Jonas Camacho Killed in Bronson Car Accident
The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 96 after a vehicle hydroplaned in heavy rain
Jonas Camacho, 60, of Jasper, was killed in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 96 north of Bronson in San Augustine County on Sept. 5, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A northbound Kia K4 hydroplaned in heavy rain around 4:30 p.m., crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Chevrolet Camaro. Camacho, a passenger in the Kia, died at the scene. The driver of the Kia was also pronounced dead by a local justice of the peace. Paramedics took the driver of the Camaro to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
Texas recorded 3,769 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2025, a 9.4% decrease from the previous year, the Texas Department of Transportation reported.
Why did the vehicle cross into oncoming traffic on U.S. Highway 96?
Investigators are examining the road conditions and vehicle tires following the fatal collision. Preliminary reports indicate heavy rain caused the vehicle to hydroplane before losing control.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Passenger fatalities frequently involve more than a single violent impact, since a vehicle striking one object often rotates or rebounds directly into a second collision within seconds, sharply compounding injuries."
"Analyzing each impact through event data recorders and scene mapping, an attorney helps establish exactly how injuries occurred and protects the rights of surviving relatives," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What are the legal rights of a passenger's family?
When a passenger is killed due to a driver's loss of control, the passenger's estate often has standing to pursue claims against the at-fault driver's insurance policy, regardless of their relationship to the driver.
Understanding the liability framework is important for grieving families navigating the aftermath of a fatal collision.
Texas wrongful death statute
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.001, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Texas applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.
"Unsafe vehicle speed or reckless driver behavior that causes passenger fatalities exposes host driver insurance coverage to direct claims," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "Legal counsel guides surviving family members through delicate household insurance claims, protecting family relationships while securing necessary long-term financial support."