On Wednesday morning, a four-vehicle crash in Carlyss left a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Deputy dead and three other people injured. 41-year old Randall L. Benoit, of Sulphur, was killed on Louisiana Highway 1256 after a Ford Focus driven by Charles Harrell, a 28-year-old Carlyss man, crossed the center line and struck the deputy's Ford Taurus head on. After the initial crash, another driver reportedly struck the rear of the deputy's vehicle and then collided with a pick-up truck. Although Benoit was on duty at the time of the crash, he was not wearing a seatbelt. The 18-year veteran of the Sheriff's Civil Division died as a result of his injuries. Harrell, who was also not wearing a seatbelt, was reportedly in critical condition at an area hospital. The drivers of the other two vehicles involved in the crash were both wearing their seatbelts and sustained only minor injuries. According to law enforcement, toxicology samples were obtained from each driver and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for examination. Although additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues, local police stated Harrell will be ticketed for driving left of the center line and for failure to wear his seatbelt. Captain Chris Guillory, a Troop D State Police Commander, stated the deputy's tragic death is a harsh reminder to drivers everywhere of the importance of wearing a seatbelt. He also said in his experience wearing a seatbelt makes a difference in the severity of a crash victim's injuries in most cases. When discussing the accident, State Trooper Sgt. James Anderson stated, "Buckle up Louisiana. Every trip. Every time." Folks in Louisiana regularly spend long hours in their cars every day. With so many people on the road, accidents are bound to occur. Automobile collisions may be caused by a variety of factors including impaired, inattentive or reckless drivers, car defects, and road conditions. Drivers who are preoccupied by cell phones and text messages, can also be a hazard to everyone on the road. Serious injury and tragically, even death may result from their inattention. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident due to another driver's inattention or impairment, you may be eligible to receive damages for lost wages, lost earning capacity, suffering and pain, medical bills, and loss of enjoyment of life. Each car accident is different. An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney can help you determine the amount of compensation you may be able to recover from the individual who caused your injuries. If you or a loved one was involved in an automobile accident caused by someone else's negligence, contact Louisiana car accident lawyer J. Price McNamara today for a no cost initial consultation. J. Price McNamara is a former insurance company attorney who understands the pain and uncertainty which can be caused by even a minor auto accident. He works hard to help accident victims recover the damages they are entitled to receive. With offices in both Metairie and Baton Rouge, J. Price McNamara assists clients throughout the entire State of Louisiana. To schedule a comprehensive case review, call our offices today at (866) 248-0580 or contact us through our website.
J. Price McNamara
Attorney
Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!
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