An accident that results in a fatality is always tragic. Families lose loved ones, other lose friends. Recently, however, several local collisions resulted in the deaths of several people. A car accident, especially one with fatalities can take its toll on everyone involved, and for emergency workers, numerous accidents such as these can take their toll.
The first accident occurred on Nov. 18 at approximately 9:40 pm, on the 13900 block of FM 969. Emergency crews responded to a pedestrian that was struck by a car. The 30-year-old man was flown to a hospital via STARFlight, but succumbed to his injuries later.
Roughly 20 minutes later, another accident occurred at Highways 130 and 71. Department of Public Safety officers and emergency workers arrived on the scene of a two-vehicle collision. According to authorities, a pickup truck driven by a 23-year-old Austin man caught the back of a minivan. While the truck struck a concrete barrier, the van caught fire and became fully engulfed. Two people in the van, a 79-year-old woman and an 84-year-old man, both from LaGrange were killed. The driver of the truck was injured and taken to a local hospital.
A third accident happened in Kyle in the early morning hours on Nov. 19. Two vehicles collided at the intersection of BeBee Road and Republic Drive. One person was killed.
All of the accidents are still currently under investigation. For the families of those who were fatally injured, the results of the investigations are important. First, there is a sense of closure when you know how a family member died, but it also helps substantiate a civil case if the families choose to seek compensation for their losses. Things such as loss of companionship, loss of future earnings and pain and suffering can be awarded to those who suffer losses. An experienced legal professional can explain to victims what actual rights to relief are available.
Source: Austin YNN, “Four killed in serious Central Texas crashes” No author given, Nov. 19, 2013