In a heart-breaking one vehicle collision, five members of a Terrell family who were driving to Disney World were killed late Wednesday night in northern Louisiana.
The accident happened around last night when the family’s Chevy Tahoe rolled over on Interstate 20 near Calhoun, Louisiana.
Louisiana State Trooper Michael Reichardt said the 16-year-old who was driving fell asleep, veered to the left, and then over-corrected to the right when he woke up. The car rolled over, ejecting six people who were not wearing seat belts.
Five of the family members died at the scene,including the mother, father, and three children, ages 4, 7 and 15. The driver and two other passengers were transported to an area hospital with less severe injuries.
Reichardt said Thursday he does not know yet if the teen driver’s experience level was a factor in the crash. But he observed that the death toll could have been lower had the passengers been wearing seat belts.
Louisiana, Texas and all states require all occupants in a vehicle to wear a seat belt.
“The driver was buckled and is alive. Regardless of how far you’re going, wear your seat belt,” warned Trooper Reichardt.
I am blogging about this catastrophe, especially coming right before the (heavier-drinking) holidays, to warn others. The deaths and injuries hopefully would not have happened or at least have been limited if the passengers had been wearing seat belts. My thoughts and prayers go out to the survivors and their family members.
I have been representing Texans injured in collisions for 34 years and have offices where I can meet clients in Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, and Houston (those offices are by appointment only). I only represent people who have been injured in vehicle accidents, especially those hit by drivers who are DWI. If you want an experienced Board Certified Fort Worth personal injury attorney who will provide you with compassionate legal representation, contact my office today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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