Faustino Garcia Killed in Truck Accident on TX-214 in Gaines County
Gaines County, TX — July 20, 2022, 34-year-old Faustino Garcia was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer on State Highway 214 in Gaines County.
According to reports the incident happened Wednesday morning on TX-214, roughly a mile south of Denver City. Preliminary investigation suggests Garcia was traveling south on the highway when a semi-truck pulled onto the roadway from the shoulder ahead, directly in front of him.
Garcia's vehicle crashed into the semi, causing him critical injuries. He was taken to a Lubbock hospital where he later died.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Faustino Garcia Accident in Gaines County
With reports like these people might think there's little else to say. If police say the truck driver pulled off the shoulder into the victim's way, what more is there to talk about?
I've had to caution many people against thinking things are that simple after truck accidents. Preliminary reports rarely if ever have the whole story and trucking companies are known for filling in the blanks with their own "creative" version of what happened to avoid responsibility. That often includes disputing police findings and sending out their own investigators to find other explanations for what happened.
For instance, in the Gaines County crash I wouldn't be surprised to see the truck driver's employer suggest the victim was speeding or used "faulty evasive maneuvers" as the truck entered its path. They might not deny their driver made a mistake, but instead would say that wasn't the proximate, or direct, cause of his fatal injuries. Blaming the victim may seem heartless, but it's important to remember that the company's attorneys aren't there to make friends and will fight like hell to keep their clients off the hot seat.
That's why it's so important to come prepared and be ready to shut those defenses down with clear evidence of what really happened. Police investigations are rarely thorough to gather all the needed facts, though, which is why I often suggest that victims and families get the help of independent experts. Armed with the proof accident reconstructionists gather, people are much better able to overcome the hurdles put in their way by the defense.
Even if fault seems clear on paper, being ready for pushback will better ensure victims and families get the help they need. Will those steps be taken here?
