Knapp & Roberts Pro Bono Trial Victory, Jury Awards $3,000,000 In Wrongful Death Case
By Craig Knapp on April 2, 2016

For more than two years, the Phoenix wrongful death attorneys at Knapp & Roberts have worked toward justice for the parents who lost their son unexpectedly and tragically to a driver high on methamphetamine.

Around 6:30 in the morning on March 26, 2013, Raymond Barela fell asleep while driving west on Indian School Road and approaching its intersection with 67^th Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona. He drove across the eastbound traffic lanes, onto the sidewalk, and travelled between the bus stop and the city bus loading and unloading passengers. Three pedestrians were standing in this area waiting to board. Jesus Chavez, 47 years old, was run over by the truck and died at the scene of the crash.

Another man, 43 years old, was hit and thrown to the west. He was transported to a local hospital and died during surgery.

Barela was arrested and charged with two counts of Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, and Aggravated DUI. Barela admitted to the use of methamphetamine and falling asleep at the wheel. Two Phoenix Police Drug Recognition Experts noted the signs and symptoms found during Barela’s drug impairment evaluation. Barela had poor balance, slurred/mumbled speech, and a rapid pulse. He repeatedly fell asleep, has constricted pupils and performed poorly on his drug evaluation. Barela was also driving on a suspended license at the time of the accident.

The surviving parents of Jesus Chavez, who reside in Mexico, brought this wrongful death case to Knapp & Roberts who took their case on pro bono (free legal services) and paid all the expenses. The parents wanted to educate the public about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and also send a message to those who choose to drive intoxicated. Attorney Craig Knapp litigated the case for over two years, and on March 30, 2016, a jury in Maricopa County Superior Court returned a $3,000,000 verdict in favor of Jesus’ parents.

Knapp & Roberts prides itself in representing victims of negligence and wrongful death matters with the goal of inspiring change that improves the safety for everyone in our community. Our pro bono efforts are making a difference, one case at a time.