In Louisiana, an auto accident can occur at any time and affect anyone. There are a number of different reasons why these accidents might occur including a reckless driver or encountering a drunk driver among many others. As with any car accident, no one is immune. It can lead to injuries and fatalities even with those whose job responsibilities include investigating and helping others who have been in a crash. That includes law enforcement officers.
Such was the case when a police officer was injured and later died after an alleged drunk driver crashed into her cruiser. She was in the vehicle as a fellow officer investigated a separate accident on the interstate. Signal flares surrounded the accident area when the cruiser was hit. The officer suffered traumatic brain injuries and was non-responsive for days before she died. The alleged drunk driver, a 33-year-old man, was arrested on several charges related to the crash right after it happened. He was charged with vehicular homicide after the officer’s death. The late officer was an 11-year veteran and had a 5-year-old daughter.
There are many aftereffects of an auto accident whether there are injuries that the victim can eventually recover from or a fatality. With injuries, there will likely be medical expenses, the need for rehabilitation and perhaps the chance that the victim will need care for the rest of his or her life. The person might not be able to return to work leaving the family with numerous issues to navigate. If there is a death, the person’s family will have to deal with funeral expenses, problems making ends meet and, as in this case, the concern over what will happen to a minor child.
When there is a crash such as this particular accident that led to the death of the officer, it will obviously be difficult to think about such issues as a legal filing for compensation. However, it is an important matter that has to be considered. This is why the family must contact a legal professional experienced in helping clients who have been affected by an auto accident as soon as possible.
Source: wwltv.com, “Officer Natasha Hunter dies from injuries suffered in car crash,” June 8, 2016
