An early morning car accident on May 16 has claimed the life of an 18-year-old from Elton, Louisiana. According to Louisiana State Police, the two-vehicle accident occurred about 7:00 a.m., on Hwy 397 and Ward Line Road.
The 18-year-old who died was a passenger in a 2013 Nissan Altima, which was driven by another18-year-old and had a third 18-year-old passenger in it. Police say the Altima was headed north on Ward Line Road and did not stop at a posted stop sign. The vehicle struck a 2004 Jeep, which was headed east on Hwy 397.
According to police, the driver and the surviving passenger of the Altima were twin sisters and were critically injured. No one in the Altima was wearing a seatbelt. The 49-year-old driver of the Jeep received moderate injuries and was wearing her seatbelt, according to authorities.
Louisiana State Police believe the driver of the Altima may have allegedly been impaired at the time of the accident and toxicology samples were collected from both drivers. Authorities are still investigating the accident, but as of yet, no charges have been filed.
This accident was investigated by Troop D of the Louisiana State Police. According to their reports, 7 of 8 auto accident fatalities the troop has investigated this year have involved individuals who have not been wearing their seatbelts.
If you or a loved one is injured or worse in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, contact a Louisiana auto accident attorney. You may have a claim for wrongful death, pain and suffering, lost wages or other damages. It is important to retain representation as soon as possible, though, to ensure your rights, and the right of your loved ones, are protected.
Source: katc.com, “Elton Teenager Dies in Calcasieu Parish Crash” No author given, May. 16, 2013
