Single vehicle crash in Louisiana on Crescent City Connection

Baton Rouge, LA – There were reports of one fatality following a single vehicle crash on the Crescent City Connection bridge in the New Orleans area [1].

One person died in the bridge accident

A tragic incident unfolded on the Crescent City Connection bridge on-ramp in New Orleans, resulting in the untimely death of 75-year-old Yvette Bowens. The Louisiana State Police initiated an investigation into the single-car crash that claimed Bowens’ life. The crash occurred on the entrance ramp from Convention Center Boulevard to the US 90B west high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane.

According to the initial findings, Spurgeon Lewis, 74, was behind the wheel of a 2009 Honda Accord as it navigated the entrance ramp towards the US 90B west HOV lane. For reasons yet to be determined, the Honda veered off the roadway and collided with the concrete barrier. The force of the impact was severe.

Yvette Bowens was situated in the front passenger seat at the time of the car crash. The collision inflicted life-threatening injuries upon her, necessitating immediate medical attention. She was promptly transported to a hospital. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Bowens tragically succumbed to her injuries while at the hospital.

Spurgeon Lewis, the driver of the vehicle, was wearing a seatbelt during the crash. This safety precaution likely played a role in his survival. He sustained moderate injuries as a result of the collision and was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical treatment. At this stage, it remains unclear whether impairment was a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology tests to determine if any substances were involved.

The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of road accidents and the potential consequences they can have. The loss of Yvette Bowens is a tragic event that has deeply affected her family and the community. As the investigation by the Louisiana State Police continues, more details may emerge to shed light on the circumstances that led to this devastating crash. In the meantime, the incident underscores the importance of road safety and responsible driving to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.

Compensation and wrongful death laws in Louisiana

Under Louisiana’s wrongful death laws, compensation is available to eligible parties who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to another party’s negligence, wrongful act, or intentional harm. Wrongful death laws are designed to provide financial relief and justice to the surviving family members or beneficiaries of the deceased individual. The types of compensation available can vary, but generally encompass both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages:

  • Economic damages are tangible losses that can be quantified in monetary terms. They aim to reimburse the family for the financial impact resulting from the death of their loved one. Common types of economic damages include:
    • Medical Expenses: This includes any medical bills incurred prior to the individual’s passing as a result of the incident that led to the wrongful death.
    • Funeral and Burial Costs: The costs associated with the deceased’s funeral, burial, or cremation services can be compensated.
    • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased was a breadwinner, their income and potential future earnings could be calculated to determine the financial support that has been lost.
    • Loss of Benefits: Benefits such as pension plans, retirement funds, and insurance coverage that would have been available to the surviving family members had the death not occurred.
    • Loss of Inheritance: Compensation for the inheritance that surviving family members would have received if the deceased had lived a full life.

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Non-economic damages are more subjective and relate to emotional and intangible losses experienced by the surviving family members. These damages recognize the pain and suffering caused by the loss of a loved one. Examples of non-economic damages include:
    • Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the emotional support, companionship, and guidance that the deceased would have provided to their family members.
    • Mental Anguish: Compensation for the emotional distress, grief, and psychological suffering endured by the family due to the wrongful death.
    • Loss of Consortium: This refers to the deprivation of spousal companionship, intimacy, and support as a result of the wrongful death.

It’s important to note that Louisiana’s wrongful death laws may have specific provisions regarding who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim and who can receive compensation. Generally, eligible parties include immediate family members such as spouses, children, and parents of the deceased. In cases where there are no immediate family members, other dependents or beneficiaries may also be eligible.

To pursue compensation under Louisiana’s wrongful death laws, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced injury attorney who specializes in wrongful death cases. An attorney can provide guidance on the legal process, help gather necessary evidence, calculate damages, and ensure that the rights of the surviving family members are protected throughout the legal proceedings.

Advice from a car accident lawyer in Louisiana

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is a firm that handles various kinds of auto accident and personal injury cases. They can assist anyone who needs legal advice following an injury.

USAttorneys.com is a service that works with people who need to find the right lawyer. They can be contacted for referrals at 800-672-3103

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205

www.mlhlaw.com

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/crash-fatal-woman-dead-bridge-orleans-safety-state-police/289-8187df81-c840-43ee-b92e-d986dee0cac3