Anderson County, TX — September 28, 2025, Charlotte Couch was injured due to a semi-truck accident that took place around 11:47 a.m. on US Highway 79.

According to initial details about the accident, it happened a few miles east of Palestine near Neches.

Officials said that 53-year-old Charlotte Couch was in a Ford Expedition going southwest along the highway. A Freightliner 18-wheeler was going the same direction. Authorities allege the truck was following too closely, resulting in a collision with the Ford.

Due to the crash, Charlotte Couch was seriously injured. No other injuries were reported. At this time, additional details are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a commercial truck is accused of following too closely and causing a crash, it may seem like the matter is settled—someone made a mistake, and that’s that. But in the world of trucking, mistakes like that rarely happen in a vacuum.

Following too closely is rarely a simple lapse in judgment. It's a behavior that often reflects deeper issues, especially when it involves a vehicle that takes significantly longer to stop than a typical passenger car. Was the driver under pressure to meet a tight delivery schedule? Were they fatigued or distracted after too many hours on the road? Were they trained properly to handle that kind of vehicle under those traffic conditions?

These questions don’t point the finger blindly. They’re necessary because drivers aren't the only ones responsible for safety. The trucking company that put the driver on the road may bear just as much responsibility, especially if their policies or oversight contributed to risky behavior. If a company cuts corners on hiring, pushes drivers to meet unrealistic delivery windows, or fails to enforce basic safety standards, that can all contribute to what seems like a “simple” error.

That’s why an investigation has to go beyond the surface. Knowing what happened is important, but knowing why it happened is how real accountability—and prevention—gets done.

Key Takeaways

• Following too closely is a common cause of truck accidents but often signals deeper problems.
• A driver’s behavior on the road may reflect employer pressure, lack of training, or fatigue.
• Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are operating safely and responsibly.
• A full investigation should look beyond the driver's actions to the employer's role in the crash.