Important News from Your Texas Accident Lawyer

Negligent Driver Kills Four in Texas Motorcycle Accident

Posted on Jul 17, 2011

A negligent driver, who may have been drowsy at the time, caused a serious car-motorcycle wreck on Sunday that resulted in the deaths of four other people.

30-year-old Jose Luis Pena, of Rosharon, was driving south on Texas 19 when his 2006 Ford Mustang swerved into the northbound lanes and struck two motorcycles head-on.

51-year-old Bruce Melvin Bricker and his wife, 40-year-old Shannon Rhenee Bricker, were riding on one motorcycle together. 53-year-old Steve Austin Claterbaugh and his girlfriend, 52-year-old Kathleen Dolores Smith, were riding on the second motorcycle. All four were killed.

Pena's girlfriend, 31-year-old Rosalind Ann Vela, was sleeping in the back seat of the Mustang with her 3-year-old son, who was not restrained. Vela was sent to Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler with minor injuries and the baby was placed in the custody of his father in Houston.

Pena was treated for minor injuries before being taken to jail. He is being held on $2 million bail. Tests have shown that there was no alcohol in his system, but fatigue may have played a factor.

In any case, our deepest sympathies go out to the families of the motorcycle riders, more victims of negligent driving in our area.

We urge victims or families of victims of these types of wrecks to call us for more information about your legal rights at any time.