A 74-year-old woman died in a July 2 car accident on Interstate 2 near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when a dump truck crashed into her vehicle. According to a spokesman with the Baton Rouge Police Department, the driver of the dump truck left the scene of the accident and has not been identified.
The woman, who worked for the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement as an accountant for almost 30 years, was also battling lung cancer. She was headed to an appointment at her oncologist when the accident occurred, according to family members.
According to police reports, the woman’s car ended up hit by an 18-wheeler after she lost control of it when struck by the dump truck. The semi-truck ended up pinning the woman’s car against the median. She was taken to an area hospital and passed away later that night. There was no word on if the driver of the semi-truck was injured.
The accident is still under investigation by Baton Rouge traffic homicide officers and they are trying to locate the dump truck. They are also trying to determine the identity of the driver. They have asked anyone who has information about the crash to come forward.
If police identify the driver of the dump truck, he could be facing many charges, including leaving the scene of an accident and vehicular homicide. The woman’s family could also pursue a claim in civil court for wrongful death, pain and suffering, medical expenses and funeral expenses, as well as other damages. When and if the driver is identified, they should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss their options.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, a personal injury attorney can help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
Source:
theadvocate.com, “Family seeks answers after fatal EBR crash” Ryan Broussard, Jul. 10, 2013
