Tyler County, TX — May 5, 2024, Roselyn Jimenez was killed and Chad Hare and a child were injured due to a truck accident at around 7:00 a.m. on U.S. 190.
Only preliminary information about the crash is available right now. According to Chris Edwards of East Texas News, DPS reported that the crash happened near the Polk County line in the westbound lanes of the highway. It appears that 36-year-old Roselyn Jimenez, 40-year-old Chad Hare, and an 11-month-old were in a Volkswagen Jetta going westbound on U.S. 190.
From eastbound lanes, an 18-wheeler apparently crossed paths with the Volkswagen while trying to pass multiple vehicles. As a result, the semi and the Jetta collided head-on. Roselyn Jimenez reportedly died at the scene due to the crash. Hare was taken to a hospital in apparently serious condition while the child’s injuries were reportedly less severe.
Currently, there does not appear to be any reports of charges or citations. Additional details surrounding the crash are unavailable.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Frankly, I don’t know why there aren’t more news outlets talking about this. Is it true that an 18-wheeler driver crashed into oncoming traffic while trying to pass multiple vehicles? If so, it’s about the most egregious behavior I’ve seen a truck driver engage in. It would raise serious questions not just about the driver’s actions but also the possibility an employer allowed or encouraged such reckless behavior. Let me explain why that’s so important to address.
In my 30 years of handling truck accident cases, I’ve seen how often the root causes of these wrecks stretch far beyond the truck driver’s actions alone. For example, hiring drivers who have histories of reckless behavior is a gamble that puts everyone at risk. Yet, driven by deadlines and their bottom line, some companies neglect thorough background checks, prioritizing a full roster over a safe one. Similarly, it is also the responsibility of the companies to instill good practices among their ranks. If they fail to properly train drivers, if they fail to keep a watchful eye on whether or not their drivers are following the rules, or if they actively encourage cutting corners to prioritize speed over safety, they create a dangerous environment that makes a serious accident all but inevitable.
At the end of the day, the public tends to look for a bad guy to blame. That’s understandable. But the hundreds of families I’ve helped through commercial vehicle accidents didn’t want that. They wanted accountability. That doesn’t mean taking the path of least resistance. It means ensuring there are consequences for all parties who brought them harm. Are authorities taking steps to ensure that happens here?
