A tragic car accident in Louisiana recently making headlines has highlighted the dangers of drinking and driving. A pedestrian was killed during a weekend day in March just before midnight. The 21-year-old man was trying to cross a highway when he was struck by a 19-year-old driver. The car accident did not injure the driver.

The 21-year-old man was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Toxicology results are pending on the 19-year-old driver but police believe that alcohol was a factor in this tragic accident. While the crash is still being investigation by Louisiana police, the driver has since been charged with vehicular homicide.

In Louisiana, vehicular homicide occurs when the driver is under the influence of either alcohol or drugs and kills another person, whether it was intentional or not. Although the man is facing criminal charges and possible jail time, he can still be held civilly liable for his part in causing this accident. The pedestrian's family will likely want to know all the facts and circumstances surrounding this case while deciding whether or not to pursue a legal claim against any negligent party.

The family may well have the basis to pursue a wrongful death case against the driver for causing this car accident. Wrongful death cases can result in civil liability for the responsible party who has caused a death due to negligence or an intentional act. While financial compensation may not ease the pain they feel of losing their loved one, it may serve as some type of solace that the 19-year-old man is being held responsible for his actions.

Source: Leesville Daily Leader, "Pedestrian killed in Vernon Parish crash," March 11, 2012