Arrest made in fatal Texas crash; wrongful death suit may follow

Like baseball — the Great American Pastime — automobile travel has become a deeply ingrained part of American culture. It is not only our primary source of transportation, but also serves as a symbol of independence and a rite of passage among adolescents. However, there is no denying that driving can be extremely dangerous. A recent three-vehicle crash serves as a reminder of the hazards of road travel, and it isn’t difficult to imagine that a wrongful death lawsuit could be filed against the driver believed to be responsible for the Texas crash.

The accident occurred in Odessa on the morning of July 14. Two vehicles collided when the driver believed to be responsible for the accident struck the vehicle directly in front of him. That caused the second vehicle to spin in a counter clockwise direction and enter the path of a truck. That collision sent the second car into a utility pole.

The 44-year-old woman who was struck in the initial collision died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. The 21-year-old man who was driving the car that rear-ended the deceased woman has been charged with manslaughter, which in Texas is classified as a second-degree felony. The suspect was taken into custody and placed in jail.

This fatal car crash is an example of the dangers that we all face when driving. The family of the woman who was killed will likely watch the case make its way through the court system. While no verdict can bring back a lost loved one, the family may find some degree of solace in a criminal conviction. But no matter the outcome of that case, the family also retains the right to pursue a wrongful death suit against the man who allegedly caused the fatal car crash.

Source: CBS 7, “Police arrest man in fatal crash involving three vehicles,” Felicia Bolton, July 16, 2012