Woman indicted in connection with San Antonio road rage shooting
by Benjamin Treviño | December 19th, 2023 | Wrongful Death
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman has been charged in connection with a fatal road rage shooting that occurred in the city’s far West Side in late May.
23-year-old Kasey Garcia is charged with manslaughter in the May 21 shooting death of 26-year-old Vanessa Martinez outside a gas station near NW Loop 410 and Highway 151.
The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m., according to police. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Martinez on the ground by the gas pumps with an apparent gunshot wound.
A police spokesperson said two vehicles belonging to the women had been involved in a crash at another location. Garcia reportedly told officers she followed Martinez to get her license plate number.
When Garcia pulled up behind Martinez, police said Garcia told them Martinez exited her vehicle, went over to Garcia’s car, opened the door and started to assault her.
SAPD said Garcia was still sitting in her car when she fired at Martinez, striking her in the chest.
Martinez retreated to her vehicle and was on the ground until emergency crews arrived. She was taken by ambulance to a University Hospital, where she later died.
SAPD said Garcia was taken into custody that night. Her trial was still pending as of this writing.
Can you sue someone for a road rage incident?
Victims of road rage accidents can sue the responsible driver for their injuries and damages. If the victim dies, the person’s surviving family members can sue on their behalf.
What is road rage?
Road rage is a term used to describe aggressive and dangerous behaviors exhibited by drivers on the road. It typically involves actions such as tailgating, speeding, erratic driving maneuvers, physical altercations and other aggressive acts.
Texas road rage law
In Texas, road rage is not a stand-alone criminal offense. The state uses existing traffic laws and criminal statutes to prosecute accused violators.
Holding aggressive drivers accountable
If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a road rage accident caused by an aggressive driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. To support your claim for damages, you’ll need to provide evidence of the at-fault driver’s aggressive and erratic actions. This can include eyewitness testimony, video footage of the incident, and the police report.
Get help from J. Gonzalez
Navigating the aftermath of a road rage accident can be challenging. The at-fault driver’s insurance company might deny coverage if they determine that the driver’s actions were intentional misconduct. Pursuing a direct lawsuit against the aggressive driver is an option, but this route is viable only if the at-fault driver possesses sufficient financial resources to cover losses.
To navigate this process, it’s important to seek advice from an expert, such as those that can be found at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. Our dedicated legal team can thoroughly investigate your case and relentlessly pursue accountability from the at-fault driver for your injuries and damages. To learn more about your legal rights, and options after a road rage accident anywhere in Texas, contact us today for a free consultation at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
