Drunk Driver Kills 11-Year-Old Boy and Injures Four Other Family Members
According to KSAT.com, a drunk driver is responsible for an early morning crash that took the life of an 11-year-old boy and injured his mother and three siblings. 27-year-old John Albert Hernandez has been charged with intoxication manslaughter for rear-ending a truck in which the Barrientos family was riding with his Ford Taurus on Southwest Military Drive shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Columbus Day. Killed in the accident was 11-year-old Bryan Barrientos, and injured were Bryan’s 37-year-old mother, as well as his siblings, ages nine, seven, and two. Ironically enough, the Barrientos family was also involved in a drunk driving accident on Christmas Day, 2011. This accident, however, obviously had much more tragic consequences for the family. In addition to the criminal charges that Hernandez now faces, he also could face civil liability both for Bryan’s death and the injuries to the other members of the Barrientos family. A person who negligently causes the death of another person, whether it be through a car accident or otherwise, may be held liable through a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the surviving family members of the deceased. Damages from a wrongful death claim can include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses, and loss of companionship for immediate family members. Likewise, Hernandez also may be liable for the costs of any injuries sustained by Bryan’s mother and siblings through a personal injury claim. Potential damages in a personal injury lawsuit may include expenses such as medical bills, lost wages for working adults, and pain and suffering. For the Barrientos family and others in similar situations, it is important to note that there are strict time frames in which to bring personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits under Texas law. As a result, you should immediately consult with a qualified New Braunfels, Texas personal injury lawyer for advice about any potential claims that you may have.
