An 18-wheeler accident resulted in three hit-and-runs before the truck was successfully stopped by Louisiana police on May 18. The truck was traveling the wrong way down the highway, snarling traffic on Interstate 10 while police attempted to intercept it. Authorities were contacted about the first truck accident around 10:30 that evening.

The truck apparently entered I-10 in Iberville Parish and was headed westbound in the eastbound lane on the highway. Police were contacted shortly after about a hit-and-run crash that apparently involved no injuries. Police moved immediately to stop the 18-wheeler and to also warn eastbound traffic about the truck; however, the 18-wheeler was involved in another hit-and-run accident that caused injuries just a little while later.

While police were still moving to shut the entrance ramps and intercept the truck, the rig was again involved in another hit-and-run before the 18-wheeler was successfully stopped using a spoke strip on I-10 close to mile post 110. The 62-year-old driver was arrested and is now facing charges of DWI, reckless operation, felony aggravated flight from an officer and three counts of hit and run. Blood for toxicology was drawn and will be submitted for testing to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

This Louisiana 18-wheeler accident had the potential to end under fatal circumstances. Fortunately the police department was able to successfully stop the truck before someone ended up dead. While the driver is facing serious criminal charges, he may also end up being held civilly responsible for his part in these hit-and-run accidents. The injured victims received what were initially characterized as minor injuries, though the extent of damage and injury in the immediate aftermath of a tractor trailer crash is not always clear. Because injuries such as whip lash are often diagnosed after the accident, victims of truck accidents would do well to document their injuries and medical bills as they decide whether they wish to file a claim against the driver through the Louisiana court system.

Source: NBC33, "18-wheeler goes wrong way down I-10 across Atchafalaya Basin," May 20, 2012