Drunk driving allegations follow fatal Louisiana crash

Car accidents can occur before drivers even have an opportunity to react. They happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are simple driver error. Unfortunately, police in Louisiana believe that a recent fatal crash was caused by a driver who was drunk driving at the time.

The incident happened in late December and involved two vehicles. Police say that a car driven by a 36-year-old woman struck a vehicle containing a young couple and their infant. Reports indicate that the collision caused the fuel tank of the couple’s care to rupture, and both vehicles caught fire.

Witnesses were reportedly able to pull the couple from the vehicle but not the baby. While CPR was performed on the 19-year-old woman, who was also pregnant, she was pronounced dead at the scene as was the 7-month-old baby. No other serious injuries were reported. Police say that the driver of the vehicle they believe caused the accident was actually fleeing another crash, and she was under the influence of alcohol at the time. It is unclear how the woman’s level of sobriety was determined.

When an accident occurs, especially a tragic accident, the desire for answers and need to place blame is understandable. However, all people accused of a crime — including drunk driving — are presumed innocent unless and until proved otherwise. Prosecutors in Louisiana must provide sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in order obtain a conviction. Because few people are prepared to navigate the criminal justice system on their own, those accused of crimes in Louisiana often hire a knowledgeable professional to help them throughout the process.

Source: theadvocate.com, “Family, fiance mourn pregnant woman, baby killed by alleged drunk driver: ‘That’s three lives she took from me’“, Caroline Grueskin, Dec. 25, 2017