Driver killed after tow truck collision on Katy Freeway in Houston

HOUSTON – A man was killed late Monday night when a tow truck collided with his stalled vehicle on the Katy Freeway near Studemont Street, according to the Houston Police Department.

According to KPRC, officers came upon the crash scene around 11:50 p.m. and found the driver of a Toyota sedan unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe the Toyota had broken down in a moving lane before the collision occurred.

The tow truck, which had a passenger inside, was reportedly en route to another call when it struck the stalled car. Neither the wrecker driver nor the passenger was injured.

Investigators are working to determine whether speed played a role in the crash. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.

Whose Fault Is It When a Vehicle Breakdown Causes an Accident?

When a stalled or broken-down vehicle is involved in a crash, it can be challenging to determine precisely who is at fault. Investigators typically look at how and why the vehicle became disabled, whether the vehicle’s driver or owner took appropriate safety measures, and how other drivers responded. Depending on the circumstances, more than one party may be responsible, including:

• The Driver of the Disabled Vehicle – If the driver failed to move the vehicle out of traffic, turn on their hazard lights, or call for assistance, they might be found negligent. This is particularly the case if the breakdown resulted from a lack of maintenance or ignored warning signs.
• Another Driver Involved in the Crash – A driver who strikes a stalled vehicle may be partially or fully at fault if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to adjust to road conditions in time to avoid the collision.
• Vehicle Manufacturer or Repair Shop – In cases where a mechanical failure stems from a defect or poor repair work, liability could extend to the vehicle’s manufacturer or a maintenance/repair service provider.
• Government Entity – The city or state may share responsibility if poor road design, inadequate lighting, debris, or lack of signage played a role in the breakdown and the resulting crash.

Possible Supporting Evidence in an Accident Caused by Car Trouble

Investigators rely on physical and digital evidence to understand what happened in crashes involving stalled or disabled vehicles. By reviewing the following types of evidence, they can better establish precisely what happened and when, how the drivers responded, and whether underlying mechanical conditions caused or contributed to the crash:

• Dashcam or traffic camera footage
• Vehicle black box data (for information about speed, braking, etc.)
• Roadside debris
• Skid marks
• Maintenance records of the disabled vehicle
• Witness statements
• Police body cam audio or reports

Contact a Houston Car Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Case

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash and believe mechanical issues with a vehicle played a role, Texas law may entitle you to compensation for the resulting losses. Consider reaching out to an experienced Houston car collision lawyer as soon as possible to review your legal options and seek the justice you deserve.