Maria Ochoa Killed in San Antonio, TX, Hit-and-run Accident
San Antonio, TX -- January 13, 2017. Maria Ochoa was fatally injured following an accident in which a driver crashed into her car fled the scene.
The San Antonio Police Department responded to the accident scene in the early morning hours of Friday. 56-year-old Ochoa was pulling out of the parking lot of a sports bar near the intersection of Bandera Road and Palm Drive.
As she pulled out of the parking lot, a vehicle slammed into the side of her car, sending her vehicle out of control. Her vehicle hopped a curb and crashed into a restaurant. The other driver then fled the scene of the accident on foot.
Ochoa suffered fatal injuries in the crash and died at the scene. The other driver was eventually convinced to turn himself in, and he was arrested. That person now faces a charge failure to stop and render aid.
No further details have been released at this time.
Map of the Area
Commentary
When it comes to a hit-and-run accident, it's good to see the suspect apprehended and facing the consequences of their actions. Whether or not that person is found guilty of their charges, there is a common issue I see when people are affected by a hit-and-run crash. That misconception is that the victims and their families are automatically compensated for the incident. This actually isn't the case.
No matter what kind of accident occurs, the defendant has every right to defend themselves from accusations of fault. This generally is a good thing since it protects innocent people from frivolous claims without evidence to back them up. However, it can create difficulties for those with legitimate claims. Without the right preparation, victims and their families can be caught off-guard and left at a disadvantage.
A lot of times, insurance companies will attempt to mitigate or avoid liability by placing blame on the victim. They often will say the victim was speeding, wasn't paying attention, didn't react in time, or somehow contributed to their own death or injury. Their hope is that they can convince victims and their families that their case wouldn't hold up in front of a trial jury and force them to settle for less than they deserve. This tactic is common and can be difficult, but with the right approach, it can be overcome.
By ensuring that a thorough, independent investigation is conducted, those affected by a car accident can prepare themselves to present insurance companies with convincing evidence of who is at fault. By doing so, they can see how their attempts to shift blame wouldn't stand up to a jury, and therefore will want to give fair compensation to the victims and their families.
--Grossman Law Offices
[jump]