Man may face wrongful death suit after backhoe accident

Family members of a young woman who died recently in a bizarre accident are undoubtedly waiting for information about the man believed responsible. Indeed, many people in Texas are wondering what motivated the man to act so recklessly. In addition to the potential criminal charges that may be filed against him, there is also a possibility that the family of the woman may file a wrongful death claim.

The strange incident began when the man allegedly stole a backhoe from the town’s water department early on a recent Sunday morning. With no lights on, he took the machine onto the freeway and headed south in the northbound lane. The front end loader then struck the passenger side of an SUV, killing the 20-year-old passenger instantly. The 22-year-old woman who was driving the SUV also suffered injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Witnesses told police that the man was wearing a gray sweatshirt and black pants when he climbed out of the machine and fled on foot. They said his face was bleeding on the left side, and his leg seemed to be injured. Police are still searching for the suspect.

The death of this woman must have come as a shock to her family. To have lost someone so young in such a horrific way is something with which they may never be able to come to terms. Fortunately, people in Texas who lose loved ones because of someone else’s reckless conduct can at least find some consolation in seeking possible punitive damages, funeral expenses and compensation for their loss by filing a wrongful death suit.

Source: CBS DFW, “Man Who Stole City Equipment Involved In Fatal Wrong-Way Crash“, Nov. 27, 2016