Crockett, TX - Driver Killed in Head-On Crash with Freightliner on TX-21

Crockett, TX (November 29, 2023) - A Kennard man was killed following a two-vehicle collision outside of Crockett on Monday, November 27. The deadly collision took place on TX-21 at around 10:25 a.m. Local reports indicated that a 2013 Ford pickup truck was traveling southwest on the highway when the vehicle experienced a tire blowout. This caused the pickup to enter oncoming traffic where it crashed head-on with an oncoming 2019 Freightliner truck tractor semi-trailer. 

The driver of the Ford, 89-year-old Fred Gunn Jr. of Kennard, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the semi, 57-year-old Tracy Lightsey of Fort Worth, did not suffer serious injuries. No additional information on the deadly crash is currently available. An ongoing investigation into the cause of the collision is in the hands of local law enforcement officials. 

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time.

Deadly Head-On Collisions in Texas

Few things are as disastrous as a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle in the event of a serious collision. In 2022, there were 6,710 motor vehicle accidents on Texas's roads and highways, while 5,260 semi-truck crashes were reported statewide, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). A total of 928 trucking accidents in the state resulted in 1,228 fatalities. This figure is almost twice as high as the national average. These kinds of large vehicles can have significantly more devastating consequences for all parties involved in terms of injuries and property damage in the event of a head-on crash. 

It can be quite difficult to pursue a claim following an 18-wheeler collision. Due to the size and design of these vehicles, it might be challenging for someone without the proper legal assistance to obtain full and fair compensation. Any questions you may have should be discussed with an experienced Texas truck accident attorney. If a fatal semi-truck accident claimed the life of a loved one, you must be ready to pursue the required legal action to hold the at-fault party accountable.

We all deal with death during our lives, but it is never easy to lose someone we love in a fatal crash. It might be particularly difficult to accept a loss that was brought about by someone else's careless behavior. It makes sense that the surviving family members would want to be allowed to seek justice. Texas has laws that let families who have experienced a significant loss seek damages and other forms of compensation.

In the event that a fatal semi-truck accident claimed the life of a loved one, Rasansky Law Firm is here to help. Our team of highly-experienced wrongful death attorneys are available to assist you at every stage of the process. Please call our offices at 214-651-6100 if you have any questions after a fatal semi-truck accident. We will not stop until the person responsible for the deadly crash is brought to justice.