Fatal Pickup Truck Accident in Texas
A man from Orion Township, Michigan has been killed in a bizarre Texas trucking accident. 62 year-old Raphael Flajole was visiting Texas to attend a family event -- his brother's serving as a priest for half a century. He was walking on the sidewalk of Seawall Boulevard when the accident occurred. A crimson Ford pickup truck moved over several traffic lanes to plow into Flajole, a dentist on Baldwin Road in his Midwestern hometown. When the accident happened, Flajole was snapping pictures by the entrance of a shop that specializes in souvenirs for tourists. After the pickup truck struck him, it dove over an embankment and ended up on the beach. This accident happened at approximately 7:00 in the morning, Sunday, June 8th.
About the Victim
Flajole had been a local dentist for 37 years. He was employed at his own practice. He was married to Carol, with whom he had four children, all daughters. He also had four granddaughters. People who knew Flajole closely referred to him as being a "good man" and "much loved husband." Some of his favorite hobbies included jogging, golfing, sailboat racing, hanging out with his friends and drinking beer. Many who knew him were fond of his talent for telling jokes, remembering trivia and storytelling. Flajole was extremely passionate about his profession and was dedicated to offering his patients fine dental care in order to help them attain so-called "nice choppers."
About the Driver
The truck driver was a 49 year-old male named Kevin Wade Wilson. Manslaughter charges have been pressed against him, as have aggravated assault charges. At the time of the accident, the driver already had some legal issues as he was on probation for a drug-related offense. Police are as yet uncertain as to whether the driver was drunk when the accident happened. Wilson's two separate charges have $500,000 and $250,000 bonds.
Wilson's injuries from the accident were relatively minor. He was treated after the accident at nearby John Sealy Hospital.
Other Victims of the Truck Accident
While Flajole was the only fatality of the accident, he wasn't the only person harmed by it. 48 year-old Shane Sabala was next to Flajole when the pickup truck hit them both. Sabala left the accident scene in stable condition, although he sustained serious injuries.
Efficient and Speedy Local Response
Galveston police, the League City Police Department, Galveston Island Beach Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety all responded quickly to the pickup truck accident. A local organization known as "Jesse Tree" also provided a helping hand. Henry Porretto, a police chief, praised all of the organizations for working as a large team to respond to the tragic and urgent situation.
About Wrongful Deaths in the State of Texas
Details regarding wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits related to this specific accident are unknown at this time. In Texas, wrongful injury claims are similar to personal injury claims, as the injured individuals are incapable of appearing in court. Another individual must do this for the deceased victim. In Texas, wrongful death lawsuits are possible when factors like lack of skill, neglect and carelessness lead to fatalities in other people. When a person is killed in a wrongful death situation, his or her parents, offspring or spouse can file the claim.
