A Lafayette car accident has resulted in the death of a 25-year-old man. The driver reportedly responsible for the crash is now facing charges related to the deadly crash, including OWI and vehicular homicide. The car accident occurred in the early morning hours on I-10, when the victim's pickup crashed into the other driver's truck from behind.

Although the circumstances make it seem as though the victim could be at fault, the other driver was actually stopped on the Interstate when the crash occurred. The 21-year-old driver of the stopped car is also facing charges of failing to maintain insurance and impeding the flow of traffic. He was arrested after the results of a toxicology report and additional investigation into the accident.

After the crash, both men were taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition. Unfortunately, the victim later died from his injuries. A vehicular homicide charge in the state of Louisiana typically occurs when a driver responsible for a fatal crash is found to be under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. A conviction on this charge alone could result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years. The man also will have to answer the other charges currently pending against him in connection with the crash.

When a car accident like this occurs, it can be difficult for investigators to determine exactly what happened. In this case, it appears the Lafayette man was not arrested right away and was later picked up on a warrant after authorities were able to work out more of the details. Although the man could be facing a lengthy prison sentence if a conviction is obtained, families who have lost a loved one in a crash like this have legal rights available to them to seek additional charges in a civil court. A wrongful death claim in civil court can demand monetary damages based upon proof of negligence that is deemed to have caused or contributed to the fatality which occurred.

Source: TheAdvertiser.com, "Vehicular homicide arrest in fatality on I-10," Nov. 27, 2012