Crash on Fredericksburg Road claims life of 72-year-old pedestrian, officials say
SAN ANTONIO, TX, (September 07, 2024) - An elderly man possibly struck by multiple vehicles lost his life Saturday night in San Antonio, and officials have identified the victim as Joseph Smothers.
Joseph Smothers, 72, lost his life after being hit by at least one vehicle along Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio Saturday night, according to police.
According to the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office, Smothers died from blunt force injuries.
Based on preliminary findings, the 72-year-old was hit by a 2023 white Jeep Compass around 8:45 p.m. in the 5000 block of Fredericksburg Road. Shortly afterward, Smothers was struck by an unknown vehicle as authorities could locate parts of a second car in the area.
At least one motorist fled the scene, the report said.
This is an ongoing investigation.
PEDESTRIAN CRASH INVESTIGATION
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2021, there were a total of 3,881 traffic fatalities in Texas, and out of those, 725 were pedestrian fatalities. This represents a 4% increase in pedestrian fatalities from the previous year.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of Joseph Smothers may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident,” said Formica.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights,” Formica noted.
Newsline's national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica are experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help they are available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).