People generally don’t expect a car crash to happen to them. Even if they understand that it is statistically likely that they may be involved in motor vehicle accidents more than once in their lifetime, it usually isn’t at the top of their mind. Unfortunately, car crashes are an all too common occurrence for many here in Texas. Certain types of accidents may even be more likely to result in someone’s death. A recent wrong-way crash shows just how quickly a bad decision can have a devastating outcome.
The collision in question happened on a recent weeknight a few minutes after midnight. According to police, a passenger truck was traveling northward in the southward lanes of a state highway. Authorities claim that the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed, at nearly 90 mph. A deputy reported seeing the speeding truck and police made the effort to stop the vehicle with stop sticks, but they were unable to do so before the crash happened.
The truck allegedly struck a sedan heading south. The crash resulted in the death of the driver of the sedan, while the other driver remains in ICU. Police say that they have reason to believe that the wrong-way driver may have been driving under the influence. Authorities have not announced whether they intend to file criminal charges against the truck driver.
Criminal charges may not be the only legal matter the truck driver could face. The family of the driver who died could decide to file a wrongful death claim against the other driver. Monetary damages may be awarded to the family if such a claim was successful. An experienced personal injury attorney here in Texas can help any families who may have lost loved ones to motor vehicle accidents determine how best to proceed.