The victims and their families are suing the organizers of the South by Southwest festival claiming that the deadly accident in 2014 could have been prevented. Four people (Jamie West, De ‘Andre Tatum, Steven Craenmehr and Sandy Le) died. The suits were filed by four firms on behalf of eight victims.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of Steven Craenmehr’s wife, son and mother states it was foreseeable and predictable that an errant vehicle might drive into the cordoned-off area because there are 20,000 errant vehicle incidents in the United States each year. The suit goes on to claim the owners, planners, and organizers of South by Southwest should have recognized that risk given their nearly thirty years of experience holding the festival. Ultimately, the suit finds that if South by Southwest had complied with industry standards and used adequate traffic control measures, Mr. Craenmehr would be alive today. Suggestions include water or sand-filled barriers.
The suit also names Rashad Owens, who is accused of driving the vehicle that crashed through a traffic barrier and into festival goers.
When someone is injured or dies in a collision, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.
Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for such injuries or fatalities.