Louisiana State Police stated that they are awaiting the results of toxicology tests to determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in a May 30 accident that claimed the lives of five people. The car accident reportedly took place near Eunice at about 2:30 p.m.
According to LSP, a 22-year-old man was traveling northbound on Louisiana Highway 13 when his 2005 Honda Civic veered across the roadway and into the path of southbound traffic, striking an SUV head-on. The 22-year-old man’s car reportedly carried three passengers at the time of the crash. Authorities pronounced the driver and two of the passengers dead at the scene. The third passenger, a 24-year-old man, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, authorities reported. Police indicated that the 22-year-old driver was the only occupant of the car who was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Reportedly, emergency medical personnel transported the driver of the SUV to a hospital with injuries that officials described as minor. Police said that the driver, a 48-year-old Mamou resident, was restrained at the time of the collision. A 29-year-old male passenger in the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said he was not wearing a seat belt.
It is unclear why the 22-year-old man veered into oncoming traffic, and police indicated that the accident remains under investigation. In general, many accidents are caused by reckless and negligent driving. If evidence from this particular case were to reveal that the fatal accident was the result of, say, drunk driving, those who suffered damages as a result of the incident may seek civil remedies against the responsible party.
For example, the two individuals who suffered injuries may retain a personal injury lawyer and file suit, seeking financial compensation for the damages they suffered. Furthermore, certain family members of the deceased victims may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.
Source: The Advertiser, “Fifth person dies in collision near Eunice“, May 31, 2014
