Blog - Alexandria

Young Student Killed in an All Terrain Vehicle Accident

February 28, 2016 By Avon Alexander

On Sunday, February 8, an eighth grade student was killed in an All Terrain Vehicle accident.

According to authorities, 13 year old Arianna Bernard and another family member were riding an ATV, when Arianna, who was driving, hit a tree. She died from her injuries and although the other family member is in a coma in hospital they are expected to survive.

Arianna was a student at Lafayette Middle School and the school held a ceremony on Wednesday, February 11 to remember her life. Grief counselors are also on hand for her fellow students.

Arianna Bernard is survived by her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Bernard, and her mother, Brandi Ware; three sisters; two stepsisters; two brothers; three stepbrothers; her grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

To learn more about accident claims and how our Alexandria accident attorneys can help you and your family, please call Larry Curtis Law at 800-836-2064 or contact us online right away. There is a time limit for filing your claim. Do not wait until it is too late and you lose your right to compensation.

Filed Under: ATV accident

What to do When an Emergency Vehicle is Behind You

January 30, 2016 By Avon Alexander

You’re driving along when you hear a siren or see the lights activated and your first instinct is to get out of the way of the emergency vehicle and fast!

If you are on a single lane road it may be easy to pull over to the right lane or shoulder and stop, but if you are traveling on a multi-lane road, or at an intersection with multiple turn lanes that could be very dangerous. You may have seen the emergency vehicle but it doesn’t mean other road users have and if you try and cross to the right lane they will have no idea why and you could even cause a crash.

Having checked your rear-view mirror and providing it is safe and possible, pull over to the right lane or shoulder and stop. If it is not possible come a complete halt or if you are already stopped stay stopped and let the emergency vehicle make the decision as to how they are going to maneuver to avoid all the vehicles. The worst thing you could do is stay in motion, not only will the emergency vehicle be unsure what you are going to do, so will other motorists and you will be more likely to cause a collision.

Filed Under: Driver safety

How to Stay Safe if a Female Driving Alone

November 28, 2015 By Avon Alexander

A female driving alone is most at risk when getting in to or exiting her vehicle, especially in parking lots where thieves may be lurking looking for an opportunity to steal cars or property.

Consider parking somewhere where there are parking attendants and if this is not possible find a well-lit parking spot and make sure you remember the location where you have parked your vehicle.

Have your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle so you don’t give a criminal those precious few seconds to attack you while you are searching for keys in your bag. Some key fobs can be programmed to only open the driver’s door and this is a great idea for lone female drivers. Once inside lock all doors.

Pay close attention to your surroundings. Is there someone sitting in the vehicle next to yours on the passenger side? Is the vehicle beside your car just pulling out, or does it have the engine idling? All these could of course be totally innocent, but if in doubt get in your vehicle through the passenger door, or just hang back until the vehicle moves off.

If something doesn’t feel right it usually isn’t. You make like to consider carrying a canister of pepper spray for protection and above all keep your eyes and ears open.

Filed Under: Driver safety

Duson Woman Died in a Crash

October 29, 2015 By Avon Alexander

Early on Tuesday morning, October 13 a Duson woman died in a crash near Acadiana High School.

According to Scott City Police, the accident happened shortly before 6.30 a.m. on the 300 Block of Rue De Belier near the Acadiana High School. Investigators worked out that a pickup truck which was being driven by a juvenile, started to turn left and cut in front of a passenger car being driven by 34 year old Yolanda Brown.

Brown was taken to hospital where the Lafayette Coroner’s Office confirmed that she passed away as a result of her injuries. The unnamed pickup truck driver was also taken to hospital and released.

The investigation revealed that Brown was not wearing a seat belt when the accident happened.

The investigation is still ongoing and so far no citations have been issued.

Filed Under: Auto Accident

One Person Died in Traffic Accident

September 30, 2015 By Avon Alexander

On Friday, September 25, one person died after a traffic accident involving a car and a bicycle in Iberia Parish.

