Texas Accident & Injury News
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children across the United States.
3 Adults, 2 Young Children Killed in Tragic 3-Vehicle Accident on U.S. Highway 281
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a tragic multi-vehicle crash resulted in 5 fatalities in Marble Falls on Sunday.¹
Police reported the accident happened at around 4:59 p.m. Sunday, May 17th, in the 3100 block of South U.S. Highway 281 in Marble Falls. 80-year-old Antonio Lara of Lago Vista was traveling northbound in a black Nissan pickup when he swerved into the southbound lanes for unknown reasons.
He first sideswiped the rear left of a white BMW hatchback occupied by 29-year-old Lance Benick, 27-year-old Hannah Benick and their 8-month-old son, all of Austin. Their vehicle sustained minor damage.
He then continued northbound in the southbound lanes until he collided head-on with a silver Hyundai hatchback occupied by 50-year-old Roxanne Mowrey, 55-year-old Ron Dykes, and two little girls, ages 3 and 5.
All occupants of both vehicles were killed.
“The Marble Falls Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to all assisting agencies, first responders, and the citizens of the Hill Country area who stopped to render aid to those involved,” the city said in a news release. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident.”
Did You Know?
Car accidents cause 1 in 4 injury deaths among children younger than 13, according to CDC data.²
When the Unthinkable Happens
Crashes like the one on Highway 281 are a sobering reminder that even the most careful families — buckled in, driving lawfully, doing everything right — can be devastated in seconds by someone else’s actions. Head-on collisions are particularly unforgiving. When a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, there’s almost no time to react and nowhere to go.
What Families Are Facing After a Crash Like This
Grief doesn’t pause for paperwork. But in the days and weeks after a fatal crash, families are often thrust into a flood of decisions they’re not prepared to make — police reports, insurance calls, medical bills, funeral arrangements, and questions from investigators.
It’s an overwhelming amount to process while also trying to just breathe.
If you’ve lost a child or a loved one in a crash caused by another driver, there are a few things worth knowing early:
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters move quickly, and early statements can be used to minimize your claim.
- Preserve everything you can — photos, documents, witness contact information, and any records of expenses.
- Request the crash report as soon as it’s available. It will contain details that matter for any future legal action.
- You don’t have to accept the first settlement offer. In most cases, early offers don’t come close to reflecting the full extent of a family’s loss.
Understanding Your Rights Under Texas Law
Texas law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim when negligence causes a fatal accident. For parents who’ve lost a child, this typically means seeking compensation for funeral and burial costs, medical expenses incurred before death, and the profound emotional loss — the companionship, the milestones, the future that was taken.
No amount of money repairs that kind of loss. But holding a negligent driver accountable and ensuring your family isn’t left paying the financial costs of their mistake matters.
Lost a Child in a Fatal Car Accident? Call Shaw.
If your family lost a child or loved one in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and the life you were robbed of sharing
- And more
We’ll help you find out what you’re entitled to, for free.
At Carabin Shaw, we know there’s no legal process that can undo a loss like this. But you shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden of someone else’s mistake.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an expert wrongful death attorney in San Antonio. No fees, no obligations. Just compassionate, experienced legal guidance from a firm that puts their clients first.
We look forward to serving you.