A lawsuit seeking damages in the wrongful death of Quma Martinez Carrillo was started on July 15, 2024. Carrillo was fatally injured in Odessa, Texas, when a 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack being test-driven collided with her car. The driver, a car salesman, and the dealership are named as defendants in the suit.
Carrillo, 47, was operating her 2005 Honda Accord near East University Drive and Oakwood Drive on June 7, 2024, when she was hit by the Dodge Challenger. The car was being test driven by 37-year-old Benjamin Meece, with Kenneth Salas, a salesman from All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Odessa, accompanying him as a passenger.
Court documents reveal that the Dodge Challenger was moving at a speed exceeding 120 mph in a 45 mph zone. Matt Greenberg, an attorney from Zehl & Associates representing Carrillo’s family, pointed out that the lawsuit centers on how a driver with a history of recklessness was allowed to test drive a high-performance sports car, which ultimately resulted in Carrillo’s death.
Carrillo was thrown from her car due to the impact of the collision. Her daughter, Natasha Hitchcock, happened upon the scene of the accident while on her way to buy coffee. The lawsuit documents the psychological trauma Hitchcock experienced upon discovering her mother’s body by the roadside.
Meece left the scene of the accident but was later found hiding under plywood in a nearby backyard. He was arrested and faces charges related to the collision resulting in death, aggravated assault causing severe bodily harm, and manslaughter. His driving record reveals over 25 arrests since 2005, including charges for reckless driving and unauthorized vehicle use among others.
The lawsuit accuses the dealership of negligence for allowing Meece to test drive the powerful vehicle despite his driving record. It also underlines salesperson Salas’ alleged history of encouraging reckless test drives, including social media posts bragging about “a hell of a test drive” with customers.
Carrillo’s children, Natasha Hitchcock and Alexis Urias, along with their brother, identified as G.C., are seeking damages in excess of $1 million. The damages are to cover funeral costs, loss of income, loss of companionship, and mental suffering.
Lithia Motors, the parent company of the dealership, refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation but confirmed that Salas is no longer with the company. The case has brought to light questions regarding the responsibilities of dealerships and sales staff in ensuring the safety of test drives.
As the lawsuit progresses, it demands accountability and changes in test drive procedures across the industry. Carrillo’s family continues their pursuit of justice for their loss, hoping for enhancements in safety protocols to avoid similar incidents in the future.
