If you are injured in a car crash, your first thought may be to hold the driver of the other car responsible for your injuries, but what do you do if you are the passenger in a single-car accident? Just like in a multi-vehicle accident, an injured passenger can seek compensation for medical bills and other damages from the driver responsible. In this case, however, the driver would be the driver of the vehicle in which the passenger was riding.
Seven people may be looking to hold the driver of the car they were in legally liable for their numerous injuries after the driver ran off the road and crashed into a pole in Fifth Ward, Louisiana. The Louisiana State Police have already filed charges against the 24-year-old woman for failing to wear a seat belt, two counts of no child restraint and careless operation of her car. Although she may face a large fine or time behind bars, the woman’s victims will still need to file a personal injury lawsuit to cover their health care costs.
There were four adults and three children in the vehicle at the time of the accident and all but one of the passengers were injured in the crash. The youngest victim, a 3-year-old toddler, was seriously injured and taken to Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria. Two 24-year-olds and a 4-year-old were also rushed to Rapides with moderate injuries. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old and an 11-year-old were taken to Avoyelles Medical Center in Marksville. They were also moderately injured in the crash. It is unknown what the victims’ conditions currently are or when they are expected to be released.
The accident happened at approximately 2:30 p.m. as the 24-year-old woman drove her Pontiac Sunbird north on Louisiana Highway 1. Police continue to investigate the accident and they are waiting on the results of toxicology tests. According to police, the woman lost control of her car and drove off the road. After she hit the utility pole on the side of the road, her car rolled several times before finally coming to a stop.
Source: The Town Talk, “8 people injured in single-car crash in Fifth Ward,” Dec. 15, 2011
