A construction worker was recently killed in an alleged hit-and-run. Texas authorities eventually apprehended the suspect and arrested him for the wrongful death accident that took place on the turnpike. The accused is being held on a $200,000 bail.
The collision occurred when a construction worker, who was at the back of a trailer that was attached to a pick-up, was in the midst of placing reflective markers near an exit ramp. This truck was part of a convoy that also included a vehicle with a blinking arrow to alert other drivers. A driver of a Chevy sedan drove around one of the trucks and then hit the truck carrying the construction worker. After that, the accused driver went across three lanes before colliding with another construction truck. The driver of the Chevy fled the scene afterward in another vehicle.
The driver of the pickup truck pulling the trailer sustained injuries that are not considered to be life-threatening. Tragically, the construction worker died instantly after the impact. Authorities located the hit-and-run driver at a home and placed him under arrest. He was charged with felony failure to stop and assist.
The actions of one driver can cause injuries and deaths for other individuals on the roadway. The family members of the deceased construction worker are likely grieving the untimely death of their loved one. The surviving family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the hit-and-run driver to recover damages as they continue to mourn. The injured truck driver may also have similar rights under Texas personal injury laws. Financial damages may be awarded if evidence demonstrates that the hit-and-run driver was guilty of the negligent conduct that caused the injuries and death.
Source: Dallas Morning News, “Update: Grand Prairie man arrested in fatal hit-and-run on the President George Bush Turnpike”, Robert Wilonsky, Aug 4, 2014