Legally Blind Motorist Kills Motorcycle Rider in Waco, Texas

You never know who is out there driving on the road with you.  As Houston motorcycle accident attorneys, we see cases where unlicensed drivers, drivers under the influence and distracted drivers cause severe injuries to their fellow drivers.  However, this Texas story is in some ways even scarier.  The litany of mistakes made in the fatal Waco, Texas motorcycle-vehicle accident is long and sad.  A blind driver with an unrestrained infant hit and killed a helmetless motorcycle rider.  The death toll could have been much higher.

A 39-year-old Waco, Texas woman has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a fatal traffic accident that killed a motorcyclist.  She admitted to police that she is legally blind and should not have been driving.  Trena Evette Mitchell surrendered to Waco police and is charged with manslaughter and injury to a child.  She was later released on bond.

The blind driver was attempting a left turn and failed to yield the right of way to 45-year-old Richard Craig Schroeder.  Her car smashed into Schroeder's 1998 Harley-Davidson motorcyle which he was riding without a helmet.  Schroeder, who was carrying toys for charity, was thrown from his bike.

Ms. Mitchell had four children in her car, including a 2-month-old who was not restrained in a car seat and went to the hospital after the wreck.  Mitchell has been issued two previous citations for driving without a license.  She told police that she did not see the motorcycle coming toward her and did not see any other vehicles.

Schroeder was taken to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about an hour after the wreck.

How was this woman still able to get out on the road and drive?  Why were drastic steps not taken to prevent her from driving before this tragic accident?  Fellow drivers, especially motorcycle riders, be careful because you never know if another driver can see you out on the road.

Texas motorcyclists are protected under Texas motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable for injuries they cause or even a wrongful death.  A biker who is involved in a Texas motorcycle accident may obtain compensation for his or her injuries that were caused by the other driver’s negligence.  Damages may include payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss, and more.

If you sustained an injury in a Texas motorcycle accident and you haven’t contacted a lawyer contact the experienced legal team of Houston motorcycle injury lawyers at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer and Harris, LLP. We’ll listen to you and help you understand your options.  Contact us today at 1-800-282-2122 or at info@smslegal.com.