Kaufman County, TX — February 25, 2025, James Poarch was injured in a truck accident shortly after 6:45 p.m. along Farm to Market 2728.

According to authorities, 56-year-old James Poarch was traveling in a northbound Dodge Dakota on F.M. 2728 in the vicinity south of U.S. Highway 80 when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between Dakota and a southbound Volvo with a trailer in tow. Poarch reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. It does not appear that anyone else was harmed. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pickup truck and a commercial vehicle collide head-on, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

What led to the collision? Opposing-direction crashes typically occur when one vehicle crosses the centerline or makes an unsafe maneuver. Did one of the drivers drift out of their lane? Was there an improper passing attempt? Investigators should review dashcam footage, black box data, and crash scene evidence to determine how the wreck unfolded.

Was the truck’s speed a factor? Large trucks take longer to slow down and react to hazards. If the Volvo was traveling too fast for conditions or failed to adjust for traffic, that could have made it harder to avoid a collision. Investigators should analyze speed data, braking distances, and crash reconstruction reports to determine whether excessive speed played a role.

Was the truck in proper working condition? Brake issues, steering malfunctions, or tire blowouts could have caused the truck to lose control and drift into the pickup’s path. Investigators should examine maintenance logs, inspection records, and black box data to determine whether a mechanical failure contributed to the crash.

Was the Volvo being used for commercial purposes? Most trucks of this type are operating under business-related demands, meaning additional regulations apply. Investigators need to determine whether the driver was following hours-of-service regulations, whether the truck was overloaded, and whether the company’s policies contributed to the crash. Reviewing company records, driver logs, and past safety violations could provide insight into whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity they deserve.