Juana Andrade-Zepeda Injured in San Jacinto County Wrong-Way Crash
Wrong-way collision on U.S. Highway 59 leaves New Caney woman with life-threatening injuries
Juana Andrade-Zepeda, 36, of New Caney, was injured in a wrong-way vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 59 near Farm-to-Market Road 223 in San Jacinto County, Texas, on Sunday, March 29, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Investigators said a 2024 Nissan Sentra was traveling south in the northbound lanes at approximately 10:29 p.m. It collided head-on with a northbound 2024 Chevrolet Camaro.
A 2026 Hyundai Venue traveling behind the Chevrolet then struck its rear.
Andrade-Zepeda, the driver of the Chevrolet, was transported to HCA Conroe for treatment of possible life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Hyundai, a 61-year-old woman, and her 56-year-old male passenger were taken to St. Luke’s Memorial Houston with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Nissan, a 24-year-old Conroe man, was transported to St. Luke’s Memorial Houston, where medical professionals pronounced him dead.
Troopers continue to investigate the crash.
Why did the Nissan travel the wrong way on U.S. Highway 59?
Victims like Andrade-Zepeda face a long, difficult road to recovery after surviving a catastrophic head-on collision. While troopers investigate why the southbound vehicle entered the northbound lanes, Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst, said, "When I hear about high-speed collisions, I think about the heavy grief those families carry. A car's black box captures the five seconds before impact, showing if there wasn't even a tap on the brakes."
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, wrong-way driving and speeding remain leading causes of severe crashes across the state.
What are the legal options for wrong-way crash victims?
The sudden impact of a wrong-way driver leaves victims with little time to react, often resulting in complex medical and financial challenges.
"The suddenness of a highway crash is something no family is ever prepared to face," said Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal. "Data shows that the speed differential between vehicles, not absolute speed, is the strongest predictor of how survivable an impact will be."
Individuals involved in car accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
Texas personal injury claims
In Texas, individuals injured in a motor vehicle crash may pursue a personal injury claim. The state applies a modified comparative fault rule (51% bar), meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the collision. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the crash.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.