All drivers in Texas have a legal duty to do everything possible to operate their vehicles safely on the road. This means, among other responsibilities, maintaining attention to the traffic conditions ahead, and reacting accordingly. Unfortunately, serious rear-end accidents are often caused by a driver’s failure to maintain such attention.
It is also important to remember that if a car accident does occur, it is the legal responsibility of those involved to remain at the scene at least until authorities arrive. Unfortunately, people sometimes fail in this most basic duty.
Recently, a 31-year-old woman was killed in a four-vehicle wreck on Interstate 30 in Dallas, according to a news report. A man who is believed to have been involved the fatal accident fled the scene on foot and police have not yet found him.
No one else was injured in the accident.
The chain reaction accident happened when one vehicle blew out a tire and a second car, driven by the man who ultimately fled the scene, slammed into the disabled vehicle. Then a third car, which was driven by the now deceased victim, swerved to avoid that crash and was struck by an 18-wheeler.
In a tragic case such as this, when there are multiple vehicles involved, including one driver who fled the scene, it is imperative for the victims and their families to understand their legal rights. The investigation into the fatal accident may prove the family is entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, lost source of income, and possibly their pain and suffering.
Source: KDFW FOX 4, “Woman killed in multi-vehicle crash on I-30,” June 5, 2014
