Hazardous Conditions Result in Car and Truck Accidents in Kaufman County

Winter weather is starting to impact drivers in Kaufman County. Cold air, rainfall, and earlier sunsets make the roads more hazardous. There have been dozens of accidents in the last few weeks. They have caused major injuries and damage to property and vehicles. In a recent news interview, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Austin District Engineer Greg Malatek cautioned drivers: “Hazardous weather can cause problems for drivers, so if you don’t have to drive in it—don’t. If you do decide to drive, be sure to reduce your speed in icy conditions and take extra precautions when approaching bridges, shaded spots, overpasses and turns, as these areas tend to ice over first.” (http://www.kvue.com/news/TXDOT-prepares-for-winter-weather-233080011.html)

• Oct. 12, 2013: Two separate rollover accidents occurred on the same day. One of them resulted in injuries to all four passengers; one of the passengers was ejected from the vehicle during the accident. That passenger was sent to the hospital via CareFlite and AirEvac.
• Oct. 20, 2013: A major accident in Terrell killed three roping horses when the truck and trailer carrying the horses jackknifed on IH 20 and Spur 557. The driver reported that the accident may have been due to water on the road that caused the vehicle to hydroplane. A tow truck driver on scene also suffered a head injury.
• Nov. 5, 2013: Four vehicles caused an accident during rush hour on US Highway 80. The accident closed both lanes of traffic and several passengers were transported to the hospital with moderate injuries.
• Nov. 9, 2013: Four vehicles were involved in a single accident after dark on US Highway 80. One lane of the highway and one exit were closed because of the severely damaged vehicles blocking the road, and ambulances responded for injured passengers.
• Nov. 18, 2013: A rollover accident on US Highway 80 sent one passenger to the hospital.
• Nov. 18, 2013: A Chevy S-10 and a Dodge Nitro collided, causing minor injuries to one driver and major damage to both vehicles. The injured driver was transported to the hospital.

TxDOT has released winter weather driving tips. Drivers are encouraged to drive slowly on slick roadways and keep a safe distance from vehicles driving ahead. Drivers should watch for treatment trucks de-icing or dispensing gravel on the roadways. Be sure to drive with extra caution on bridges, ramps and overpasses, since they tend to freeze first. If your vehicle starts to slide, don't hit the brakes or the gas. Instead, steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction, then straighten out your vehicle.

At Guest and Gray Law Firm, we hope that you never get into a car or truck accident. But if you do, we are here to help. We are the largest and best reviewed law firm in Kaufman County for wrongful death and personal injury claims. The Guest and Gray Law Firm truck and car accident team has over thirty years of combined experience in personal injury actions. We force the people responsible for your injuries to pay you the compensation that you deserve.