San Antonio, TX (November 9, 2023) Eight people were killed, including Jose and Isabel Lerma, on Wednesday, November 8th in San Antonio. The Texas Department of Public Safety said the crash happened on US-57 in Batesville, which is about 80 miles southwest of San Antonio.
The tragic story started when deputies began chasing a driver who was suspected of smuggling migrants. The driver, a Houston native, was trying to outrun deputies from the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The man was driving a 2009 Honda Civic when he tried to pass a semi-truck in front of him on US-57, a two lane highway, in a no-passing zone. He jerked the Honda into the opposing lane to pass the semi and hit an oncoming 2015 Chevrolet Equinox head-on, according to state troopers.
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Lt. Chris Olivarez said the head-on crash caused the Chevy to burst into flames, which killed the driver and the passenger in the vehicle. Jose, 67, and Isabel, 65, Lerma were both from Georgia and their lives were taken in the blink of an eye on State Highway 57 in San Antonio, Texas.
Troopers later confirmed that the driver and 5 passengers in the Honda, several from Honduras, were all killed in the head-on collision, as well. Images from the scene show two completely totaled vehicles that look more like piles of rubble than vehicles, with the Chevy completely burned.
Liability In San Antonio Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to Texas Vehicle Code 545.152, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A San Antonio Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed in this collision, including the families of Jose and Isabel Lerma. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a San Antonio car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
