Seguin Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for 2007 Texas Car Accident
On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, Jenny Ann Ybarra was sentenced to two years in prison for the manslaughter of Erica Nicole Smith, after being found guilty of manslaughter charges on February 13.
Four years ago, on the night of the fatal car crash, Ms. Ybarra had driven from Seguin to San Antonio for a night out with friends. After having several drinks, while driving home, Ms. Ybarra began to travel the wrong way on Loop 410 near Rigsby Avenue. During the trial, witnesses testified that Ms. Ybarra had a poor sense of direction and often had difficulty with night driving. Her vehicle ended up crashing into a vehicle driven by Sabrina Shaner.
According to the testimony, Ms. Smith, the front seat passenger, experienced severe brain trauma. Another passenger riding in the back seat suffered three fractured vertebrae. All of the women involved in the accident had been drinking that night. Although paramedics promptly responded to the car accident, Ms. Smith did not receive medical attention until nearly two hours after the crash. She passed away the next day.
Ms. Ybarra’s attorney argued that his client’s negligence was not the only cause of Ms. Smith’s death and attempted to persuade the jury that the paramedics’ delayed response and also Ms. Shaner’s intoxication lead to Ms. Smith’s death. According to www.mysantonio.com, the jury deliberated for six hours. Although prosecutors requested the maximum sentence of 15 to 20 years in prison, Ms. Ybarra received a two-year sentence.
In addition to the criminal trial that can result in jail time, those whose negligent driving kills another person can be sued in civil court by that person’s survivors. If you’ve lost a loved one in a Texas car wreck, contact a top New Braunfels car wreck attorney to discuss filing a wrongful death lawsuit. If it’s you that’s been injured in a Comal County car collision, a New Braunfels Texas personal injury attorney can also help you recover damages for your injuries.
