Potter County, TX — June 21, 2024, Cynthia Hester was injured due to a car accident shortly before 2:15 p.m. along Western Street.

According to authorities, 52-year-old Cynthia Hester was traveling in a northbound Subaru Outback on Western Avenue at the Hastings Avenue intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a Chevrolet Silverado with a trailer in tow attempted a left turn from Hastings to head southbound on Western at an apparently unsafe time, failing to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign. A collision consequently occurred between the front-end of the Outback and the left side of the Silverado's trailer.

Hester reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. EMS transported her to a local medical facility so she could receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported.

Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle pulling a trailer makes a misjudged left turn across traffic, the margin for error shrinks dramatically. For the driver with the right of way, a collision often happens too fast to avoid—and the consequences can be severe. That’s why these situations demand a closer look at how the turn was made and whether it could have been anticipated or prevented.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
Towing a trailer changes how a vehicle moves—turn radius, acceleration, and visibility all become more limited. Did investigators measure how far the trailer had entered the roadway when the collision occurred? Was there any assessment of how clearly the northbound Subaru could have seen the Silverado beginning its turn? A proper reconstruction should include the stopping distance available and the angle at which the trailer entered the path of travel.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
If the Silverado had trailer wiring or brake problems, that might have impacted its ability to accelerate cleanly or signal its intent. Likewise, if the trailer was overloaded or poorly balanced, that could have caused it to swing wider than expected. The Subaru’s systems—especially brakes and steering—should also be inspected to confirm whether Hester had a functioning chance to react or steer clear. These kinds of faults are easy to overlook unless someone goes looking for them.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Was the Silverado equipped with an onboard system that recorded its speed, brake input, or turn signal activity? The Subaru may have stored that kind of information as well. That data can show whether either driver took action in the moments before impact—and whether the trailer turn was executed too slowly or without adequate warning. Surveillance footage in the area may also help piece together the full picture of how the crash unfolded.

When trailers are involved, what looks like a routine left turn can become unpredictable and dangerous. That’s why it matters to ask not just who turned—but whether the turn was even possible in the first place.

Takeaways:

• Trailer-related collisions require scrutiny of turning space, visibility, and execution.
• Vehicle and trailer inspections may reveal faults affecting maneuverability or response.
• Event data and local video may clarify timing and decision-making on both sides.