Jose Lerma and Isabel Lerma Among Eight Killed in Zavala County Two-Vehicle Crash on US Highway 57 near Batesville

Zavala County, Texas (November 9, 2023) – According to the Texas DPS, eight people were killed Wednesday morning in a head-on collision in Zavala County.

The fatal crash happened around 6:30 a.m., November 8, on U.S. Highway 57 near the town of Batesville, about 83 miles southwest of San Antonio.

DPS said a Honda passenger car from Houston, driven by a 21-year-old and suspected of human smuggling, was trying to evade the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office when it passed an 18-wheeler in a no-passing zone and crashed head-on into a Chevy SUV. The Chevy SUV burst into flames after the collision.

The driver and passenger of the Chevy SUV, which was from Georgia, were both killed in the crash. They have been identified as Jose Lerma, 67, and Isabel Lerma, 65, of Dalton, Georgia.

All six passengers in the Honda, which included the suspected smuggler, were also killed in the crash. The deceased migrants in the Honda were from Honduras.

The crash remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, pedestrian, 18-wheeler, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign, or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

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