According to deputies, the accident happened shortly after 2 in the afternoon, when a vehicle being driven by 48 year old Geraldine Jones of New Iberia, and a person riding a bicycle were both traveling the same way, southbound on Corinne Street. The vehicle then hit the bicycle which resulted in severe injuries to the bicyclist. He was taken to a local hospital where he passed away from his injuries.

Jones was arrested and initially charged with careless operation and driving with a suspended license. However, it is likely that there will be more charges to follow once the investigation has been concluded.

Although impairment is not suspected from the victim or Jones, toxicology samples were collected from both and the results are awaited.

Filed Under: Auto Accident

Traffic Fatalities in Lafayette Parish

August 26, 2015 By Avon Alexander

According to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the traffic fatality rate in Lafayette Parish is more than double all of the other parishes.

Since 2013 the Parish has had an average of 7,000 crashes a year and as at August 12 this year, the figure stands at 4,261.

There have been 21 traffic fatalities in Lafayette Parish so far this year with the main problem being on the highways, as the local roads are much safer. To August there were 2,521 crashes on local roads with three fatalities.

Alcohol impairment was a contributory factor in seven of the fatalities. Four victims were not wearing a seat belt, which is a common issue throughout Louisiana where around 62% of those killed in crashes last year were not wearing seat belts. Cell phone usage appears to be on the decline with 12 deaths linked to that in 2012 and last year it had reduced to five.

Speeding is also an issue, although less in Louisiana than throughout the nation. In 2013 around 27% of the fatalities listed speeding as a contributory factor which is two percentage points lower than the national average.

To learn more about motorcycle accident claims and how our Alexandria accident attorneys can help you and your family, please call Larry Curtis Law at 800-836-2064 or contact us online right away. There is a time limit for filing your claim. Do not wait until it is too late and you lose your right to compensation.

Filed Under: Accident statistics

Marksville Man Died in a Motorcycle Crash

August 11, 2015 By Avon Alexander

On Friday afternoon, August 7, a man from Marksville died in a motorcycle crash.

According to Louisiana State Police, 45 year old Danny S. Clark of Marksville was passing two vehicles on Little River Road driving a 2008 Honda motorcycle. A 2005 Ford F 150 was traveling in the opposite direction being driven by 53 year old Leroy Lemoine of Hamburg. Lemoine saw Clark and tried to avoid a collision by driving off the road.

However, the motorcycle hit the pickup head on and went under the truck where the motorcycle became lodged.

The Avoyelles Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced Clark dead at the scene and Lemoine, who was wearing a seat belt, was uninjured.

Clark was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers and the crash remains under investigation.

Filed Under: Motorcycle accidents

Railroad Accidents

April 7, 2015 By Larry Curtis, APLC

Railroad accidents can result in horrific injuries. Whether you were injured as a railroad worker or in a railroad crossing accident, you need the help of experienced railroad accident attorneys to collect the compensation you need from the railroad. Our Alexandria railroad accident attorneys have the experience it takes to win these challenging cases and the track record of success you need to move forward with confidence. Please call us right away.

Injured Railroad Workers

If you were injured on the job as a railroad worker, you are covered by Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). However, to win a FELA claim and receive benefits you must prove fault on the part of the railroad. If you win, you can receive full compensation for your injuries including both economic damage such as lost income and future lost income and your noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.

Railroad Crossing Accidents

Our attorneys also represent individuals who have been injured in railroad accidents, such as railroad crossing accidents, and the families of those who have been killed in these devastating accidents. We are not afraid to stand up to the railroad on your behalf so that you can recover the money that you need and deserve.

To learn more about railroad accident claims and how our Alexandria railroad accident attorneys can help you and your family, please call Larry Curtis Law at 800-836-2064 or contact us online right away. There is a time limit for filing your claim. Do not wait until it is too late and you lose your right to compensation.

Filed Under: Railroad Accidents