Donna teen dies after being struck by two vehicles

EDINBURG — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating an October 20 auto-pedestrian accident that claimed the life of a Donna teenager.

According to a DPS news release, the incident happened at 8:00 p.m. on FM 1423 just south of Anderson Road. The report states that a white Chevrolet Silverado traveling north on FM 1423 struck a pedestrian who was walking on the road. The pedestrian’s body was then run over by a black GMC pickup which was following the Silverado.

Both drivers stopped at the scene and no charges will be filed against them, according to DPS.

The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Jacob Morales of Donna.

The DPS news release states that Morales was wearing dark clothing, and that the roadway is not well-lit, which may have contributed to the accident.

DPS suggests the following safety tips for pedestrians:

• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far from traffic as possible.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, find a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
• Wear reflective materials and white or bright colors at night to increase visibility. Avoid dark clothing when possible.

Damages available after the wrongful death of a minor child

Parents and family members of children killed in an accident may be entitled to damages that would not typically be awarded following the death of an adult. Damages that may be available following the wrongful death of a child include:

• Medical Bills
• Funeral and Burial Costs
• Value of Household Services
• Loss of Companionship
• Loss of Gifts and Benefits
• Loss of Financial Support

Calculating damages

Certain direct expenses, such as those for medical bills and a funeral, will be fairly evident. Other damages, including those for lost financial support, can be harder to identify. Because of that, defense attorneys will put up resistance. It’s important that you work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows how to identify and value your damages.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has valuable relationships with a variety of experts which we use when we need to calculate hard-to-value damages. These experts review the information we gather and determine an appropriate value for a specific harm. Relying on reputable experts allows us to back up our request for damages with hard evidence and support.

There are many more details on this topic, so if you need more information, call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our number is 1-800-CAR-CRASH. You can also set up an appointment via this website.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/dps-one-teen-dead-in-auto-ped-accident/