25-Year-Old James A. Mares Killed in North Austin Two-Vehicle Crash on Mearns Meadow Boulevard and Rutland Drive

Austin, Texas (February 12, 2020) – The man who was killed in a two-vehicle crash early Monday morning at a North Austin intersection has been identified as 25-year-old James A. Mares, according to the police.

The fatal crash occurred at about 1:30 a.m. February 10, in the area of Mearns Meadow Boulevard and Rutland Drive.

Police said Mares was driving a Saturn sedan northbound on Mearns Meadow Boulevard and had a green light when he was broadsided by a speeding Mitsubishi Lancer, which had run a red light at the intersection.

Mares was pronounced dead at the scene.

Elmer Cortez-Reyes, 21, was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter.

The APD is investigating the crash. Anyone with information regarding this crash should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-4424. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD.

We pass our sincere condolences to the family and friends of James A. Mares.

In Texas, a driver is legally intoxicated after consuming alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. A driver is also considered intoxicated if they don’t have the normal use of their mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol. Alcohol, however, is not the only intoxicant, as drivers can become intoxicated by ingesting prescription and illegal drugs such as crack, marijuana, and cocaine.

Regardless of what substance caused the driver’s reaction time to become significantly altered, intoxication by any means can cause terrible accidents and injuries.

Innocent victims harmed by drunk drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including but not limited to medical expenses; lost wages; pain and suffering and mental anguish; physical impairment and disability; and most importantly, punitive damages to deter future conduct. If a death occurred because of a drunk driver, you will want a knowledgeable accident lawyer to bring a wrongful death action against the drunk driver.

To speak to one of our highly qualified lawyers, Click to call: 281-943-5555.