Four people died tragically over the Memorial Day weekend, when an 18-wheeler hauling avocados triggered a chain reaction crash along I-12 near Covington, Louisiana.
18-Wheeler Failed to Stop for Congestion
The fiery accident was reported around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 26th.
According to the Louisiana State Police, congestion had brought traffic to a stand-still on I-12 east at LA 21.
An 18-wheeler that was approaching the congestion in the right lane of the interstate failed to stop, initiating a chain reaction with 9 other vehicles.
Mother and Son Among the Dead, Multiple Others Injured
The truck jackknifed and caught fire along with three of those vehicles, including a Lexus IS350 carrying Yolanda Simmons and her son Keland, of Baton Rouge. Both died in the crash.
The 18-wheeler also struck a Toyota 4Runner. Its driver, Rachel Lehmann of Mandeville, later died at the hospital.
The driver of the rig was killed at the scene. He has not been identified.
Several other people were taken to the hospital with injuries that ranged from moderate to mild. All are expected to recover.
Safety Improvements Promised for I-12 Near Covington May Have Prevented Deadly Crash
Accidents are a frequent occurrence along the stretch of I-12 where Saturday’s deadly crash occurred.
Though the section is slated to undergo a major widening project at some point in the future, it’s not yet known when that will start.
“It’s years. These projects take years to get done through engineering and design,” Louisiana State Senator Sharon Hewitt (R-Slidell) told WVUE-TV.
Hewitt did promise, however, that interim steps would be taken to improve safety along the highway.
“One thing the secretary has done is request a road safety assessment that will lead to a Q detection system which will include signage up the road that will alert drivers when there’s a stoppage ahead,” she said.
There is a possibility that such signage could have prevented Saturday’s horrific crash.
Investigation into Covington 18-Wheeler Crash Could Take Months
It’s not yet known if driver impairment contributed to Saturday’s accident.
Police are awaiting the results of toxicology tests, which could take up to two months to complete.
For now, the crash investigation is ongoing.
Call 1-888-603-3636 or by Using the Form on the Right or by Clicking Here for a Free Consultation with Our Undefeated 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers.
Our Undefeated 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers are investigating the fatal truck crash along I-12 near Covington, Louisiana, and will post additional updates as more information becomes available.
With more than $1 billion won for our clients, including hundreds of people injured or tragically killed in connection with 18-wheeler crashes throughout Louisiana, Texas and the United States, our attorneys have the resources and ability to ensure that you and your family are fully compensated for all of your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one were injured in connection with the Memorial Day weekend crash along I-12 near Covington, and you have questions regarding your legal rights and options, call 1-888-603-3636 or by using the form on the right or by clicking hereto send us a confidential email.
All questions and consultations are free, and because we only represent clients for a contingency fee, you’ll owe nothing unless we win your case.