Colorado County, TX — October 5, 2025, Daniel Paul was killed and a child was injured after a semi-truck accident around 4:50 p.m. along I-10.

Initial details about the accident say that it happened between Columbus and Sealy on eastbound lanes of the interstate.

According to officials, 64-year-old Daniel Paul and two children were in a Honda Accord going along the interstate. A semi-truck was going the same direction when, according to authorities, the driver failed to control speed. As a result, the truck crashed into the Honda.

Daniel Paul was killed due to the accident. One of the kids in the Honda had serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The semi-truck driver was recommended a charge for criminal negligent homicide. Right now, additional details are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When authorities announce criminal charges against a truck driver after a deadly crash, it may seem like the system is doing its job. But if the investigation stops there, it risks overlooking one of the most common causes of serious commercial vehicle crashes: the company that put that driver on the road.

A charge like criminally negligent homicide points to behavior that wasn’t just careless—it was egregiously so. But what made that kind of negligence possible? Was the driver properly trained? Had they been behind the wheel too long without rest? Were they trying to meet an unrealistic schedule? These aren’t theoretical questions—they’re the kinds of issues I’ve seen across hundreds of commercial vehicle accident cases where companies made decisions that directly compromised safety.

That’s why it’s essential for investigators to look deeper than just the driver. Maintenance records, training procedures, hiring history, driver hours logs, cellphone records, any video from cameras on the truck, Engine Control Module data from the truck—these are all crucial bits of information that a typical police report might not delve into. As such, ensuring there is full accountability for all wrongdoers who contributed to this accident might require more thorough independent investigations.

Key Takeaways

• Charges against a truck driver suggest serious misconduct, but deeper questions often remain.
• Driver behavior may reflect broader issues like poor training, excessive scheduling, or employer pressure.
• Trucking companies that cut corners on safety can create the conditions that lead to fatal crashes.
• Real accountability means investigating the role of both the driver and the employer.
• Getting to the root of the problem is the only way to prevent similar crashes from happening again.