Venus Williams Denies Responsibility in Fatal Crash, Claims Passenger Wasn't Wearing a Seat Belt

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Venus Williams is denying claims that she was responsible for a fatal car crash she was involved in last month, that led to the injury of Linda Barson and the death of her husband, Jerome Barson.

In court documents obtained by ET, the 37-year-old tennis star alleges that the injuries sustained by the Barsons were a result of their "negligence and/or assumed risk" which contributed to the severity of their injuries, and that their vehicle was not maintained to legal standards.

The documents claim that the fatal injuries suffered in the crash were "caused by the unreasonable failure of [Barson] to use an available and operational seat belt at the time of the accident."


WATCH: Venus Williams Speaks Out For the First Time Since Fatal Car Crash: 'I Am Devastated'

Additionally, the documents claim that Linda, who was driving the vehicle, did not suffer "a permanent injury, scarring, disfigurement, or other sufficient injury" to meet the required conditions to be awarded money in damages, under Florida Law.

While there have been conflicting reports regarding the details of the fatal crash, which occurred in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on June 9, footage from the incident shows Williams entering an intersection where her SUV was then T-boned by the Barsons' vehicle.

The 78-year-old passenger reportedly suffered head trauma and was sent to the hospital, where he was reportedly placed in the intensive care unit for two weeks up until his death. His wife claims to have suffered broken bones and other injuries.


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The lawsuit against Williams was filed by the estate of the deceased.

On June 29, Williams' attorney, Malcolm Cunningham, released a statement to ET, claiming, "Ms. Williams entered the intersection on a green light. The police report estimates that Ms. Williams was traveling at 5 miles per hour when Mrs. Barson crashed into her. Authorities did not issue Ms. Williams with any citations or traffic violations. This is an unfortunate accident and Venus expresses her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one."


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On June 30, Williams broke her silence on the crash, taking to Facebook to share her condolences with Barson's family publicly.

"I am devastated and heartbroken by this accident," Williams wrote. "My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jerome Barson and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers."

Watch the video below for more on Williams' response to the fatal crash.