Although some readers may think that only the driver may be liable in a Texas car wreck, negligent behavior can come from a number of parties. Take, for example, a recent story coming out of a city near Houston. That’s where the families of two teenagers are suing the city and a truck driver for alleged reckless endangerment related to a crash that left one of the teens injured and the other dead.
The incident, which happened in October, began with two alleged shoplifters at a local mall. When the man and woman fled in their truck, a police chase began. The chase reportedly spanned more than two miles with the male driver picking up speed to 90 miles per hour.
The chase ended when the driver drove over a spike strip in the road and collided with a car and a truck, causing them to burst into flames. While the truck occupants had minor injuries, the two teens, age 17 and 16, who were in the car, suffered greatly. The 16-year-old died at the scene, while the 17-year-old was pulled out of the burning vehicle with serious injuries.
According to the personal injury lawsuit, the officer who put the spike strip in the road knew the type of danger that could be created when a car hits it at a high speed. In doing so, the police put the community in “grave risk.” As for the driver, the lawsuit alleged he acted negligently by failing to brake properly and control his speed and his vehicle.
Whether it be a driver, the city or even a car manufacturer, if negligence by these parties is found to have contributed to a crash in which a victim was injured, they may be able to obtain compensation for their pain, suffering and financial losses.
