Kaufman County, TX — July 3, 2025, two people were injured due to a truck accident at approximately 7:00 a.m. along State Highway 243.

According to authorities, two people—a 68-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman—were traveling in a westbound Ford F-150 pickup truck on S.H. 243 in the vicinity west of the County Road 103 intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound International 18-wheeler failed to appropriately control its speed. It was consequently involved in a collision with the pickup truck. The impact apparently caused the pickup truck to overturn.

The man and woman from the pickup truck reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. It does not appear that anyone from the 18-wheeler was hurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a westbound 18-wheeler fails to control its speed and causes a collision severe enough to flip another vehicle, the issue isn’t just about speed limits—it’s about whether the truck driver had enough space, time, and awareness to avoid a predictable hazard. Large trucks have longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, and when that’s not accounted for, the results can be devastating.

The report indicates that the pickup was also westbound, which means both vehicles were traveling in the same direction. That raises a specific question: why didn’t the truck slow down in time to avoid the collision? Was traffic ahead slowing for a turn, a stop, or some other known condition? Was the pickup truck stopped or moving at a reduced speed, and did the truck driver fail to respond appropriately?

Electronic data from the 18-wheeler’s engine control module (ECM) will be central to answering those questions. It can show whether the driver applied the brakes, how fast the truck was moving, and whether any attempt was made to avoid the crash. Investigators should also examine whether the truck’s braking system was in proper working condition and whether the driver had a clear line of sight.

If the 18-wheeler was operating under a commercial carrier, then company oversight comes into play as well. Driver training, route scheduling, and maintenance records all matter—particularly if this crash was the result of distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure that could have been prevented.

Key Takeaways:

• The truck and pickup were traveling in the same direction, raising questions about spacing and reaction time.
• ECM data and brake inspections will be key to determining whether the truck driver made any effort to avoid the crash.
• Investigators should examine whether the pickup was stopped, slowing, or otherwise visible at the time of impact.
• Commercial carrier policies, including driver readiness and equipment maintenance, may factor into accountability.
• Crashes involving uncontrolled speed by heavy trucks often point to preventable failures, not just momentary mistakes.