On Sunday evening in Brownwood, Texas, a seemingly fun sledding activity turned into a life-altering injury for a 19-year-old woman when she was launched “with great speed” under a parked pickup truck. The incident happened around 5:10 p.m. near Gordon Wood Stadium, where first responders were called to a chaotic scene involving a vehicle and a serious pedestrian injury.
According to police, another 19-year-old, Jayden Michael Garcia, tied a pallet behind his truck with a rope and allowed people, including the victim, to sled behind as he drove. At some point, Garcia lost control of the vehicle, and the sledder was flung under another parked pickup, suffering serious injuries.
Garcia has since been charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
The Human Toll of Reckless Choices
News headlines often focus on the legal outcomes and criminal charges. What they too often gloss over are the real human costs: hospital bills, long-term care, lost income, emotional trauma, and the ripple effects on family and support networks.
In this Brownwood case, the victim didn’t just take a hit—she was violently thrown into a stationary vehicle at speed. Injuries from accidents like these can range from broken bones and internal trauma to traumatic brain injury and lifelong disability. Even when a criminal case moves forward, the victim still has to cope with recovery and financial fallout. That’s where civil legal help becomes critical.
Why Victims Should Consider a Personal Injury Claim
A criminal prosecution focuses on punishing the at-fault party. A personal injury claim, by contrast, is about your recovery—getting compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.
Texas law allows victims to pursue these damages when someone else’s negligence or reckless conduct causes an injury. A sled tied behind a moving truck is inherently dangerous, and when that risk results in serious injury, the injured person can hold the responsible party accountable in civil court.
However, insurance companies aren’t in the business of paying out big settlements without a fight. They’ll push back, look for ways to reduce liability, or claim pre-existing conditions. If you’re dealing with insurers and your injuries, having an experienced attorney in your corner can make all the difference.
How The Burkett Law Firm Can Help You
The Burkett Law Firm is a Texas personal injury law firm with decades of trial experience helping clients who have been hurt through no fault of their own. Here’s how they stand out for injured clients:
Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyers
At The Burkett Law Firm, attorneys are board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—the highest level of recognition a personal injury lawyer can achieve in the state. Board certification reflects superior experience, knowledge, and a track record of success in serious injury cases.
Dedicated, Personalized Representation
This isn’t a “big box” firm that churns through clients. Every case is treated personally, with medical experts, investigators, and seasoned attorneys working together to build the strongest possible claim.
Proven Results and Client Commitment
The firm has helped recover millions of dollars for clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents and catastrophic injuries—situations similar in severity to the Brownwood sledding accident scenario.
Handling the Legal Burden So You Can Heal
When injuries are severe, victims are often overwhelmed by medical treatment and recovery. The Burkett team handles:
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Investigation and evidence gathering
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Negotiation with hostile insurance companies
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Filing all necessary legal paperwork
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Maximizing your compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more
They also operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless they win. That means you don’t shoulder upfront attorney fees during an already stressful time.
Getting Legal Help Soon Matters
In Texas, there’s a legal deadline—called a statute of limitations—to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose the right to seek compensation forever. That’s why contacting a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury is essential.
What to Do After an Accident Like This
If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident involving reckless conduct:
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Seek medical attention right away.
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Document everything: medical bills, diagnoses, missed work, photos of injuries, and the scene.
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Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without a lawyer present.
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Contact a personal injury attorney like The Burkett Law Firm for a free consultation and case review.
Recovering with Confidence
Accidents caused by reckless conduct aren’t just unfortunate—they’re preventable. When someone else’s choices leave you injured, you deserve full financial recovery and a legal advocate fighting for your rights.
The Burkett Law Firm has the experience, certifications, and compassionate support injured Texans need to pursue a successful personal injury claim and move forward with confidence.
