More than two years after a devastating crash on Frazier Avenue claimed the lives of his wife and son, sole survivor Octavio Paz says he has found room in his heart for forgiveness.
“I forgive him, and I feel sorry for him, because this incident isn’t something that he can take back,” Paz said following the conclusion of the criminal trial for the man convicted in the crash.
Paz attended all five days of the trial, listening as evidence was presented against the driver accused of causing the wreck, Randy Vega. When the jury returned a guilty verdict, Paz said he felt a sense of relief.
“I’m sad that my family isn’t with me, but I’m happy that they received justice,” he said.
Paz said even feels for Vega’s family because they, too, are suffering, “I feel bad for them because they were there watching this unfold… I am praying for them, and with faith in God everything will be okay.”
He also shared with us that he has no ill feelings towards Dr. Mcginty, saying, “no one could have expected any of that to happen.”
The criminal case against Vega has concluded, but legal proceedings surrounding the tragedy are far from over.
Paz’s legal team has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Chattanooga, alleging that the design of the Frazier Avenue intersection where Paz and his family were standing was defective and contributed to the deadly crash.
Attorney C. Mark Warren, who represents Paz, argues the city failed to act on safety recommendations identified years before the incident.
“There was a study commissioned by the city six years before this tragic accident happened, where the city recommended some changes in the pedestrian walkways to make it safer, and that never did happen,” Warren said.
According to Warren, there have been eight traffic crashes at the intersection since 2000. He contends the city had opportunities to improve pedestrian safety and prevent future incidents.
“This should not have happened if they had done what they could have done six years previously,” Warren said.
The lawsuit seeks $900,000 in damages and is scheduled to go before a judge in November.
Warren expects some of the same witnesses from the criminal trial could be called to testify during the civil proceedings — including the Erlanger doctor who was involved in the crash.
“I anticipate that Dr. McGinty will take the stand once again on behalf of the city. I suspect that the city will also either call Mr. Vega or use his criminal record, or the jury findings,” Warren said.
As the legal battle continues, Paz says he remains focused on healing and rebuilding his life in the aftermath of unimaginable loss.
“I’m focused on being resilient, and just getting better psychologically, and health-wise as well,” he said.
For Paz, the guilty verdict marked one chapter of the journey toward justice. The upcoming civil case will determine whether the city bears any responsibility for the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
His attorney said this on his behalf, “He’s very thankful for the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office for the great job they did at trial. They were very supportive of him from day one… He just wants to thank everybody for his support in getting through this very painful chapter of his life, so he can move on.”