Driving is an immense responsibility. Sometimes, drivers forget that they are responsible for the lives of not only their passengers but those around them as well. Indeed, their actions behind the wheel can have dire consequences for which they could be held responsible. Even knowing that some Texas residents will get into a car accident and attempt to avoid responsibility by fleeing the scene.
For example, the driver of an SUV recently turned onto a roadway. When he did, he failed to yield to a motorcycle rider and pulled directly into the rider's path. As the 18-year-old rider lay in the street, the SUV driver left the scene, which left the motorcyclist vulnerable on the dark road.
The driver of a pickup truck traveling the same road was not able to stop his truck before striking the motorcycle rider. The victim succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene. Sometime later, police in New Caney located a 34-year-old man believed to have been the driver who caused the accident. He faces a felony charge for his involvement in this fatal accident. It was also reported that the driver was recently released from prison after serving a 15-year sentence.
In addition to the criminal charges filed in connection with the car accident, the family of the deceased motorcycle rider may exercise its right to file a wrongful death claim against him. It is not necessary for the family to wait for the outcome of the criminal proceedings in order to file such an action. Establishing that his actions caused or contributed to the death of their loved one could result in a monetary judgment being issued by a Texas civil court.
Source: ktxs.com, "Texas man, 34, charged in fatal hit-and-run accident", Jan. 13, 2016