Two Fatal Collisions Occur on I-20 in Bienville Parish on Same Evening

by | Apr 23, 2018 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

According to KTBS, there were two tragic accidents within about a mile of each other on I-20 earlier this month. Louisiana State Police are still investigating the crashes, which happened in Bienville parish just east of Arcadia.

Young Adult Driving Over the Speed Limit in a Tunnel. View from inside the car.

The first collision occurred at around 5:30 p.m. Authorities determined that a 36-year-old man and his uncle were driving on the interstate when their vehicle lost a tire. The man pulled over and walked across the road to recover the tire from the median.

Investigators claim that as he was rolling the tire across I-20, a pickup truck struck him. Responders pronounced the man dead at the scene.

The driver of the truck was not hurt in the accident. Police say he did not exhibit any signs of impairment. The collision remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet said if the motorist will be cited.

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a catastrophic crash, turn to the Downs Law Firm. As soon as you walk through the door, we can talk with you honestly about your case and start planning a strategy for pursuing the compensation you deserve. Call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free consultation with a car wreck lawyer in Shreveport.

Second Fatal Collision Occurred on the Same Road a Short While Later

Another fatal accident occurred later that same evening just east of the first incident near the parish line. In preliminary investigations, authorities determined that a 23-year-old man was driving a pickup truck in the eastbound lanes of I-20 when he ran off the road.

It is unclear why the man initially veered off the interstate. Police claim he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. When the truck overturned, the motorist was ejected from the vehicle.

The man sustained fatal injuries in the impact, and responders pronounced him dead at the scene. No passengers were riding in the truck at the time.

Who Might Be Liable in a Single-Vehicle Collision?

It is natural to assume that the motorist is always at fault in single-vehicle accidents; however, depending on the circumstances, there may actually be other liable parties. For example, if the crash occurred because the brakes failed, the auto manufacturer or even the driver’s mechanic could be at fault.

Likewise, if poorly maintained roads were responsible for the conditions that ultimately led to the wreck, the accident victim or certain surviving family members may have a valid claim against the local municipality. Filing a personal injury or wrongful death suit against a government entity—or any at-fault party—is challenging, though, and compiling evidence of liability is rarely straightforward.

Fortunately, you do not have to attempt to build a strong case on your own. If you were hurt in a preventable accident because of someone else’s negligence, turn to The Downs Law Firm. Ross Downs has been practicing law for more than two decades.

Contact us online or call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free case evaluation with a car wreck attorney in Shreveport. You can learn more about collision claims in Louisiana by visiting the USAttorneys website.

The Downs Law Firm

517 North Washington Street

Bishop, LA 71220

318-284-8551