The Rensselaer Tragedy: Analyzing the Fatal Motorcycle Hit-and-Run in Jasper County
The impact was catastrophic. A 63-year-old motorcyclist, Randy Sizemore, was traveling eastbound on State Road 14 in rural Rensselaer on a Saturday evening when his life was cut short in an instant. A 21-year-old driver, identified as Esly Isai Fuentes Sanabrias, was driving a Hyundai Elantra on County Road 1100 W. According to investigators from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, Sanabrias blew through a stop sign, colliding with Sizemore’s motorcycle.
The force of the collision sent Mr. Sizemore into a wooded area, where he was later declared dead. Instead of stopping to render aid, Sanabrias and another individual allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot before being apprehended by law enforcement.
At Attorney911, we have spent over 27 years fighting for families who have lost loved ones to this exact brand of senseless negligence. When a driver disregards a traffic signal and then attempts to escape accountability, it isn’t just an accident—it’s a legal emergency. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent his career holding negligent parties accountable in federal and state courts, and our team includes former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña, who knows exactly how the other side will try to minimize this tragedy.
If you are a family member of a victim or have been injured in a similar collision in Jasper County, you need to know that the next 48 hours are critical for preserving evidence. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate assistance.
Analyzing Liability: The Disregarded Stop Sign in Rensselaer
The preliminary investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department is clear: there were no view obstructions that would have prevented Sanabrias from seeing the stop sign or the oncoming traffic. This makes the case a clear example of what we call “negligence per se” under the law. When a driver violates a safety statute—like failing to stop at a marked intersection—they are often presumed negligent as a matter of law.
However, in a case involving a fatal hit-and-run, the investigation must go deeper than the police report. At Attorney911, we look at the “Collection Stack” to identify every possible source of recovery for the victim’s family. While Sanabrias is being held without bond, the civil side of this case requires answering several key questions:
- Was Sanabrias working at the time? If the Hyundai Elantra was being used for a delivery service (like DoorDash or Uber Eats) or for a corporate employer, the employer may be vicariously liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
- Who owns the Hyundai Elantra? If Sanabrias was driving someone else’s car, the owner could be liable for “negligent entrustment” if they knew he was an unfit or reckless driver.
- Where was Sanabrias before the crash? At 21 years old, if he had been overserved alcohol at a bar or restaurant in Jasper County, the establishment could be liable under the Texas Dram Shop Act (or equivalent local statutes). We regularly investigate bar tabs, receipts, and surveillance footage to see if an establishment prioritized profit over public safety.
Learn more about the legal process in our video, “What Exactly Is a Personal Injury?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWdADo3DHRI.
The Physics of a Motorcycle Collision: Why Riders Pay the Price
In any collision between a passenger car like a Hyundai Elantra and a motorcycle, the physics are stacked against the rider. A typical car weighs around 4,000 pounds, while a motorcycle weighs roughly 600 pounds. When a car disregards a stop sign at highway speeds, the kinetic energy transferred to the rider is often fatal.
Randy Sizemore was 63 years old. For experienced riders, the greatest threat is often not their own skill, but the inattention of younger, distracted, or impaired drivers. In Texas, our data shows that roughly one motorcyclist dies every day on our roads. Furthermore, 42% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a car turning left or crossing in front of a bike—exactly the type of right-of-way violation seen in Rensselaer.
As client Jamin Marroquin described his experience with our firm: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.” We bring that same tenacity to every motorcycle case, ensuring that the “reckless biker” stereotype used by insurance companies never takes root in your case.
Jasper County Data: The Reality of Intersection Failures
While this specific tragedy occurred in rural Rensselaer, the factors involved are reflected in crash data across the country. In 2024, Texas saw 1,050 deaths at intersections. The factor “Failed to Yield ROW — Stop Sign” caused 31,693 crashes statewide, 154 of which were fatal.
In Jasper County and surrounding rural corridors, the risk is amplified by higher speeds and the false sense of security that “empty” country roads can provide. But as the investigation into the SR 14 and CR 1100 W crash proves, a single moment of disregard can have permanent consequences.
