[caption id="attachment_4532" align="alignleft" width="620"] Photo courtesy of www.nola.com[/caption] A recent auto accident caused by Joseph Hicks outside of Empire, Louisiana left Davy Bowers, 19, dead. Hicks reportedly crossed the median on LA 23 and struck Bowers’ truck. A third car could not stop in time and rear ended Bowers’ truck. The accident, claiming one life, occurred around 3 o’clock in the morning. Although it is Louisiana law that members involved in an automobile accident must stop to exchange information, Hicks fled the scene. Police swiftly found Hicks and took him into custody. Hicks was charged with DWI, hit and run, negligent homicide, traveling the wrong way, no seat belt, and an expired driver’s license. Toxicology screening of the deceased is underway as a routine regulation and police are waiting on test results from Hicks’ blood. Hicks was charged with a DWI which means he is susceptible to both civil and criminal liability. The drunk driver can be expected to pay for compensatory damages, resulting from injuries and lost wages, as well as punitive damages, which are assessed to deter others from driving drunk. In Louisiana, negligent homicide can carry serious penalties. Negligent homicide occurs when careless actions cause a death. Hicks was charged with negligent homicide because the act that caused the death, driving drunk, broke a law. Hit and run charges occur when a party fails to stop after an accident that caused property damage or death. Hit and runs can be a nightmare for the victim. In order to seek retribution for damages, the victim will often have to prove the identity of the driver. If identity cannot be proven, drivers will often have to seek compensation from their own insurance agency. An attorney can help establish the identity of a hit and run driver using evidence and police reports taken during the time of the accident. If no identity can be established, an attorney can also help file an uninsured motorist claim. Due to the way insurance agencies operate, victims can often get swindled out of fair compensation. However, an attorney can help you get a settlement you deserve. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident involving a drunk driver, call Bloom Legal today. We will help you weigh your options and establish the best course of action given your circumstances. Call 504-599-9997 to schedule a legal consultation with one of our attorneys.
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