Nacogdoches 7-Vehicle Crash: One Seriously Hurt After Rollover – What Happened and How to Protect Your Rights

The Crash That Changed Lives in an Instant

It was just after 5:15 p.m. on a Saturday evening in Nacogdoches, Texas. The 15000 block of Nacogdoches Road was bustling with traffic, as it often is during peak hours. Then, in a matter of seconds, everything changed.

A 2019 black Chevrolet Colorado was speeding southbound in the northbound lanes of Nacogdoches Road – driving the wrong way. The driver ran a red light at Judson Road and struck another vehicle. The impact didn’t stop there. The Chevrolet was redirected, careening into six additional vehicles. One of those vehicles flipped over, trapping its driver inside with serious injuries.

Four people were hospitalized. Three of the seven drivers struck were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The Chevrolet driver was also taken to the hospital. One driver was trapped inside their overturned vehicle, suffering serious injuries that would change their life forever.

This wasn’t just another traffic accident. This was a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision caused by a wrong-way driver – a scenario that plays out far too often on Texas highways, and one that leaves families devastated and lives permanently altered.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen the aftermath of these crashes firsthand. We know the physical pain, the emotional trauma, and the financial devastation they cause. And we know how to fight for the justice and compensation victims deserve.

The Dangers of Wrong-Way Driving in Texas

Wrong-way driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on our highways. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), wrong-way crashes are:

• More likely to be fatal – They account for only 1% of crashes but 3% of fatal crashes
• Often involve head-on collisions – The most deadly type of crash
• Frequently caused by impairment – Alcohol and drugs are major factors
• Common at night – 78% of wrong-way crashes occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

In this Nacogdoches incident, the wrong-way driver was operating in the northbound lanes while traveling southbound. This created a situation where they were directly opposing oncoming traffic – a recipe for disaster.

Why do wrong-way crashes happen?

• Impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs affect judgment and perception
• Distraction – Drivers may miss signs or become disoriented
• Confusion – Unfamiliar roadways, poor signage, or complex interchanges
• Fatigue – Drowsy drivers may drift into wrong lanes
• Medical emergencies – Heart attacks, seizures, or other sudden health issues
• Intentional acts – Suicide attempts or fleeing from law enforcement

In this case, police did not indicate whether the Chevrolet driver would face charges. The investigation remains ongoing. But regardless of the cause, the consequences are clear: lives disrupted, injuries sustained, and families left to pick up the pieces.

The Domino Effect: How One Driver’s Mistake Caused Seven Crashes

This incident demonstrates the “domino effect” that can occur when a single driver makes a catastrophic error. The wrong-way Chevrolet didn’t just hit one vehicle – it set off a chain reaction that affected seven vehicles and multiple families.

The sequence of impacts:

1. Primary collision – Chevrolet strikes first vehicle
2. Redirection – Chevrolet is spun or deflected
3. Secondary impacts – Chevrolet strikes six additional vehicles
4. Rollover – One vehicle flips over
5. Trapping – Driver is pinned inside overturned vehicle

This domino effect is common in multi-vehicle crashes. When a large vehicle like an SUV is involved, the forces can be even more destructive. The Chevrolet Colorado, while not a commercial truck, is still significantly larger and heavier than most passenger cars.

The physics of multi-vehicle crashes:

• Energy transfer – Each impact transfers kinetic energy to the next vehicle
• Loss of control – Vehicles may be spun or redirected unpredictably
• Secondary collisions – Vehicles may strike other objects or vehicles after initial impact
• Debris fields – Parts, fluids, and cargo can create additional hazards

In this case, the domino effect meant that even drivers who weren’t directly struck by the Chevrolet could be affected. Vehicles may have swerved to avoid the initial crash, only to be struck by the redirected Chevrolet or other vehicles.

The Investigation: What Evidence Needs to Be Preserved

In any serious crash, evidence disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours. In this case, while no commercial truck was involved, the same principles apply.

Critical evidence that must be preserved immediately:

Why preservation is critical:

• Surveillance video from nearby businesses may show the entire sequence
• 911 calls can reveal what witnesses saw and reported
• Police reports provide an official record of the incident
• Vehicle damage tells the story of how the crash occurred
• Skid marks can prove speed and braking
• Witness statements provide independent accounts
• Signal timing can show whether the red light was functioning

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence. We know how to act fast to protect your rights before critical evidence disappears.

The Injuries: What Victims May Be Facing

Four people were hospitalized in this crash, including one with serious injuries after their vehicle flipped over. The injuries from multi-vehicle crashes can be catastrophic and life-changing.

Common injuries in rollover and multi-vehicle crashes:

The driver trapped in the overturned vehicle likely suffered:

• Immediate trauma from the rollover itself
• Crushing injuries from being pinned
• Delayed medical care while waiting for extraction
• Psychological trauma from the experience

Long-term consequences may include:

• Medical bills – Emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, future treatment
• Lost wages – Time off work during recovery
• Lost earning capacity – If unable to return to previous job
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in activities
• Permanent disability – If injuries result in lasting impairment

Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims with similar injuries. He understands the long-term impact and knows how to fight for full compensation.

FMCSA Regulations: How They Apply Even When No Commercial Truck Was Involved

While this crash didn’t involve a commercial truck, FMCSA regulations still provide important context for understanding vehicle safety and driver responsibility. These federal rules establish standards that all drivers should follow – and when they’re violated, they can prove negligence.