Our firm has a proven track record of handling catastrophic and fatal accidents. As documented in our firm’s results: “At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.” (Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)
The Insurance Defense Playbook: Why Lupe Peña’s Insider Knowledge Matters
Right now, the insurance company representing the driver of the Hyundai Elantra is likely already working to build a defense. They may try to argue that the motorcyclist was speeding or that there was some level of comparative fault.
This is where Attorney911 provides an “unfair advantage.” Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies. He knows the software they use, like Colossus, to undervalue claims. He knows that they will search for any “gap in treatment” or social media post to claim the victim’s family isn’t suffering.
Lupe’s Insider Quote: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They aren’t documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”
In a hit-and-run case, the insurance company may even try to claim that their driver fled because they were “in shock” rather than impaired or negligent. We don’t buy those excuses. We know their tactics because we’ve seen them from the inside.
The 48-Hour Evidence Window: What You Must Do Now
In the aftermath of the Rensselaer crash, evidence is already disappearing. The 911 caller saw a badly damaged motorcycle and Hyundai, but physical debris, skid marks, and even electronic data from the Hyundai’s “black box” (Event Data Recorder) can be lost or overwritten within days.
If you find yourself in a legal emergency in Jasper County, follow our 48-Hour Protocol:
- Preserve Digital Evidence: Do not delete any photos or videos taken at the scene.
- Identify Witnesses: The 911 caller and any others who saw the Hyundai or the suspects fleeing on foot are critical.
- Send Spoliation Letters: We send these letters within 24 hours of being hired. They legally require the driver, the insurance company, and any potential employers to preserve all records, including cell phone data and vehicle maintenance logs.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: Never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. They are trained to trap you into admitting fault.
For more information on the immediate steps after a crash, watch “The Victim’s Guide to Car Crash Compensation” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLbNemS_YlM.
Multi-Million Dollar Results for Catastrophic Injuries
Our firm is one of the few in the region with the resources to take on billion-dollar corporations and complex insurance structures. We were involved in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a $2.1 billion case. We bring that same level of “nuclear” litigation capability to every Jasper County accident case we handle.
Consider these documented results from our firm:
* “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
* “In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”
* “In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship… we were able to reach a significant cash settlement.”
(Nature of cases: brain injury, amputation, maritime. Circumstances vary; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions After a Fatal Jasper County Accident
What should I do if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
In a hit-and-run, your first priority is your safety and medical care. However, once you are stable, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage often becomes the primary source of recovery. Most people don’t realize their own policy covers them in these situations. Learn more in our video “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8.
Can I sue the driver if they are facing criminal charges?
Yes. The criminal case (handled by the Jasper County Prosecutor) and the civil case (handled by Attorney911) are two separate tracks. While the driver, Esly Isai Fuentes Sanabrias, is currently being held for the hit-and-run and traffic violations, the civil case is how your family recovers for medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
What is my case worth?
The value of a wrongful death or catastrophic injury case in Jasper County depends on several factors, including the available insurance limits, the age and earning capacity of the victim, and the degree of negligence involved. When a driver flees the scene and disregards a stop sign, we often pursue punitive damages to punish the egregious behavior.
How do I afford a lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case. We advance all costs for expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and investigators. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Rensselaer Accident Case?
When disaster strikes at an intersection on State Road 14, you don’t need a lawyer who just handles cases—you need a firm that insurance companies fear. Ralph Manginello has been licensed for 27+ years and is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. We have been in the trenches against major corporations and won.
As client Stephanie Hernandez shared: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” Our dedicated staff, including case managers like Leonor and Melanie, ensure you are never “just another case number.”
We are a bilingual firm—Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña and our staff members like Zulema ensure that language is never a barrier to justice. As Celia Dominguez noted: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
Contact the Legal Emergency Lawyers™
The investigation into the death of Randy Sizemore is ongoing, but your family’s fight for justice should start today. If you have been affected by this crash or a similar incident in Jasper County, call our emergency line at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin preserving the evidence that will win your case.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Principal Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com
Your fight starts with one call. We answer. We fight. We win. 1-888-ATTY-911.