Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Fatal 2019 Hit-and-Run
A hit-and-run driver has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a San Antonio father of four in 2019.
About the Fatal Hit-and-Run and Resulting Prison Sentence
According to News 4 SA, 50-year-old Gilbert Plaza was fatally struck as he worked on his motorcycle on the shoulder of southbound Highway 281 in August 2019.
Plaza had his tools out and was attempting to fix his Harley Davidson when Jose Alberto Martinez-Cervantes, 26 at the time, veered off the road between Del Lago Parkway and Mission Grande, slamming into Plaza. Cervantes fled the scene, driving off in a Chevy pickup truck.
Using witness descriptions along with debris left a the scene, which included a license plate, police were able to track down Martinez-Cervantes within a matter of hours. Martinez-Cervantes was detained at his house about 9 miles from the crash site where investigators found a 1997 gold Chevy pickup with significant front-end damage. The vehicle was still leaking radiator fluid from the collision.
Martinez-Cervantes admitted to being the driver and sole occupant of the Chevy pickup, admitted to hitting Plaza’s motorcycle, and admitted to leaving the scene. He also admitted to consuming alcohol, but said he did not see anyone near the motorcycle.
Martinez-Cervantes was charged with Failure to Stop and Render Aid Causing Death and later convicted. He has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run?
If you are involved in a hit-and-run, time is of the essence. If possible:
- Call the police immediately
- Write down the vehicle’s license plate number if possible
- Write down a description of the vehicle
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle
- Get the contact information of all witnesses
- Get medical attention
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
For the most part, motorcycle accidents have the same causes as traditional traffic accidents. They tend to occur in the same places, such as busy intersections, and are often the result of negligence, inattentiveness, and lapses in judgement.
The top contributing factors for multiple-vehicle motorcycle accidents at intersections include:
- Failure to yield right of way
- Failure to control speed
- Driver inattention
- Driver distraction
- Drunk driving
- Disregarding stop sign or stop light
Additional risks may be associated with inclement weather or mechanical issues and defects.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact an Experienced San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Did you get into an accident while you were riding on your motorcycle? If you were seriously injured and you know that you did not have any fault in causing the accident, you should try to seek compensation. Thomas J. Henry Law would like to help you seek financial compensation for your injuries and the trauma you have experienced
Our attorneys are available 24/7 to provide your FREE case review. If your injuries prevent you from visiting our San Antonio offices, we can send an attorney directly to you.
Our San Antonio Personal Injury Law Offices
- Phone number: 210-941-2191 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 5710 W Hausman Rd, Suite 108, San Antonio, Texas 78249
