Fatal Crash on LA Hwy 674 in Iberia Parish Claims Jeanerette Teen

Editorial & Legal Accuracy Notice (Louisiana)

This blog contains general legal and safety information and is not legal advice. Laws and deadlines can change, and outcomes depend on specific facts.

Last reviewed / updated: February 25, 2026

Reviewed, updated, and authored by: Stephen Babcock, Louisiana trial lawyer

Facts our law firm has been able to confirm about this accident:

Summary

Louisiana State Police Troop I says a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 674 near Cherri Lane in Iberia Parish shortly before 12:00 a.m. on January 28, 2026, resulted in the death of 18-year-old Jailon Rhine of Jeanerette.^{[^1]}
State police reported the other driver suffered serious injuries, toxicology samples were collected from both drivers, and the investigation is ongoing.^{[^1]}

What we know so far

• The crash occurred shortly before 12:00 a.m. on January 28, 2026, on LA Highway 674 near Cherri Lane in Iberia Parish.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• Louisiana State Police Troop I responded and is investigating the crash.^{[^1]}
• State police identified the vehicles as a 2013 Cadillac XTS (eastbound) and a 2015 Ford F-350 (westbound).^{[^1][^2]}
• Louisiana State Police reported a head-on collision, and said the reason for the crash was still under investigation at the time of the release.^{[^1]}
• Louisiana State Police reported that 18-year-old Jailon Rhine of Jeanerette (the Cadillac driver) later died after being transported to a hospital.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• Louisiana State Police reported the Ford driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital; the driver was not identified by name in the Troop I release.^{[^1]}
• Louisiana State Police reported that toxicology samples were collected from both drivers and submitted for analysis.^{[^1]}

What’s still being investigated / not confirmed

• What caused the vehicles to collide head-on has not been publicly stated by Louisiana State Police and remains under investigation.^{[^1]}
• Toxicology results have not been released in the Troop I public update; Louisiana State Police only stated samples were submitted for analysis.^{[^1]}
• Any citations, charges, or enforcement decisions (if any) have not been announced in the Troop I release.^{[^1]}
• One media report (KPEL) stated investigators believed the Cadillac crossed the centerline; that detail is not included in the Louisiana State Police public release, so we are treating it as developing information.^{[^3][^1]}

Where this happened

Louisiana State Police reported the crash occurred on Louisiana Highway 674 near Cherri Lane in Iberia Parish, Louisiana.^{[^1][^2]}

Official agencies involved & how crash reports typically work in Louisiana

In this case, Louisiana State Police Troop I publicly reported responding to and investigating the crash.^{[^1]}

As of February 22, 2026, Louisiana law generally requires drivers to notify law enforcement immediately when a crash results in injury or death, or when property damage exceeds certain thresholds; the statute also outlines which agencies investigate crashes depending on where they occur.^{[^6]}

As of February 22, 2026, Louisiana crash reports are treated as confidential and are typically available only to certain listed parties (such as people involved, their insurers, and attorneys). The statute also states that, upon request, crash reports should be made available to authorized persons within seven working days after completion of the crash investigation.^{[^6]}

For crashes investigated by Louisiana State Police, the agency’s crash report portal states that reports and photos often take around 15 or more business days to be ready, and it specifically notes that fatal crash reports are not available online (the portal advises contacting the responding Troop if needed).^{[^5]}

Louisiana State Police’s Traffic Records Unit also states that fatal crash reports can only be purchased in person at a local Troop office, and it advises allowing about 15 working days after a crash before requesting reports or photographs (with additional timing rules for photo requests in fatality cases).^{[^4]}

Background about these types of accidents

Head-on crashes are often severe because the forces involved can be high, even at moderate speeds. While the specific cause of this Iberia Parish crash has not been publicly confirmed, lane departures, distraction, impairment, and fatigue are widely recognized risk factors for serious roadway collisions in the United States.^{[^1][^13][^14][^15]}

Safety basics still matter. For example, NHTSA summarizes research indicating seat belts significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury for front-seat occupants (including in pickups and other light trucks).^{[^12]}

NHTSA also reports that distracted driving continues to kill thousands of people each year nationwide, and it publishes ongoing data and prevention guidance for drivers and families.^{[^13]}

