We have an update to a story that is shedding light on wrong-way crashes.
Ricardo Martinez, 53, of Fort Worth, has been arrested on murder charges. Police say Martinez was drunk and driving the wrong way when he crashed head-on into a Maranda Abshire’s car Sunday, killing her and her two young sons. The Burleson woman’s teenage half-sister was also injured in the crash.
Alvarado police say nearly three hours after the crash Martinez still had a blood alcohol content of .240 that’s three times the legal limit. He has two previous convictions for driving while intoxicated.
Authorities say several containers of alcohol were found inside Martinez pickup truck. Police obtained three arrest warrants for each of the three people he killed.
Disturbing Stats: Wrong-Way Crashes in Texas on the Rise
According to an NBC 5 investigation NTSB researchers and state experts are examining and suggesting changes to freeway exit ramps and warning signs, in an effort to curb wrong-way crashes across the state.
- TxDOT data shows the number of wrong-way crashes in Texas jumped by 13 percent last year.
- In the last four years, 269 people have died in wrong-way crashes and another 2,800 more were injured on Texas roads.
- In North Texas alone, there have been 50 deaths and more than 700 injuries attributed to wrong-way crashes since 2011.
Head-on collisions are among the worst kind of motor vehicle accidents. Injuries from a head on crash are often very serious and can result in permanent disability or even death. If you have been involved in a head-on crash, you need experienced legal representation on your side, making sure you receive the compensation you need for medical bills and other expenses.
A Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn can help you and your family get the justice you deserve after an accident.
Call (817) 920-9000 to schedule your free consultation today.