Mathew Lange killed in accident with 18-wheeler on US 281

ARCHER COUNTY, Texas — Mathew Lange, a 35-year-old Runaway Bay man, was killed Oct. 29 in an accident on U.S. Highway 281.

Lange was northbound on the highway in a Nissan SUV when his vehicle crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck the trailer of a southbound 18-wheeler, according to a local news report. Lange’s SUV continued traveling against traffic and struck a Dodge pickup head-on.

Lange was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the pickup was transported to United Regional hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler did not suffer major injuries.

The accident remains under investigation of the Texas Department of Public Safety. No additional details have been released.

COMMENTARY ON THE MATHEW LANGE ACCIDENT

I am deeply disturbed to learn of Mr. Lange’s terrible 3-vehicle accident. It is heart-wrenching to imagine the grief of the loved ones left behind when someone's life is abruptly and unexpectedly snatched at such a young age.

News of Mr. Lange’s crash is disconcerting and leaves us with many unanswered questions. Why did his vehicle veer across the center of the highway into on-coming traffic? Did he have a tire blow out? Was there a malfunction in the steering mechanism? Was he having a medical emergency of some kind, such as a heart attack or an aneurism? Were drugs or alcohol involved? Was he driving distracted?

We are not able to ascertain answers to any of these questions from the information authorities have released. However, there is no question that this is a very complicated case which will require a thorough investigation.

Accidents like these are complex and require a high level of experience to settle equitably and responsibly. I have settled hundreds of cases across the nation similar to this one and know firsthand the pain and suffering  families incur as a result of their loved one's death. I extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Lange’s loved ones in their time of sorrow.

Disclaimer: All of the information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.