According to state police, a car accident that occurred on Jan. 1 around 8 p.m. in Livingston Parish killed three individuals and injured two others. The investigation shows that the driver of a 2004 Mazda MZ6 struck a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer in the opposite lane. The 24-year-old Mazda driver was not wearing his seat belt and died as a result of the collision.
The two-vehicle accident happened when the Mazda that was traveling northbound on LA Hwy 447 approached a right-hand curve in the road and crossed over the center line, colliding with the Mercury that was heading southbound on the highway. The driver of the Mountaineer is a 38-year-old man who was with his wife and two daughters during the accident. He suffered moderate injuries.
All of the passengers in the Mercury were wearing their seat belts during the time of the accident. However, a minor seated in the rear middle seat, which was only equipped with a lap belt, died in the crash. Another minor also in the rear seat suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. The driver’s wife suffered serious injuries and later died at the same hospital. It is not yet known whether impairment was a factor in the collision. Police have submitted toxicology samples from both drivers for analysis by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. They do not believe the driver of the Mercury was intoxicated.
In a case like this, an injured victim may wish to file a lawsuit to help receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages or pain and suffering. If it can be established that a car accident was due to the negligence of another, recovery may be possible.
Source: NOLA, “Three dead after two-vehicle crash in Livingston Parish“, January 01, 2015
