
Austin collision caused by street takeover
Austin, TX – Illegal actions such as street racing and other illicit uses of cars often cause car accidents and other problems. The people responsible for any injuries or damage can be sued in civil court to pay for these losses.
Several vehicles present for illegal event
On a Saturday night in north Austin, a car crash occurred while the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers were responding to reports of dozens of cars gathering in a Target parking lot at 8610 Research Blvd [1]. Approximately 100 vehicles were reported to be present at the scene, prompting DPS to assist the Austin Police Department around 9:30 p.m.
During the response, a DPS trooper noticed a Mustang speeding without headlights on and attempted to pull over the vehicle. However, the driver of the Mustang evaded the troopers and led them to the intersection of Ohlen Road and Payton Gin Road, where the Mustang collided with a Toyota.
As a result of the collision, two individuals who were inside the Toyota and the driver of the Mustang were injured and taken to the hospital by Austin-Travis County EMS medics. Both the Austin Police Department and the Austin Fire Department also arrived at the scene to provide assistance.
In addition to the crash incident, the Austin Police Department reported receiving calls about several “sporadic” street takeovers in various locations across the city, including Barton Springs Road & South Lamar Boulevard, the 9900 block of S. Interstate 35 Frontage Road, and the 400 block of Center Ridge Drive, just prior to the crash.
It is currently unclear whether charges will be filed in connection with the crash or the street takeovers that occurred on that Saturday night. Notably, Austin had experienced similar incidents of street takeovers before, leading to an investigation by the APD called “Operation Burnout” in February. This operation resulted in charges against at least 24 individuals linked to the previous takeovers.
The surge in 911 calls on the night of the previous takeovers had caused significant delays, with Mayor Kirk Watson expressing concern about the “unacceptably long waits” at the time.
As the situation unfolds, authorities will continue to investigate the recent crash and street takeovers to determine the appropriate course of action. The community will be eager to see how law enforcement handles the incidents and takes measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
What is the process to sue a driver for an accident caused by criminal activity under Texas law?
In Texas, if you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a driver engaged in criminal activity, you may have the option to pursue legal action against them. However, it’s important to understand the process and requirements involved in suing a driver for an accident caused by criminal behavior under Texas law. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the steps and considerations you should be aware of:
- Report the Accident: The first step after any accident is to report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the local police or the Texas Highway Patrol. If the other driver is engaged in criminal activity, it’s crucial to ensure law enforcement is aware of the situation and can conduct a proper investigation.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you or anyone involved in the accident sustained injuries, seek immediate medical attention. Your health and well-being should be a top priority. Additionally, medical documentation will be important for any potential personal injury claim.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible to support your case. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, injuries, and any relevant road conditions. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as well, as their statements could be valuable evidence.
- Consult an Attorney: After the accident, it’s advisable to consult an experienced personal injury attorney with expertise in Texas law. They will help assess your case, determine if you have a valid claim, and guide you through the legal process.
- Determine Liability: To sue a driver for an accident caused by criminal activity, you must establish that the driver’s actions were not only negligent but also involved criminal behavior. Examples of criminal activity include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, hit and run, or any other illegal actions that contributed to the accident.
- File a Lawsuit: If your attorney determines that you have a strong case, they will help you draft and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The lawsuit will outline the details of the accident, the driver’s criminal behavior, the damages you’ve suffered, and the compensation you’re seeking.
- Discovery and Pretrial: After filing the lawsuit, both parties will engage in the discovery process. This involves exchanging evidence, witness testimonies, and other relevant information. The pretrial phase allows both sides to build their cases and potentially reach a settlement before going to trial.
- Settlement Negotiations: In many personal injury cases, parties may attempt to reach a settlement before going to trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or legal representatives to reach a fair agreement that compensates you for your damages.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. During the trial, both sides will present their evidence, and a judge or jury will determine liability and the appropriate amount of compensation.
- Compensation: If successful in your lawsuit, you may be awarded compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
It’s important to note that Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, which means there is a time limit for filing a claim. It’s essential to act promptly and seek legal advice as soon as possible after the accident.
In conclusion, suing a driver for a car accident caused by criminal activity in Texas involves a complex legal process. To increase your chances of a successful outcome, consult with a qualified attorney who can guide you through the steps, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Car accident lawyers in Austin
Robson Law Firm is a law firm in Austin, Texas that handles car accident cases for local clients. Anyone who needs to speak with a lawyer following an injury can contact their firm.
USAttorneys.com is a service that works with people who need to find lawyers. Those who are looking for an attorney can call 800-672-3103 for help.
Firm contact info:
1114 Lost Creek Blvd., Suite 440, Austin TX 78746
512-345-8200
Robsonlawfirm.com
Sources:
- https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/crash-sends-three-to-hospital-while-dps-troopers-respond-to-car-meet/