The Louisiana State Police reported that an accident on Dec. 31 in Livingston Parish killed three people and left two with moderate injuries. The fatal collision occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on LA Hwy 447 south of Interstate 12.
According to reports, a 24-year-old Satsuma man was driving his 2004 Mazda MZ6 north on the highway. As he rounded a curve, he allegedly crossed the center line, striking a southbound 2000 Mercury Mountaineer head-on. Not wearing a seat belt, the 24-year-old man was one of the three killed in the accident.
Also fatally injured were two people in the Mountaineer, a 37-year-old female passenger and her daughter. Both were wearing seat belts but suffered serious injuries that resulted in their deaths. The woman died while receiving treatment at Ochsner Hospital. Her 38-year-old husband, who was the driver, and a second daughter both survived and at the time of reporting were receiving treatment for moderate injuries sustained in the wreck. They were both transported by emergency medical responders to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center for treatment. Police did not believe that the Mountaineer’s driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but toxicology tests were sent for him and the 24-year-old driver.
Unexpected deaths caused by car accidents can result in severe grief and significant financial losses on behalf of the deceased victims’ loved ones. If police investigation reveals that the crash resulted from negligent behavior on behalf of one or more drivers, the families of those killed may be eligible to file a wrongful death civil lawsuit. By doing so, the families may be able to recoup money to pay for the financial and other losses sustained after the accident.
Source: NOLA, “Three dead after two-vehicle crash in Livingston Parish“, January 01, 2015
