CALCASIEU PARISH, LA – An accident in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, has resulted in the loss of two lives.
On Thursday, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of LA Hwy 384, known as Big Lake Road, and W. Tank Farm Road. The incident involved a 2015 Kenworth 18-wheeler traveling east on W. Tank Farm Road towards the intersection of LA 384.
The driver of a 2021 Honda Civic was traveling south on LA 384, approaching the intersection of W. Tank Farm Road, when the 18-wheeler driver failed to yield at the stop sign and proceeded into the path of the Honda Civic, resulting in an impact that caused both vehicles to veer off the roadway.
The front seat passenger of the Honda Civic, identified as Jose Samaniego, 19, of Port Arthur, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cesar Samaniego, 28, also of Port Arthur and the rear seat passenger of the Honda Civic, was transported to a Lake Charles hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The 18-wheeler driver sustained moderate injuries.
More Details Needed on Why Truck Failed to Stop, Causing the Death of Two Men
Distracted. Speeding. Fatigued at the wheel. Impairment. These are all possible reasons why this truck driver may have failed to yield at the stop sign, resulting in this senseless crash that took the lives of these two innocent victims.
Each year, 5,700 people die in large truck accidents (National Safety Council, 2023). And sadly, the majority of these deaths are from occupants of vehicles other than trucks. Accidents like this one should not continue to happen. Truck drivers and trucking companies must do more to keep the driving public safe, and when they fail to do so, they must be held accountable.
While we do not know all the facts about this accident, we do know that the large truck driver failed to stop properly, causing the accident. What the rest of the facts need to tell the surviving families of these victims is why the 18-wheeler driver did not yield at the stop sign. If he was driving past the speeding limit, distracted by his phone, daydreaming, or impaired, he must be held accountable for his disregard for safety.
In addition, trucking companies have an obligation to assure the driving public that their drivers have a track record of safe driving. If the company overlooked their truck driver’s driving history or placed pressure on the driver to meet delivery deadlines at any cost, they may also bear responsibility for the death of these young men.
I hope all the details come out soon so all parties responsible will be held accountable.
The families of Jose Samaniego and Cesar Samaniego deserve answers and justice for their unspeakable suffering.
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The Ammons Law Firm represents clients nationwide in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation, with extensive experience in complex auto/tire defect and commercial vehicle cases.
Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources or is the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if false or misleading information is contained in this post.
