PROSPER— Raquel Torres-Sawyer, age 41, died on March 21 after an intoxicated driver struck her vehicle at a Prosper intersection.
According to Prosper Police, the accident occurred just before 5 p.m. at Highway 380 and Lovers Lane. Dashboard camera footage revealed Torres-Sawyer was making a left turn when a black truck ran a red light and hit her SUV.
Emergency responders transported Torres-Sawyer to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police identified the truck driver as Austin Bruckner, age 25, and stated he was intoxicated at the time. Bruckner was charged with intoxication manslaughter after receiving medical treatment for serious injuries.
The incident remains under investigation by the Prosper Police Department.
Raquel Torres-Sawyer killed Prosper DUI-related accident
Incident Location
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
This accident was clearly preventable. Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people’s lives.
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,’’ explained Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
She added, “Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”
According to the National Safety Council, 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents are caused by drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medications. These accidents are the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in this country.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Raquel Torres-Sawyer could be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected,” Formica added.
If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News 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 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).