Person cited with misdemeanor in connection to fatal pedestrian crash at Tyler bus stop

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) — The Tyler Police Department said one person has been cited in connection to a fatal pedestrian crash in Tyler on July 9.

Officials said one person has been cited with failure to yield the right of way, a Class C misdemeanor, in connection to Sandra Abrego’s death. A Class ‘C’ misdemeanor can result in a fine of up to $500 and no jail time.

“After all of the investigation was done, the only thing that we can charge anybody with is failed to yield right-of-way on the black truck that pulled out into the path of the white truck, which then again impacted another car that was going northbound, which then caused it to careen  with the bus station,” Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said.

Tyler PD did not release the identity of the person cited and did not comment if any additional charges would be added.

“The only probable cause that we had at that time criminally was the failed yield the right-of-way,” Erbaugh said. “Civilly is a completely different entity and can be a lesser burden of proof, and that’ll probably happen between the attorneys and insurance officers later.”

Tyler PD’s investigation is now closed, but attorneys said the family of the victim could pursue options, such as, a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit would focus on the negligence of the driver who reportedly caused the accident.

“Monetary damages is the main means of recovering anything from the other driver. It’s established based on a number of factors, you know, how the earning capacity of that person, how they contributed the family, pain and suffering,” said attorney Justin Roberts, with the Roberts and Roberts law firm

In this case, Roberts said the driver who swerved to avoid the black truck could be a witness for the family, if they decide to go this route.

“They could help that family by explaining exactly what happened and in other words, providing evidence that can be used in court to show a jury or show the insurance company exactly what happened,” said Roberts.

The driver who avoided the black truck could also pursue a case of their own.

“They certainly may have a vehicle claim for the damage to the vehicle. Certainly there is some trauma there and that could be part of the claim potentially for what they had to experience because of this other driver,” said Roberts.

People wanting to help Abrego’s family can donate to their GoFundMe.

“No one in the family expected this tragedy. The funds we raise will go towards my mother’s funeral and to repatriate her to El Salvador where she wanted to be buried,” Melissa Abrego, Sandra’s daughter, said in the GoFundMe. “We will also use those funds to help my 9-year-old brother, who depended on my mother. Any help is really appreciated. Thank you very much in advance for your help during these difficult times.”

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