A single-vehicle crash in Louisiana claimed the life of the driver and left four other individuals with injuries. This incident occurred on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish on Jan. 6. When single-vehicle motor vehicle accidents occur, passengers may be entitled to seek compensation for any losses sustained.
According to a recent news report, at approximately 1 a.m., the driver of an Infiniti G35 was traveling on the interstate when he — a 15-year-old male — lost control and crashed. The automobile struck a tree and caught on fire. The driver was trapped inside, one passenger was ejected and the other three passengers were able to get out of the car. Sadly, the driver died at the scene.
All four passengers, whose ages and genders have not been reported, were transported to a hospital for treatment. The severity of their injuries range from moderate to severe. Their current conditions are unknown.
Police are still in the process of investigating this incident. As is standard procedure for motor vehicle accidents of this nature, they are checking to see if impairment was a factor. Toxicology reports have not yet come back from the lab.
When single-vehicle motor vehicle accidents occur, according to the laws of Louisiana passengers may seek damages for any losses endured. In this case, civil claims may be filed against the estate of the driver and against the owner of the vehicle — if different and assuming the car was not stolen. If the driver and/or auto owner are found to have been negligent in their actions leading to the incident, a judge may award monetary damages to the victims in whose cases are successfully litigated.
Source: nola.com, “15-year-old driver dies in I-10 car accident“, Maria Clark, Jan. 7, 2018