A 28-year-old Louisiana man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after he allegedly struck and killed a bicyclist in Terrytown on March 21. The accident happened at approximately 8 p.m. on Louisiana Highway 428 near Peter Street, according to authorities.
Louisiana State Police said the suspect was traveling north in a 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck when he hit a southbound bicycle rider in the center lane. Police said he was not maintaining his lane at the time of the crash. After striking the bicyclist, he kept driving north and struck a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
The male bike rider was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by paramedics. The driver of the Chevrolet, a Gretna woman, and her two passengers suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to a local hospital.
The suspect was processed into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center and charged with DWI and vehicular homicide. His toxicology blood test results are pending.
When a fatal car crash is caused by an impaired driver, the deceased victim’s family may wish to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against that individual in civil court. By using accident investigation reports, toxicology results, witness accounts and other evidence, a family could establish that the at-fault driver is liable for their loved one’s death. A successful claim could bring them financial compensation for pecuniary damages, such as funeral and burial costs, loss of income and property loss. They could also be awarded non-pecuniary damages for intangible losses, like pain and suffering before death and loss of companionship. Anyone who has lost a loved one under similar circumstances could learn more about their legal options by speaking with an attorney.
Source: WDSU, “LSP: Bicyclist killed after being struck by suspected drunk driver in Terrytown,” Juan Sanchez, March 22, 2015
