Passenger hit after exiting Dodge following chain-reaction crash
November 06, 2025 | Laplace, LA
A 19-year-old LaPlace resident succumbed to injuries six days after he was hit by a vehicle while walking near a chain-reaction collision on Interstate 10.
Louisiana State Police continue to examine the sequence of events that led to the fatal incident.
William Ferguson, 19, of LaPlace, died after a chain-reaction crash involving a Dodge Charger on Interstate 10 East near U.S. 51.
What Happened in the LaPlace Pedestrian Crash?
- Date of incident: November 1, 2025
- Location: Interstate 10 East near U.S. 51, LaPlace, Saint John the Baptist Parish
- Victim: William Ferguson, 19, of LaPlace
- Initial collision: Nissan and Honda collided shortly before 2:30 a.m., disabling the Honda in the roadway
- Secondary collision: A Dodge Charger struck the disabled Honda
- Fatal strike: Ferguson, a passenger in the first Dodge Charger, exited the vehicle and was walking near the scene when struck by a second Dodge Charger
- Outcome: Ferguson was transported to a hospital with critical injuries and died on November 6, 2025
Why Are Pedestrian Fatalities Rising in Louisiana?
Louisiana recorded 161 pedestrian deaths in 2024, a nearly 10 percent increase from the prior year. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission cites speeding, distracted driving, and poor nighttime visibility as key contributors.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities in Louisiana |
Percent Change |
|---|
2023 |
Approximately 147 |
Not Available |
2024 |
161 |
+9.5% |
Source: Louisiana Highway Safety Commission
Nationwide, pedestrian deaths have climbed nearly 60 percent since 2013, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickups reduce driver visibility of people on foot.
Legal Insights
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- An accident reconstruction team may be required to determine fault in cases such as this
- Resources like these help families pursue monetary compensation after a loss
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Families may seek damages for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress
- An attorney can protect against quick, low-value settlements from insurers
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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