Near the end of May, a box truck driver struck a pedestrian in Metairie. Louisiana State Police responded to the scene and found the victim had suffered fatal injuries. Following truck accidents like this one, the surviving family members of the victims may be entitled to pursue compensation for their losses by filing civil claims against all parties who may be deemed legally responsible — such as the driver and his or her employer, among others.
According to reports, a 67-year-old male was walking northbound along U.S. 61 when a 24-year-old male driving a box truck hit him. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. The truck driver was uninjured.
Investigators do believe that driver impairment played a role in this event. This young man was promptly arrested and transported to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. As of the latest report, he has been charged with vehicular homicide. It is unclear if any further charges are pending in this case. Authorities are also looking into whether the victim may have also been impaired.
Why does an incident that happened on the other side of the state matter? Truck accidents happen everywhere and they often have outcomes just like this one. Losing a loved one in an event like this is not only heartbreaking, it can break the bank as well. In an effort to recover financially after an event like this, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims in a Louisiana civil court. If all the necessary elements exist in their cases and legal counsel is able to help them successfully negotiate or litigate their claims, compensation for all documented and legally recoverable losses may be achieved.