Jaime Licon Killed in Palo Pinto County, TX Truck Accident on I-20
Palo Pinto County, TX — August 25, 2022, 56-year-old Jaime Licon died in a crash between commercial trucks on Interstate 20 in Palo Pinto County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 1:30 p.m. on I-20 near mile marker 385. Preliminary investigation suggests a Freightliner tractor-trailer was eastbound on the highway in the rightmost lane as Licon was driving another Freightliner with no trailer west on the opposite side of the road.
For unknown reasons the eastbound truck ran out of its lane and crashed through the median's cable barriers. It passed through the westbound lanes until it entered Licon's, then crashed with his westbound semi-truck. After the impact both trucks ran off the road into the north ditch.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Jaime Licon Accident in Palo Pinto County
Over the years I've learned that crashes between commercial trucks often become lengthy and high-stakes games of "hot potato" between the trucking companies involved. Most won't accept responsibility without a fight, and while they bicker back and forth about what "really" happened on I-20 the victim's loved ones may be stuck waiting for the help they deserve.
Some may wonder if that's even possible here if one truck plowed through the median and into the other, but it's important to realize there's more investigating to do and many unexamined factors still to consider. No matter how damning the preliminary details may seem, it's important not to take the outcome of the investigation for granted.
None of that is meant to paint a bleak picture, just to set expectations. I may just sound cynical, but I speak from decades of experience helping truck drivers and families whose lives were changed forever by crashes like this. When it's time to hold someone accountable for that all notions of teamster solidarity evaporate, at least as far as the companies and their lawyers are concerned. That's why holding the right people accountable requires abundant clear proof and taking the necessary steps after an accident is vital.
