Webb County, TX — February 5, 2025, Othon Orozco Jr. was injured in a truck accident at approximately 12:15 p.m. along Mines Road.

According to authorities, 29-year-old Othon Orozco Jr. was traveling in a northbound Hyundai Accent on Mines Road in the vicinity north of the Riverbank Drive/Killam Industrial Boulevard intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an International truck that had also been traveling northbound made a lane change at an apparently unsafe time. This resulted in a collision between the front-left side of the International and the back-right of the Hyundai.

Orozco reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. It does not appear that anyone else was hurt. 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 commercial truck makes an unsafe lane change and collides with a smaller vehicle, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, crashes like this often involve multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

Why did the truck driver make an unsafe lane change? Professional drivers are trained to check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Did the driver misjudge the distance between vehicles? Were they distracted, fatigued, or in a rush? Investigators should review dashcam footage, phone records, and hours-of-service logs to determine whether inattention or pressure to meet a deadline played a role.

Did the truck’s blind spots contribute to the crash? Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots, particularly along the sides and rear of the trailer. If the driver failed to see the Hyundai before moving over, investigators should determine whether the truck had proper mirrors, functional blind-spot detection systems, or other visibility aids.

Was speed a factor? Even at lower speeds, a truck’s momentum can make lane changes more dangerous if the driver isn’t fully aware of nearby vehicles. Investigators should review speed data, braking patterns, and traffic conditions at the time of the crash to determine whether excessive speed or improper maneuvering contributed to the wreck.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and follow safe driving practices. If the company failed to provide adequate training on lane changes, ignored past complaints about unsafe driving, or pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, those failures could be relevant in understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should review company policies, safety records, and past violations to determine 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 and closure they deserve.