Maria Tello Injured in San Jacinto County Car Accident
Wrong-way driver causes three-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 59 near Farm-to-Market Road 223
Maria Tello, 61, of New Caney, was injured in a fatal wrong-way car accident 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.
Troopers are actively investigating the three-vehicle collision.
A southbound 2024 Nissan Sentra was traveling in the northbound lanes at approximately 10:29 p.m. The Nissan struck a northbound 2024 Chevrolet Camaro head-on. A 2026 Hyundai Venue then rear-ended the Chevrolet.
Tello was driving the Hyundai. She and a 56-year-old passenger were transported to St. Luke’s Memorial Houston with non-life-threatening injuries. The 36-year-old Chevrolet driver was taken to HCA Conroe for treatment of possible life-threatening injuries.
The wrong-way driver died at St. Luke's Memorial Houston.
The sudden impact of a wrong-way collision leaves victims like Tello facing unexpected physical and emotional hurdles. While the community rallies around those recovering from such traumatic events, investigators work to determine why the driver entered the highway in the wrong direction.
"When a community experiences a fatal car accident, we have to look closely at the road's engineering," said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "Sight distance and drainage grooves can be the difference between a driver seeing a hazard or losing control of their car."
Why did the vehicle enter U.S. Highway 59 going the wrong way?
Texas DPS troopers are examining the highway access points near Farm-to-Market Road 223 to understand how the southbound vehicle ended up in the northbound lanes. Investigators typically review signage, lighting, and potential driver impairment in wrong-way crashes.
"Dealing with injuries from a car accident is often a full-time job that leaves you feeling drained," said Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal"Most don't realize that road maintenance records can show if the pavement was properly cared for before your tires lost traction."
What do investigators look for in a head-on collision?
Crash reconstructionists analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and event data recorders to determine the exact speed and trajectory of the vehicles involved. This data helps clarify the sequence of events that led to the secondary rear-end impact.
Texas personal injury statute
Victims of car accidents in Texas may pursue compensation for their injuries through a personal injury claim. Texas applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the crash.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.