A mother and her high school-aged son were killed in a three-car accident that happened in West Austin. Before her death, the mother worked as a kindergarten teacher at Steiner Ranch Elementary School. Her son attended Vandegrift High School where he was in his senior year. Leander Independent School District has confirmed that the deceased mother leaves behind two college-aged sons and her husband.
The fatal accident took place while the mother and son were traveling south along FM 620 near FM 2222. After being rear-ended by a 21-year-old driver, the victims’ car was pushed into the path of oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a third car. The mother was pronounced dead at the scene, and her son died later at the hospital. It is known that five other people were injured in the accident, but reports do not include the extent of their injuries.
Following the collision, the driver who rear-ended the victims’ car attempted to flee the scene. Travis County deputies apprehended him when he tried to run into nearby apartments. The accused driver was held in Travis County Jail and received 19 felony charges, including multiple counts of manslaughter and aggravated assault.
If they wish to seek compensation for their loss, the deceased victims’ family members may decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the 21-year-old driver. While building their claim, an attorney may assist family members in gathering relevant evidence to establish the fault of the other driver. Eyewitness testimony, police reports and traffic surveillance footage may all be helpful pieces of evidence to present in court.
Source: KEYE, “2 Killed In West Austin Crash; Driver Arrested”, December 29, 2013