Drowsy driving is another documented hazard: NHTSA notes that drowsy-driving crashes are likely undercounted, and it provides estimates and prevention recommendations (like avoiding driving when you’re too tired to stay alert).^{[^14]}

Alcohol impairment remains a major factor in U.S. traffic deaths, and NHTSA tracks annual fatality totals and prevention messaging related to impaired driving.^{[^15]}

Steps that can help after a serious two-vehicle crash

• If anyone may be hurt, call 911 and request medical help. If it is safe to do so, move to a safer location away from traffic.
• Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible and follow your clinician’s instructions. Keep copies of discharge paperwork and follow-up notes. (This article is not medical advice.)
• Write down what you remember while it is fresh (time, location, direction of travel, weather, any witnesses) and save photos or video if you have them.
• Preserve evidence that can disappear quickly, such as dashcam footage, nearby business video, vehicle event data, and text/call logs.
• Report the crash to your insurer and keep a record of claim numbers and adjuster contacts. Be cautious with recorded statements if you are still injured or medicated; it is reasonable to ask to schedule a later time.
• If a loved one was killed, consider gathering key documents in one place (death certificate when available, funeral costs, insurance information, and any communications from insurers).

Legal information after a crash in Louisiana

This section is general legal information for Louisiana and is not legal advice. Deadlines and rules can change, and how they apply depends on the specific facts of a case.

Deadlines to file civil claims (prescription)

As of February 22, 2026, Louisiana generally applies a two-year prescriptive period to most delictual (tort/negligence) actions, and the time period typically begins on the day the injury or damage is sustained. This two-year rule is stated in Louisiana Civil Code art. 3493.1 (with an effective date noted in the statute).^{[^7]}

Comparative fault in Louisiana

As of February 22, 2026, Louisiana Civil Code art. 2323 uses a modified comparative fault approach: if the person seeking damages is found to be 51% or more at fault, they generally cannot recover; if they are less than 51% at fault, damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. The statute reflects amendments effective January 1, 2026, so older crashes may be treated differently.^{[^8]}

Wrongful death and survival actions

As of February 22, 2026, Louisiana recognizes two related (but distinct) civil claims when a death is caused by another’s fault: a wrongful death action (Civil Code art. 2315.2) and a survival action for certain damages the deceased person could have pursued had they lived (Civil Code art. 2315.1). Both articles state a prescriptive period of one year from death or two years from the day injury/damage is sustained, whichever is longer, with special rules noted for medical malpractice matters.^{[^10][^9]}

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)

As of February 22, 2026, Louisiana’s uninsured motorist statute generally requires UM coverage to be included with an auto liability policy unless the named insured rejects it or selects different options on a form prescribed by the insurance commissioner; the statute also describes situations where underinsured coverage can apply.^{[^11]}
In serious injury or fatal crashes, UM/UIM questions can become important if the at-fault driver’s coverage is insufficient. (Your policy’s notice and claim requirements can be time-sensitive, so it can help to get case-specific advice early.)^{[^11]}

How these rules may apply here (based on what’s confirmed so far)

Louisiana State Police reported that the reason for the head-on collision was still under investigation and that toxicology samples were submitted for analysis.^{[^1]}
When a crash is still under investigation, families and injured drivers often have unanswered questions that may not be resolved until a final crash report (and any lab results) are complete. In that situation, evidence preservation (photos, video, vehicle data, witnesses) can matter, because it can help clarify events without anyone having to guess. And because a fatality has been reported, families may eventually have questions about whether Louisiana’s wrongful death and survival action rules apply to their situation and what deadlines control; those issues are fact-specific and can depend on family relationships and the timeline in the statutes.^{[^10][^9]}

How we can help

If you or your family has been affected by the LA 674 crash near Cherri Lane, Babcock Injury Lawyers can help you take practical next steps without making assumptions about fault or cause. We can:

• Help obtain and review the appropriate Louisiana crash report(s) and explain what they do (and do not) mean.
• Communicate with insurance adjusters so you can focus on medical care and family needs.
• Identify potential evidence sources (video, witnesses, vehicle data) and take steps to preserve them.
• Evaluate coverage questions, including whether UM/UIM may be relevant in a serious-injury or fatal crash.
• Explain, in plain language, how Louisiana’s deadlines and comparative-fault rules may affect the timing and value of a claim (without making guarantees).

