killed by a drunk, distracted, or negligent driver in Louisiana, turn to Laborde Earles Law Firm for legal guidance. We have helped our clients recover more than $200 million in successful settlements and verdicts.

An Alexandria accident attorney will evaluate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free initial consultation.