AUSTIN, TX – Motorcyclist dies in fatal Austin drunk driving accident last Thursday night in southeast Austin, claiming the life of 34-year-old Eliasib Cortes Vargas, a Puerto Rican Armed Forces veteran. The fatal collision occurred at 9:19 p.m. on South Pleasant Valley Road, near East Riverside Drive, when Vargas's motorcycle was struck by an SUV.
The driver of the SUV, Thomas Ajanel Chan, was arrested at the scene and later booked into the Travis County Jail on a DWI charge. Additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.
Vargas was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
In the wake of the tragedy, Vargas’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for transporting his body back to Puerto Rico and covering funeral expenses. The campaign reflects the family's desire to honor his memory in his homeland.
Drunk Driving Tragedies and Your Legal Rights
As loved ones grieve the loss of Eliasib Cortes Vargas, his death stands as a painful reminder of just how devastating the consequences of drunk driving can be. What happened to Vargas is not an isolated incident. It is part of a much larger crisis that affects thousands of families across the country each year. Behind each statistic is a real person, a grieving family, and a life cut short far too soon.
Drunk Driving Deaths in the United States
Every day, an average of 37 people lose their lives in drunk driving crashes across the United States, making it one of the leading causes of preventable deaths nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- More than 11,000 lives are lost each year to drunk driving, accounting for roughly one-third of all traffic-related deaths.
- In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-related crashes, representing 31% of all traffic fatalities.
- The financial toll is staggering, with drinking and driving costing over $58 billion annually in deaths and damages.
Wrongful Death Claim
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Eliasib Cortes Vargas may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. When a person is killed in a drunk driving crash, Texas law recognizes this as a wrongful death. This type of legal action is specifically designed to provide justice and compensation to families who have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct—such as driving under the influence of alcohol.
What Compensation May Be Available?
A successful wrongful death claim can provide compensation for:
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of love, companionship, and support
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Lost financial support and future earnings
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving
The Importance of Legal Action
Legal action serves multiple purposes: it provides compensation to grieving families, holds negligent drivers accountable, and sends a message that society will not tolerate this reckless behavior. Acting quickly is crucial, as evidence must be preserved and legal deadlines met.
Finding Support and Justice After a Tragic Loss
Losing a loved one in a drunk driving crash is devastating. It turns life upside down in an instant, leaving families to cope with grief, unanswered questions, and unexpected financial burdens. No one should have to navigate that kind of pain alone.
While nothing can ever replace the person you have lost, taking legal action can help bring accountability and provide the support needed to begin rebuilding. If your family has been affected by a tragedy like this, please know that you have rights and options. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can offer clarity, guidance, and a path toward justice that honors your loved one’s memory.
If you are ready to explore your legal options or simply need someone to talk to, we are here for you 24/7. Call us at (888) 853-8169. Our team is here to listen with compassion and help your family take the next step.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eliasib Cortes Vargas and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. No words can ease the pain of such a tragedy. During this difficult time, please know that you are in our thoughts.
