8 Months After a Crash Killed Their Daughter, a Family is Suing
By: Aaron Nolan
Updated: May 8, 2012
The family of a Bentonville student killed on Interstate 540 has filed a lawsuit in the Benton County Circuit Court.
Eight months ago, Sara Symons was driving on her way home from Bella Vista. She had just gotten the news that she was nominated to be on the B.H.S. homecoming court.
Scott Symons, Sara's father, said, "The morning of September 1st, 2011, would prove to be one of Sara's happiest days of her life."
But, before she reached her destination, tragedy struck. 17 year old Sara Symons was killed in a car accident.
Her mother, Beth, said, "I can't even put it into words."
"No parent should ever lose a child, never."
Scott added, "The day ended with a hole ripped in our hearts that no parent should ever have to experience."
"Our only regrets is not being able to see her smile when she walked through the door of our house on the happiest day of her life, that was taken from us through the recklessness of others."
With Sara on their minds, Tuesday morning, the Symonses filed a lawsuit.
Scott Symons said, "Sara's death was not an accident."
The Symonses lawyer, Sean Keith added, "Sara Symons should be alive today."
"Sara was thrown from her vehicle, landing on the pavement, which ultimately caused her death."
The lawsuit cites 4 defendants: Kendall Riggins, the driver of a second car in Sara's accident, Riggins' employer, Lindsey and Associates, the manufacturer of the Jeep Sara was driving, Chrysler, and Honeywell, the vehicle's seat belt company.
Scott Symons added, "This lawsuit will hopefully shed light on aggressive driving and seatbelt failure."
"For the one and only time that she needed her seatbelt to protect her, it failed."
While the lawsuit won't bring Sara back, her parents hope it will prevent another family from living through a pain like theirs.
According to Keith, there is not a specified amount of money the family is asking for in this suit.
Calls to Kendall Riggins were not returned. A representative for Lindsey and Associates said the company has not been served the lawsuit at this time, and when, or if, those papers are served, Lindsey and Associates would not have a comment on ongoing litigation.
Eight months ago, Sara Symons was driving on her way home from Bella Vista. She had just gotten the news that she was nominated to be on the B.H.S. homecoming court.
Scott Symons, Sara's father, said, "The morning of September 1st, 2011, would prove to be one of Sara's happiest days of her life."
But, before she reached her destination, tragedy struck. 17 year old Sara Symons was killed in a car accident.
Her mother, Beth, said, "I can't even put it into words."
"No parent should ever lose a child, never."
Scott added, "The day ended with a hole ripped in our hearts that no parent should ever have to experience."
"Our only regrets is not being able to see her smile when she walked through the door of our house on the happiest day of her life, that was taken from us through the recklessness of others."
With Sara on their minds, Tuesday morning, the Symonses filed a lawsuit.
Scott Symons said, "Sara's death was not an accident."
The Symonses lawyer, Sean Keith added, "Sara Symons should be alive today."
"Sara was thrown from her vehicle, landing on the pavement, which ultimately caused her death."
The lawsuit cites 4 defendants: Kendall Riggins, the driver of a second car in Sara's accident, Riggins' employer, Lindsey and Associates, the manufacturer of the Jeep Sara was driving, Chrysler, and Honeywell, the vehicle's seat belt company.
Scott Symons added, "This lawsuit will hopefully shed light on aggressive driving and seatbelt failure."
"For the one and only time that she needed her seatbelt to protect her, it failed."
While the lawsuit won't bring Sara back, her parents hope it will prevent another family from living through a pain like theirs.
According to Keith, there is not a specified amount of money the family is asking for in this suit.
Calls to Kendall Riggins were not returned. A representative for Lindsey and Associates said the company has not been served the lawsuit at this time, and when, or if, those papers are served, Lindsey and Associates would not have a comment on ongoing litigation.