You can contact Babcock Injury Lawyers for a confidential consultation at our contact page, or call our main office at (225) 500-5000 (24/7). If you are in North Louisiana, our Ruston office can be reached at (318) 777-5000.

About the author

Stephen Babcock is a Louisiana trial lawyer with Babcock Injury Lawyers. He represents people injured in serious crashes and families dealing with wrongful death cases across Louisiana. Learn more here: Stephen Babcock.

How this article was prepared

• Date of research: February 22, 2026.
• Incident sources reviewed: Louisiana State Police Troop I public release; local news coverage repeating or discussing the state police release.
• Louisiana process/law sources reviewed: Louisiana State Police crash report portal and Traffic Records Unit guidance; Louisiana Legislature text for comparative fault, prescription deadlines, crash-report statutes, and UM coverage rules.
• Safety sources reviewed: NHTSA guidance and data pages on seat belts and risky driving topics (distraction, drowsy driving, impaired driving).
• We will update this page if additional official information is released by Louisiana State Police or other credible official sources.

Sources & further reading

Primary/Official

• Louisiana State Police (Troop I): “Jeanerette Man Succumbs to Injuries in Two-Vehicle Iberia Parish Crash” (Published Jan. 29, 2026)
• Louisiana State Police Crash Reports portal (crashreports.dps.la.gov) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• Louisiana State Police Traffic Records Unit (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. R.S. 32:398 (Crash reporting and crash report availability/confidentiality) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 (Two-year prescription for delictual actions) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. Civ. Code art. 2323 (Comparative fault) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. Civ. Code art. 2315.1 (Survival action) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. Civ. Code art. 2315.2 (Wrongful death action) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. R.S. 22:1295 (Uninsured motorist coverage) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• NHTSA: Seat Belt Safety (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• NHTSA: Distracted Driving (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• NHTSA: Drowsy Driving (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• NHTSA: Drunk Driving (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026)

News coverage

• KPEL 96.5: “Head-On Collision Takes the Life of a Jeanerette Man” (Published Jan. 30, 2026)
• Calcasieu Parish News: “Louisiana Teen Killed In Head-On Crash On LA 674 In Iberia Parish, State Police Investigating” (Published Jan. 28, 2026)

Corrections

If you believe something is inaccurate, contact pnc@stephenbabcock.com and we’ll review and update.

Footnotes

1. Louisiana State Police, “Jeanerette Man Succumbs to Injuries in Two-Vehicle Iberia Parish Crash” (Published Jan. 29, 2026), https://lsp.org/community-outreach/news/jeanerette-man-succumbs-to-injuries-in-two-vehicle-iberia-parish-crash/
2. Calcasieu Parish News, “Louisiana Teen Killed In Head-On Crash On LA 674 In Iberia Parish, State Police Investigating” (Published Jan. 28, 2026), https://calcasieu.info/louisiana-teen-killed-in-head-on-crash-on-la-674-in-iberia-parish-state-police-investigating/
3. News Talk 96.5 KPEL, “Head-On Collision Takes the Life of a Jeanerette Man” (Published Jan. 30, 2026), https://kpel965.com/jeanerette-man-dies-fatal-crash/
4. Louisiana State Police, “Traffic Records Unit” (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://lsp.org/about/leadershipsections/support/bcii/traffic-records-unit/
5. Louisiana State Police Crash Reports portal (crashreports.dps.la.gov), FAQ text stating timing expectations and that fatal crash reports are not available online (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://crashreports.dps.la.gov/
6. Louisiana State Legislature, La. R.S. 32:398 (Crash reporting duties; crash report handling, confidentiality, and availability) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88361
7. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 (Delictual actions; two-year prescription; Acts 2024, No. 423, eff. July 1, 2024) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443
8. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2323 (Comparative fault; amended Acts 2025, No. 15, eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=109387
9. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2315.1 (Survival action; prescriptive period language included in article) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109370
10. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2315.2 (Wrongful death action; prescriptive period language included in article) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109371
11. Louisiana State Legislature, La. R.S. 22:1295 (Uninsured motorist coverage; requirement and rejection/selection form provisions) (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=508161
12. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Seat Belt Safety” (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts
13. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Distracted Driving” (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
14. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Drowsy Driving” (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving
15. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Drunk Driving” (Accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving