The father of Kristen Kirkland, 14, has hired Beaumont attorney Cade Bernsen to take action against Elizabeth Watkins, 19, the driver in the accident that killed Kirkland and My'kala Ross, 13, Saturday night.
Watkins was Kirkland's babysitter and the Texas Department of Public Safety said Watkins was going too fast on county road 4123 in Deweyville when the truck crashed into a tree.
Keith Kirkland, Kristen's father said D.P.S. has hired a private investigator to retrace the scene to find how exactly the truck ran off the road Saturday.
"I just want to know why she was speeding," Keith said.
Keith said with the possibility of criminal charges being filed by the Newton County District Attorney, he's looking to file his own lawsuit against Watkins.
Keith said Watkins was his babysitter for his children and what was supposed to be just a ride with the babysitter, he said really turned out to be his daughter's final moment.
Meanwhile Keith and My'kala's mother, Alicia Palmer, were being surrounded by their family, friends, and the community Tuesday.
A benefit is being held to raise money for their daughter's funeral.
"Everybody is showing so much love and affection, that I wouldn't have it any other way, and I know she's in a good place," Palmer said.
An though Watkins is responsible for the wreck that took her daughter's life, she has forgiven her.
Bernsen said he will also be seeking a restraining order to make sure the truck is still intact so they can also look into what happened that night both teens were killed.
The father said he's also looking to sue the passenger of the truck, 18 year old Joseph Constantin, because he was the one who picked up his daughter.
Kirkland said he hopes this situation will remind everyone to be more careful while driving, especially with passengers in the vehicle.
So far at Tuesday's benefit, the family has raised $1,900.
An account have been set up for both teens at 5 Point Credit Union.
The account number is 8844861.
The benefit will also be going all week until Saturday.
