According to a story reported by Nola.com, one person is dead and three others are injured in a four-vehicle crash with a stolen all-terrain vehicle and two dirt bikes on Chef Menteur Highway. The fatal crash occurred Monday, June 12th at 8:20 p.m. When police arrived at the accident scene, ATV and street bike parts were scattered all over the highway. Investigators determined on Tuesday that the ATV and dirt bike were reported stolen.
The accident occurred when the drivers of the ATV vehicle and dirt bike traveling west on Chef Menteur Highway in the middle lane t-boned a motorist driving a Pontiac Grand Prix causing the car to spin uncontrollably, killing the ATV driver instantly. Both drivers of the ATV vehicle and the dirt bike were not wearing any protective equipment and did not utilize headlights on the recreational vehicles.
The driver of the dirt bike that also hit the Pontiac Grand Prix was rushed to the hospital and listed in critical condition. The dirt bike driver remained in critical care until Tuesday afternoon. The driver of the Pontiac Grand Prix escaped the fatal accident with non-threatening injuries. Police stated that the driver of the Pontiac Grand Prix would not be charged in the accident as the driver did not know what was headed his way. Another driver of the dirt bike was able to dodge hitting the Pontiac.
A Lack of Care for the Safety of Others
Operating an ATV vehicle or dirt bike on major highways or city roads is illegal. The motorists of the ATV vehicle and dirt bikes did not consider their lives the lives of others on the road as is evidenced by their careless driving. The damages caused by this tragic accident was because of a reckless joy ride. Social media, adrenaline, speed, and the need for ten minutes of fame encourage ATV and dirt bike riders to operate these vehicles on city roads and highways illegally. Police are optimistic that the news of this terrible accident will persuade riders to take these machines back on the rural roads that they belong.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
It is obvious the driver of the car in this tragic accident had no warning of what would happen when he got into his vehicle that night. This is true any time you get into a vehicle and venture onto the road. Having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can protect you and your family from negligent drivers who recklessly cause accidents but do not have the insurance coverage to pay for the damages they cause.
If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage pays your damages up to the amount of your policy. Likewise, if you carry underinsured coverage and the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage to pay all your damages, your underinsurance coverage pays the difference up to your policy limits. We urge all drivers to discuss these insurance coverages with their insurance agent.
Call a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney for Help
If you have been injured in a New Orleans traffic accident, we want to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.