Teen Driver Falls to Her Death After Crash on Bridge

A 17-year-old girl fell to her death after being involved in a car accident on a Sam Houston Tollway ramp flyover in Houston. The teen was reportedly involved in a major crash in a busy section of the road before fleeing from her vehicle.

The Tragic Accident

A teenage driver lost her life after being involved in an accident on Wednesday, October 13. Just after midnight, Houston authorities received a call about a major single-vehicle crash on a Sam Houston Tollway ramp flyover lane, one of the busiest stretches of road going in and out of the Houston metro area.

The victim’s vehicle was disabled on the busy roadway. Witnesses told police that she probably feared for her safety. She fled her vehicle, jumping over a barrier wall to the ground below the flyover. According to Houston police, the teen most likely died on impact.

"It seems like maybe she was trying to get away from other traffic on the freeway. You know how it is at night, she might have been trying to get away, maybe didn't know what was below, unfortunately," Houston Police Lt. Mark Contreras told reporters.

Authorities theorize that the girl was disoriented and confused following her crash and may not have known about the drop on the other side of the barrier wall.

The identity of the victim has not yet been released. Her vehicle reportedly had temporary paper registration plates.

Staying Safe After An Accident: What You May Not Know

Every car accident is different, but there are a few basic rules that you can keep in mind to protect yourself. Most of these rules are relatively intuitive: call the police, get contact and insurance information from the other drivers involved, and document the scene and your injuries. 

However, there is one essential rule that seems to be the opposite of what most of us want to do after an accident.

Speeding traffic, flying debris, and environmental hazards like the one described in the case above can each be incredibly dangerous for accident victims. While moving from your vehicle to a safe place away from traffic may be possible in some cases, you should only attempt to do so if you can be sure there is absolutely no traffic.

Like in the case above, accident victims are often afraid that their vehicles may be struck again by passing cars, leading them to flee their vehicles. However, your body is far more vulnerable outside your vehicle than inside, and you’re as likely, if not more likely, to be hit by traffic.

If you’re ever involved in an accident in Texas, remember to stay in your vehicle until emergency services arrive. If you’ve been injured, an auto accident attorney may be able to help you seek financial relief.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Texas, reach out to the compassionate car and truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of Bobby Garcia for help getting the compensation you deserve.

Source: ABC13