Drunk or distracted driving have not been ruled out as the investigation into a deadly accident that occurred Feb. 14 in Morehouse Parish. Toxicology tests are scheduled for samples collected at the accident scene by Louisiana State Police troopers, and the vehicles involved may be inspected in order to rule out mechanical failure as a cause of the crash.
The head-on collision took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Louisiana Highway 139. According to media reports, a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was proceeding some miles south of Bastrop when it strayed across the centerline and into oncoming traffic. Police do not yet know why the truck entered the highway’s southbound lanes and struck an oncoming Ford van head-on.
In the van, there were two travelers: a 24-year-old male passenger from Monroe and a 56-year-old male driver. The 24-year-old man who had been a passenger in the van succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital and died Feb. 15. The conditions of the two drivers were not immediately released, and police are still investigating the cause of the accident.
While authorities may still be trying to determine what may have caused this accident, collisions of this type often occur when negligent drivers are fatigued, distracted or intoxicated. Head-on collisions often result in debilitating injuries that can leave accident victims unable to work for lengthy periods, and the litigation initiated on their behalf by personal injury attorneys may help them to seek compensation for lost income, property damage, medical costs and other expenses.
Source: KNOE, Several hurt in Bastrop crash, News staff, Feb. 15, 2016
