Fernando Benavidez Jr. Killed in Kenedy County Two-Vehicle Crash on U.S. 77

Kenedy County, Texas (August 20, 2021) – According to the Texas DPS, two people were killed, and another was injured Tuesday night in a fiery two-vehicle crash near the Kenedy and Willacy County line.

The fatal crash happened around 10:20 p.m., August 17, on U.S. 77, south of Sarita.

DPS said a tractor-trailer rig was traveling southbound on the highway when it veered off the highway and struck a Chevrolet Tahoe that was parked off the roadway after it had run out of gas.

The force of the impact caused the tractor-trailer to overturn, skid off the roadway, and catch fire, trapping the driver inside.

The Tahoe driver, 48-year-old Fernando Benavidez Jr. of West Chester, Pa., was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger was taken to Spohn Kleberg Hospital in Kingsville.

The driver of the tractor-trailer rig was also pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity has not been released.

The troopers are investigating the crash.

Commercial trucks are known to cause over 90% of accidents in Texas. These truck drivers must understand that their actions majorly contribute to most of the accidents on the roads. It is also important for others on the same roads with truck drivers to understand that maximum precaution should be taken while driving near trucks. While small mistakes like ignoring the turn signal prior to turning may cause accidents, major causes of these accidents are rooted in other factors like exhaustion on the part of truck drivers. If the reasons for the crash are anchored to the failure of following the right turn or driving at a speed that is not legally recommended a wrongful death lawyer will be useful in such scenarios. 

If you have lost a loved one in an accident with a huge truck, it is advisable to get a lawyer who will facilitate the process of compensation.

Our attorneys at  Joel A. Gordon & Associates will fight for you.

To speak with an attorney Click to call: 281-943-5555.