Texas Accident & Injury News
Towing mishaps can cause deadly accidents.
Off-Duty SAPD Officer Rescues Driver from Fiery Crash on U.S. Highway 281
According to a report from News4SanAntonio, an officer is being praised for saving a driver’s life while off duty last week.¹
Police say the crash happened at around 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23rd, along U.S. Highway 281 near TPC Parkway on the Far North Side.
Authorities reported that 35-year-old Gerson Adony Godoy Villalta was improperly towing a Dodge Ram pickup with a Chevrolet pickup when he veered out of his lane and struck an attenuator.
The impact caused the Dodge pickup to swing into the Chevrolet, and both vehicles caught fire.
Off-duty SAPD officer Noel Mercado, who was driving nearby with his wife, stopped and ran toward the burning vehicles to help. He was able to rescue Villalta. The driver of the Dodge Ram was pronounced dead at the scene.
Villalta was later evaluated and found to be intoxicated. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
16,317 crashes across Texas in 2024 were caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol, according to TxDOT data.²
Properly Towing a Vehicle: Legal Requirements and What to Know After a Crash
Towing another vehicle is not a simple task, especially at highway speeds. When it is done incorrectly—or illegally—the risk of losing control increases drastically.
In situations like this, a single mistake can turn into a multi-vehicle crash within seconds. Once the towed vehicle becomes unstable, it can swing into traffic, collide with the towing vehicle, or trigger a chain reaction involving other drivers.
Why Improper Towing Is So Dangerous
When one vehicle tows another, both must operate as a single, controlled unit. That requires proper equipment, secure connections, and steady, controlled driving.
If any part of that setup fails, the results can be unpredictable.
Common issues include:
- Improper or unsecured towing connections
- Lack of braking or lighting systems on the towed vehicle
- Sudden steering corrections or unsafe lane changes
- Driving at speeds that are unsafe for towing
At higher speeds, even a momentary loss of control can cause the towed vehicle to fishtail or swing into other lanes, creating a serious hazard for everyone nearby.
Legal Requirements for Towing in Texas
Towing on public roads is regulated under Texas law. Drivers are required to follow specific safety standards to protect themselves and others on the road.
This includes:
- Using properly rated and secured towing equipment
- Ensuring the towed vehicle has functioning lights and signals when required
- Maintaining full control of both vehicles at all times
- Following safe speed and lane practices
Failing to meet these requirements is not just dangerous—it is a violation of Texas law. When improper towing leads to a crash, that violation can be used as evidence of negligence.
Alcohol and Towing: A Dangerous and Illegal Combination
Driving while intoxicated is illegal in Texas. It reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and makes it harder to maintain control of a vehicle.
Towing adds another layer of responsibility. A driver must safely manage two connected vehicles, often at highway speeds and in changing traffic conditions.
When any level alcohol is involved (even under the legal limit), that responsibility is compromised.
Alcohol affects:
- Reaction time
- Decision-making
- Lane control
- Awareness of surrounding traffic
Combining impaired driving with improper towing creates a high-risk situation that can quickly become deadly.
When a crash involves intoxication, it can lead to both criminal charges and civil liability.
What to Do After a Towing-Related Accident
Crashes involving towed vehicles often create additional dangers, including fire, debris, and unstable vehicles.
If you are involved in one of these accidents:
- Call 911 immediately
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Seek medical care right away
- Document the scene and vehicle damage
- Get contact information from witnesses
Because these accidents often involve multiple factors, early documentation is important if you decide to pursue a claim later.
When Legal Questions Arise
Towing-related crashes are rarely simple. Investigators must examine how the vehicles were connected, whether proper equipment was used, and how the driver handled the situation.
When illegal actions—such as improper towing or driving while intoxicated—are involved, they can play a direct role in determining liability.
A full investigation is often necessary to understand what happened and who is responsible.
Injured in a Towing-Related Accident? Call Shaw.
If you were injured in a crash involving a towed vehicle, you could be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and emergency care
- Pain, suffering, and long-term injuries
- Lost wages during recovery
- And More
At Carabin Shaw, we’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer about your legal options. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure attached—just experienced legal guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors