Tragic Accident in Central Texas Leads to Civil Lawsuit
Relatives of three Dallas women who were killed last month in a fiery, chain collision crash in Central Texas have filed a civil lawsuit against the accused driver.
The eight-page suit, filed Monday in Williamson County, is seeking at least $1 million in damages on behalf of Thalia Salinas, Jacqueline Velazco and Ruby Cruz. Two other victims, identified as Desiree Cervantes and Brianna Valadez, also died in the July 25 crash in Burnet County but they are not part of this particular litigation.
The Accident and Its Aftermath
In addition to being named in the civil lawsuit, Kody Lane Talley, 37, is also facing five charges of manslaughter in connection with the deadly wreck on U.S. Highway 281.
“There is a wrong that needs to be addressed, an accountability that needs to be taken for the loss of life here,” said attorney Matthew Graham, who is representing three of the five victims’ families. “It’s [a] horrible, tragic loss of five beautiful young ladies.”
Graham said he anticipates lawsuits on behalf of the other two victims – Cervantes and Valadez – will follow.
Details of the Crash
State troopers responded to a traffic accident after a 2018 Ram 4500 truck, pulling a livestock trailer, was traveling north before it crossed into the southbound lanes and struck a Chevrolet Malibu head on, according to earlier statements from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The truck then collided with a Mercedes SUV, which was behind the Malibu, before the SUV overturned and caught fire, killing all five of the women inside.
Allegations Against the Accused Driver
According to the lawsuit, it is believed that Talley “was operating the vehicle while intoxicated.” Additionally, Graham said the accused driver has had two previous convictions for driving while intoxicated.
“Given [Talley’s] history and given the circumstances of the crash – wherein he drove into oncoming traffic with his accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor – something was wrong and it goes past mere negligence, in our opinion, it was reckless, at least,” Graham said.
Other Parties Involved in the Lawsuit
Talley’s father, Charles Talley, and his business, Texas Camp Horses, are also included in the lawsuit. Graham said Charles Talley’s “guilt is almost as significant as his son’s,” because he owns the business and the truck, and he made the decision to put Talley behind the wheel.
Talley was being held in Burnet County jail as of Tuesday evening. His bond is set at $1 million, records show.
Conclusion and Call to Action
“The kind of behavior that led to the accident can be corrected. These sort of tragedies are totally unnecessary,” Graham said. “These girls didn’t need to die and this guy just shouldn’t have been on the road.”
The lawsuit is seeking justice for the victims and their families, and to raise awareness about the importance of responsible driving and the dangers of driving under the influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in the accident?
A: A 2018 Ram 4500 truck, pulling a livestock trailer, crossed into the southbound lanes and struck a Chevrolet Malibu head on, causing a chain collision that resulted in the deaths of five women.
Q: Who is the accused driver?
A: Kody Lane Talley, 37, is the accused driver and is facing five charges of manslaughter in connection with the deadly wreck.
Q: What is the lawsuit seeking?
A: The lawsuit is seeking at least $1 million in damages on behalf of the victims and their families.
Q: Are there any other parties involved in the lawsuit?
A: Yes, Talley’s father, Charles Talley, and his business, Texas Camp Horses, are also included in the lawsuit.
Q: What is the current status of the accused driver?
A: Talley is being held in Burnet County jail with a bond set at $1 million.
