One Killed in South Austin Pedestrian Accident on Menchaca Road at Slaughter Lane; Paul Joseph Garcia Jr. Arrested

Austin, Texas (February 19, 2020) – A pedestrian was killed Saturday night after being struck by a suspected drunk driver in south Austin, according to officials.

The deadly accident occurred at about 10:36 p.m. February 15, in the 10000 block of Menchaca Road at Slaughter Lane.

Police said the pedestrian was pushing a shopping cart across the street when they were hit by a 2014 white Ford Focus driven by 24-year-old Paul Joseph Garcia Jr.

The force of the impact caused the pedestrian to penetrate the windshield of the Focus and fully enter the vehicle’s passenger seat. Some of the victim’s extremities had been detached and left in the roadway.

Garcia continued driving southbound on Menchaca Road with the victim in the passenger seat. 

Garcia was later located at the South Austin Beer Garden. He was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony. His bond has been set at $80,000. 

The victim was declared dead at the scene.

An investigation is underway.

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

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.