Two tragic interstate car accidents during the weekend of April 9 through the 11th took three lives along Interstates 10 and 55 in two Louisiana Parishes. An Illinois man passed away on Interstate 10 in St. John Baptist Parish after his SUV was struck by a speeding car on Friday, April 9, according to authorities.
The accident happened around 10 p.m. when Aeham Hama, 22, of Gretna, LA, was driving his Crown Victoria over the speed limit. The collision came as a result of Hama switching into the eastbound left lane behind a Ford Explorer driven by Joel Redenius, 39, of Rockford, Ill., according to a Louisiana State Police news release.
Hama rear-ended Redenius, and Redenius’ vehicle rolled several times before falling off the elevated highway into a wooded area. Redenius was pronounced dead at the scene. Hama was taken to Ochsner Hospital in Kenner, LA with moderate injuries. State police believe speed was a factor in the crash and expect to bring charges against Hama. As of April 10, toxicology reports were pending.
Additionally, a motorcycle accident on Saturday, April 10, around 9 p.m. on Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish took the lives of two Tennessee residents.
David Chapman, 47, of Ashland City, Tenn. was driving his motorcycle southbound on Interstate 55. A pickup truck driven by Andres Landor, 39, of Carencro, LA, and a car driven by Steven Smith, 25, of Walker, LA, were traveling behind the motorcycle, according to a Louisiana State Police spokesperson. For an unknown reason, Chapman lost control of the motorcycle and it fell on its right side. Both Chapman and his passenger, Cindy Conatser, 39, of Goodlettsville, Tenn., were thrown from the bike and came to rest on the center line of the southbound lanes. Both were hit by the two following vehicles and were pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office.
Chapman and Conaster were both wearing helmets, and as of April 11, 2010, toxicology reports were pending. Smith and Landor were not injured in the accident and both were wearing their seatbelts. Both submitted to breath alcohol tests which registered at .000g%.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a tragic interstate car accident, it is absolutely vital that you have an attorney who fully understands the layers of potential issues and claims that could pertain to your case. Negligence, for example, can be a dominant issue when determining accountability in an accident. If a driver was not exercising the proper care or safety while driving, this can lead to them being found culpable for the incident. Additionally, if the police have assessed blame through a ticket or arrest, this may be introduced as a very potent example when making a claim against the driver’s insurance company. Roadway flaws, such as sharp curves or glare from elements along the side can lead to governmental bodies being found culpable in incidences where there was constructive notice.
These are but a few examples of how the victim of a car accident can pursue financial compensation for the damage(s) they have incurred.
The attorneys at the Berniard Law Firm have tried many of these types of cases and would be happy to discuss possible claims with you. Please contact us Toll-Free at 504-521-6000.