An accident near Westlake on Interstate 10 involving four vehicles killed one person on Sept. 17, and the Louisiana State Police have charged a 21-year-old male driver in conjunction with the crash. The Calcasieu Parish collision happened around 4:30 p.m. after the LSP received witness reports about a reckless driver.
The Westlake man driving a 1990 GMC pickup truck reportedly traveled fast while heading east on the highway and ran off the road twice. When the vehicle veered off the second time, the driver over-corrected and lost control of the truck, which sent the vehicle into the median. This also made a bedcover detach from the truck, and two vehicles smashed into each other while trying to avoid the cover.
After crossing the median, the vehicle struck a 2014 Ford head-on in the westbound lanes. The 27-year-old Ford driver, who is from South Carolina, was wearing a seat belt, but he died in the crash. The GMC driver and the other two drivers who collided did not suffer injuries.
The GMC driver was booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center, and he faces charges that include reckless operation, negligent homicide and driving under suspension. The LSP obtained toxicology samples from all drivers as part of a routine, and the samples have yet to be analyzed. The accident is still under investigation.
While a driver in this case faces criminal charges, it is not yet known why he was allegedly driving recklessly. If the results of the toxicology testing find that the man was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this may also make him liable for an accident in civil court. A wrongful death suit in civil court could provide a family with compensation for costs related to a crash and funeral expenses.
Source: KATC.com, “Four-vehicle collision on I-10 near Westlake kills S.C. man,” Dave Fields, Sept. 18, 2014
Source: KPLCtv.com, “Lake Charles man charged in connection with fatal crash“, Michael Cooper and Anne Robicheaux, September 19, 2014
