DPS seeking driver accused of fleeing scene of fatal chain-reaction accident
by Benjamin Treviño | October 17th, 2022 | Auto Accident, Fatal Crash, Hit-And-Run
A La Villa man died October 15 following a fatal chain-reaction crash north of Elsa, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The initial crash occurred on FM 1925 at around 12:38 a.m. when a blue pickup truck collided with a Chevrolet Silverado at the intersection of Mile 4 West Road, according to a news release.
The blue truck fled the scene, while the Chevrolet Silverado became disabled on the eastbound lane of FM 1925. A few minutes later, a motorcyclist collided with the disabled vehicle, according to the report.
The motorcyclist, identified as 68-year-old Gustavo Vasques Cervantes, was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
DPS troopers are investigating the crash and are seeking any information on the whereabouts of the driver of the blue pickup truck that has damage to its front, the release stated.
Anyone with information on the crash is urged to contact DPS at (965) 565-7600.
What to do if the other driver flees the scene
Hit and run accidents are far too common. Unfortunately, many hit and run drivers are uninsured, unlicensed, or have other reasons for fleeing, such as being intoxicated, or on the run from the police.
It is often difficult to recover damages from a hit and run driver, but a personal injury attorney can help you determine any potential legal options that might be available. Here are a few things you should and shouldn’t do if the other driver flees the scene of your accident.
Do not chase the fleeing driver
There is no point in chasing after the other vehicle, even if you can. It could be dangerous to do so (the other driver may be armed or the chase could end in another crash). It’s much more important to deal with any injuries you have, inform the police, and talk to anyone else who saw what happened.
Note the license plate number or vehicle description
If you are at all able to do so, the most important thing you can do is to record the license plate details of the driver who has fled. If that’s not possible, you may be able to at least jot down the color and make of the vehicle and any other distinguishing details, such customized body work.
Inform the police ASAP
A prompt phone call to the police might help them locate the fleeing driver and arrest him or her. It is illegal in every state to leave the scene of an accident without stopping. It is also a crime to leave the scene of an accident if someone has been injured.
Ask potential eyewitnesses
If your injuries allow it, while you are waiting for the police or an ambulance, talk to any potential eyewitnesses. Take down their names, contact details, and anything useful they can remember about what they saw. If you don’t have a notebook or paper and pen, use your cell phone to record what witnesses might have to say using the voice recorder function.
Talk to a personal injury attorney
If the hit and run driver is never found, it may be hard to recover any damages unless you have insurance of your own to cover what happened to you. It is still a good idea to contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm as soon as you can. We will provide a free initial consultation in which you can discuss what happened. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
