Jessica Sears Killed in South Austin Motorcycle Crash on Interstate 35

Austin, Texas (October 16, 2020) – The motorcyclist who was killed Sunday night in a six-vehicle crash in South Austin has been identified as Jessica Sears, according to officials.

The fatal crash happened around 11:15 p.m., October 11, in the 6800 block of South Interstate 35 near William Cannon Drive and Slaughter Lane.

Officials said Amber Thompson, 39, was driving a black Dodge pickup truck when she hit the Slaughter Lane off-ramp rail, ricocheted back into the southbound lanes, and struck Sears, who was riding a motorcycle.

The impact ejected Sears from her motorcycle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers said a total of six vehicles, including a semi-truck, were involved in the crash.

Thompson was arrested and has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony. She was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.

We pass our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jessica Sears.

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 with one of our highly qualified lawyers at  Joel A. Gordon & Associates, Click to call: 281-943-5555.