Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol is one of the most reckless and dangerous things a person can do. Those who drive drunk not only risk their own lives, but they endanger the lives of all those around them. Every year, thousands of people across the country are killed in drunk driving accidents. Despite increased law enforcement efforts and strict penalties, drunk driving continues to be a big problem that plagues the state of Louisiana.
Tragic crash
Recently, a crash in Gretna caused by an alleged drunk driver took the life of a 9-year-old child. The accident happened at night at the intersection of Lapalco Boulevard and Behrman Highway. According to police reports, an alleged drunk driver was traveling at a high rate of speed and violently rear-ended a vehicle that was sitting at a red light. The collision then knocked the vehicle into the car in front of it.
Driver arrested and charged
Tragically, authorities said a small child who was a passenger in the vehicle that was initially hit suffered life-threatening injuries and later died. Reportedly, the driver who rear-ended them was arrested on multiple charges but later released. After the child’s death, reports said state police began searching for the driver on a charge of vehicular homicide. Police said an arrest is pending and the accident is still under investigation.
Although it is common knowledge that drunk driving is illegal and incredibly dangerous, people still choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Families in Louisiana who have suffered the loss of a dear loved one due to negligence in drunk driving accidents have the right to contact a skilled litigator and take legal action. A successfully litigated lawsuit could result in much-needed compensation to help surviving family members with end-of-life expenses and other documented losses.