According to KLFY 10, a head-on collision on LA 724 has claimed the life of one person and left four others with minor injuries. Louisiana State Police report that a 23-year-old man was heading westbound on LA 724 when he crossed the centerline and collided with a truck in the eastbound lane.
Police claim the man was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, and he sustained critical injuries. Responders transported him to a local hospital, where he later died.
All four people in the truck were wearing their seatbelts when the collision occurred. The 53-year-old motorist and his three passengers sustained minor injuries. Responders took them to Lafayette General Medical Center for treatment.
Police do not suspect that the 23-year-old motorist was impaired; however, they took routine toxicology samples from both motorists. The results are pending, and the crash remains under investigation.
If you were injured in a head-on collision with a reckless or distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages. Unfortunately, the claims process is riddled with legal hurdles, and recovering a fair settlement is rarely a straightforward process.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
To eliminate unnecessary delays and protect your financial interests during every step of the proceedings, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm. We have the resources, knowledge, and courtroom experience to help you fight for the maximum compensation. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free case evaluation with an accident attorney in Lafayette.
How Common Are Head-on Collisions?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, head-on collisions are fairly rare and account for approximately 3 percent of crashes on high-speed divided highways; however, when they do occur, they are much more likely than other kinds of highway collisions to result in serious injuries and fatalities. In one study, researchers found that 22 percent of wrong-way collisions resulted in fatalities, compared to just 0.3 percent of all highway accidents that occurred during the same period.
What Causes Head-on Collisions?
Most head-on collisions occur as the result of human error, which means at least one of the motorists is usually liable for the damages. Some of the most common causes of wrong-way accidents are:
- Distracted driving;
- Fatigued driving;
- Failing to account for poor weather or low visibility;
- Ignoring traffic signals;
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol; and
- Using improper technique when overtaking a vehicle.
Head-on collisions can have lifelong repercussions, but the fact that they are usually caused by driver error means that they are preventable. You can reduce the risk of causing a wrong-way crash by remaining alert and following all traffic laws when you are behind the wheel. Sadly, you cannot rely on other motorists to do the same.
If you were injured in a head-on collision, a Lafayette personal injury lawyer from Laborde Earles Law Firm can help you navigate the claims process and avoid costly mistakes. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with a Louisiana accident attorney.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
