Donley County, TX (December 21, 2023) A crash in Donley County took 60-year-old Yolanda Castillo’s life on Sunday, December 17th, officials said. 77-year-old Alicia Salinas Flores also lost her life in this fatal accident. Humberto Martinez, 32, and Michael Flores, 43, were both injured in this collision. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the accident occurred just after midnight.
A 2013 Dodge Ram was driving east on US-287, about 3 miles east of Clarendon. Suddenly, it left the roadway, hitting a traffic sign. It then went back onto the highway, but began driving slowly in the outside lane. At the same time, a 2013 Nissan Altima was speeding along the highway and slammed into the back of the Dodge.
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The force of the collision caused the pickup to go into a ditch, where it came to a stop against a barbed wire fence. The Nissan went into the center median where it finally stopped. Martinez, the driver of the pickup truck, was taken to BSA Hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries he sustained in the crash. Michael Flores was driving the Nissan. He was taken to Northwest Texas Hospital, also with serious injuries. Castillo was a passenger in the Nissan. She was also taken to Northwest Texas Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Sadly, she later died at the hospital. Alicia Salinas Flores was killed in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene by officials.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is still investigating this tragic accident.
Liability In Donley County, Texas, Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Donley County, Texas, Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of Yolanda Casillo and Alicia Salinas Flores. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Donley County car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (866) 945-4286.
