Vinton, TX — January 13, 2025, a man from Canutillo was hurt following a truck accident at approximately 8:00 a.m. along Doniphan Drive.

According to authorities, a 40-year-old man was traveling in a northbound Ford F-150 on Doniphan Drive near the Chicken Farm Road intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an International 18-wheeler attempted a left turn onto Doniphan Drive at an apparently unsafe time, failing to yield the right-of-way. This resulted in a collision between the left side of the truck and the front-end of the pickup.

The Canutillo man reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. It doesn't appear that anyone else was hurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an 18-wheeler attempts a left turn and fails to yield the right-of-way, it’s easy to assume the truck driver simply made a bad judgment call. While that may be true, determining the full scope of responsibility requires asking why the driver proceeded when it wasn’t safe to do so.

One possibility is distraction. Truck drivers rely on mirrors and cameras to monitor their surroundings, but even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to misjudging an oncoming vehicle’s speed. Investigators should review dashcam footage, phone records, and in-cab data to determine whether the driver was fully focused on the road at the time of the turn.

Fatigue is another concern. Left-turn accidents often happen in the morning, and a tired driver coming off a long shift may have slower reaction times or impaired judgment. Reviewing the driver’s hours of service logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data will help establish whether they had adequate rest before getting behind the wheel.

The trucking company’s role is also worth examining. Was the driver properly trained to handle left turns in heavy traffic? Did company policies or delivery deadlines create pressure to move quickly, even when it wasn’t safe? A company that prioritizes efficiency over safety can create conditions where risky driving decisions become more common. Investigators should scrutinize the company’s hiring, training, and scheduling practices to see if they contributed to the crash.

Mechanical failure is another factor that can’t be overlooked. If the truck’s turn signals, brakes, or steering components weren’t functioning correctly, that could have affected the driver’s ability to navigate the turn safely. Maintenance logs and inspection records should be reviewed to ensure the vehicle was in proper working order.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.