A husband and wife were killed in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, after being rear- ended by an 18-wheeler. The couple was traveling in the right lane when the 18-wheeler changed lanes and rear ended them. The collision caused the couple’s vehicle to rotate and leave the roadway and impact trees. The collision and subsequent impact were fatal to the couple. The driver of the big rig is believed to have been distracted and was arrested on two counts of negligent homicide and careless operation.
Driver distraction is quickly becoming a rising cause of fatal accidents in the United States. In 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as many as 5,474 people were killed in car wrecks where at least one driver was distracted. According to data collected from the Fatality Accident Reporting System (FARS), traffic deaths caused by distracted drivers rose from 11% in 1999 to 16% in 2008.
For help recovering damages for injuries sustained in a car wreck, contact the experienced Baton Rouge car wreck attorneys at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege, and schedule a free consultation.