Relevant FMCSA regulations that apply to this case:

1. Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)

Even though this wasn’t a commercial driver, the principles of driver qualification apply:

• Medical certification – Drivers should be medically fit to operate vehicles
• Driving record – Employers (or vehicle owners) should check driving history
• Training – Drivers should be properly trained for the vehicles they operate

Potential violations in this case:

• If the Chevrolet driver had a history of traffic violations, was the vehicle owner aware?
• If the driver had a medical condition that contributed to the crash, was it properly managed?
• Was the driver properly licensed and trained to operate the vehicle?

2. Driving Rules (49 CFR Part 392)

These rules establish safe driving practices that apply to all drivers:

• 49 CFR § 392.3 – Ill or Fatigued Operators
• “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.”

Application to this case:
– Was the Chevrolet driver fatigued or ill?
– Did any medical condition impair their ability to drive safely?

• 49 CFR § 392.4 – Drugs and Other Substances
• Prohibits operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Application to this case:
– Was the driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
– Did impairment contribute to the wrong-way driving?

• 49 CFR § 392.5 – Alcohol Prohibition
• Prohibits operating a vehicle with a BAC of .04 or higher

Application to this case:
– If the driver was impaired, this regulation establishes a clear standard of negligence

• 49 CFR § 392.6 – Speed and Following Distance
• “No motor carrier shall schedule a run, nor shall any such carrier permit or require the operation of any commercial motor vehicle, between points in such period of time as would require the commercial motor vehicle to be operated at speeds in excess of those prescribed by the jurisdictions in or through which the commercial motor vehicle is being operated.”

Application to this case:
– Was the Chevrolet driver speeding?
– Did excessive speed contribute to the severity of the crash?

3. Vehicle Safety (49 CFR Part 393)

While these regulations apply to commercial vehicles, they establish important safety standards:

• Brake systems – Must be properly maintained and adjusted
• Lighting – Must be functional and properly aimed
• Tires – Must have adequate tread and be properly inflated
• Steering – Must be properly maintained

Application to this case:
– Was the Chevrolet properly maintained?
– Could a vehicle defect have contributed to the crash?

4. Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

While these rules apply to commercial drivers, they establish important fatigue management principles:

• 11-hour driving limit – After 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window – Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break – Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving

Application to this case:
– If the Chevrolet driver was operating on little sleep, fatigue may have contributed
– Even non-commercial drivers should follow safe driving hours

The Insurance Battle: What Victims Are Up Against

After a crash like this, insurance companies will be working hard to minimize their payouts. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to protect their bottom line – not to ensure you get fair compensation.

Common insurance company tactics:

1. Quick Lowball Offers
   – Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers before victims understand the full extent of their injuries
   – These offers are almost always far below what the case is actually worth

2. Denying or Minimizing Injuries
   – Adjusters may claim your injuries aren’t as serious as you say
   – They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing

3. Blaming the Victim
   – Insurance companies will look for any way to shift blame to you
   – Even if you’re partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation

4. Delaying the Process
   – The longer they can delay, the more pressure they can put on you to accept a low offer
   – They know that medical bills and lost wages add up, making you more desperate

5. Using Recorded Statements Against You
   – Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used against you
   – They’re trained to ask leading questions that minimize your claim

6. Disputing Medical Treatment
   – They may argue that your treatment was unnecessary or excessive
   – They may claim that gaps in treatment mean you weren’t really injured

How we fight back:

At Attorney911, we have a unique advantage: our team includes a former insurance defense attorney. Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, so he knows exactly how they operate. He knows their tactics, their strategies, and their weaknesses.

We use this insider knowledge to:

• Counter lowball offers with strong evidence of your damages
• Prove the full extent of your injuries with medical documentation
• Fight false allegations of fault with accident reconstruction
• Push back against delays with aggressive negotiation
• Protect you from recorded statements by handling all communications
• Maximize your compensation by building an undeniable case

Ralph Manginello has been fighting insurance companies for over 25 years. He knows how to level the playing field and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

The Bottom Line: You Have Rights – And We Can Help

If you or a loved one was involved in this crash, you have rights. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death (if you lost a loved one)

But you need to act quickly. Evidence disappears fast, and insurance companies are already working to protect their interests.

At Attorney911, we’re here to protect yours. We have:

• 25+ years of experience fighting for accident victims
• A former insurance defense attorney on our team
• A track record of multi-million dollar settlements
• The resources to take on big insurance companies
• A commitment to treating clients like family

Ralph Manginello has dedicated his career to fighting for victims like you. He knows how to build strong cases, negotiate with insurance companies, and take cases to trial when necessary.

Learn More About Your Rights

Want to learn more about trucking accidents and your rights? Check out these resources from Attorney911:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries – Learn about the unique dangers of trucking accidents and how to protect your rights
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck? – Understand your legal options after a trucking accident
• What to Do After a Car Accident? – Step-by-step guide to protecting your rights after a crash
• The Definitive Guide to Commercial Truck Accidents – Comprehensive overview of trucking accident law
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster? – Learn how insurance companies try to minimize your claim

Don’t Wait – Call Now

Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies build their case against you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You have nothing to lose – we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Remember:

• Evidence disappears fast – we send spoliation letters immediately
• Insurance companies are already working against you
• You may be entitled to significant compensation
• We have 25+ years of experience fighting for victims like you
• We treat you like family

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

This shouldn’t have happened. Let us help make it right.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.