Houston, TX (December 11, 2023) Lauren Goppert was attempting to cross Highway 6 in Houston when she was struck and killed by a vehicle, officers said. It happened just after 11:30 p.m. in the 8900 block of State Highway 6.
Witnesses said that they saw a woman walking where there were no lights on Highway 6 and she wasn’t in a designated crosswalk. The pedestrian, later identified as Lauren Goppert, was trying to cross the road when a car was coming. Harris Sheriff’s Office Lt. Kenneth Benoit reported that the driver of the car attempted to change lanes in an effort to avoid Goppert, but there wasn’t enough time. The driver ended up hitting Goppert with the vehicle.
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The driver, identified only as a female, tried to hit the brakes. Officers reported that there were even skid marks on the road from where she tried to stop. The driver pulled to the side and waited for authorities following the accident. She was cooperative during the investigation as well.
While all of this was happening, another vehicle stopped to avoid hitting Goppert and was rear-ended. Officers believe that Goppert was probably run over by another vehicle, but say that the driver of the vehicle may not have known. Benoit said that the driver probably thought it was just debris in the road.
Emergency personnel pronounced Goppert dead at the scene. They do not suspect drugs or alcohol to be a factor in this fatal pedestrian collision on Highway 6 in Houston. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division is leading the investigation to try and determine just what happened to cause this tragic accident.
Who Is Liable In A Houston Collision?
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, dangerous turns, inclement weather, poorly designed roadways and even intoxication.
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.
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.
Investigation Of A Houston Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Lauren Goppert. Anyone who 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 Houston 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 (866) 945-4286.