Louisiana teenage drivers are like many teens throughout the country: excited to get on the road and fearless or unaware of the tragedy that can result from an automobile collision. Automobiles are serious pieces of machinery that need to be operated carefully and responsibly. Joy rides can quickly turn into fatal accidents if drivers are not cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Several Louisiana teenagers were involved in a two-truck collision on Louisiana Highway 191 in Sabine Parish. A 17-year-old driving a GMC truck attempted to make a left turn. The GMC was towing a utility trailer, which did not have working taillights as required by law. Another 16 year-old-teen driving a Dodge truck attempted to pass the GMC on the left; as he did, the trucks collided, sending the Dodge truck off the road.
The teen driving the Dodge truck eventually got back up on the highway, but it flipped and ejected a 17-year-old passenger. The teen passenger died. All of the other individuals involved in the incident suffered minor or no injuries.
An important question arising from an accident like this is what legal recourse is available to the family of a fatal accident victim, particularly when another driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident. A wrongful death lawsuit may be one way to seek compensation for damages like medical bills, funeral expenses and other losses. Under Louisiana law, however, victims and their families need to consider what the time limits are for bringing litigation. The statutes of limitation for accidents and injuries provide that a plaintiff must bring a lawsuit within a specified amount of time after the accident or injury, including a wrongful death, otherwise the cause of action is forever barred.
Families who have lost a loved one in a fatal accident should consider what rights and options they have under the law in order to protect their financial stability during a particularly vulnerable time. A legal professional can offer assistance and help to make sure the relevant statutes of limitation do not expire before they can commence litigation.
Source: The Town Talk, “Anacoco teen passenger dies in 2-truck collision in Sabine Parish,” July 14, 2013