Tennis Star Venus Williams Blamed for Fatal Car Accident

Tennis superstar Venus Williams has been found “at fault” for a fatal car accident, which resulted in the death of 78-year-old Jerome Barson. According to a TMZ news report, the collision occurred June 9 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Officials say Williams’ northbound SUV suddenly entered the intersection and caused the vehicle carrying Barson and his wife to T-bone her SUV.

Failure to Yield the Right of Way

Williams told police she was trying to make it through the intersection, but there was traffic backup and she had to slow down to a crawl with her car exposed in the intersection. The other driver said there was no time to stop and that she struck Williams’ vehicle. Barson, who was the passenger, suffered head trauma and was hospitalized for two weeks. He never recovered and died from his injuries.

The driver, Barson’s wife, also suffered broken bones and other injuries, but is expected to survive. Police have determined that Williams caused the accident and is at fault for violating the other driver’s right of way at the intersection. There is no evidence that Williams was under the influence or distracted by an electronic device.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Barson’s family. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife and wish her the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Injuries and Compensation

A number of street intersection car accidents are caused by drivers’ failure to yield the right of way. Broadside or T-bone crashes that occur in such circumstances can, in particular, be devastating, especially for passengers because the side of the vehicle’s door can cave and cause catastrophic or even fatal injuries.

The victim’s family in this case may have a wrongful death claim against Williams. They may be able to file this civil claim even if the tennis player is not criminally charged in connection with this fatal crash. A wrongful death claim is usually filed by family members of a deceased victim whose death was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship.

Victims’ families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney who will represent them in competent and compassionate manner, stay abreast of the official investigation and protect their rights every step of the way.