Sherman, Texas – Forty-year-old Howe resident Charles Timmons was killed in a fatal rollover accident late Wednesday night.
Timmons was traveling southbound on US Highway 75 in a black four-door vehicle when he took the FM 902 exit and lost control of the car. The car rolled multiple times before resting in a field west of the 8000 block of US Highway 75.
The vehicle erupted in flames at the scene of the accident. Timmons could not escape the car and died at the scene.
No other occupants were in the vehicle. No further information was immediately available.
Commentary on the Fatal Rollover Accident that Claimed the Life of Charles Timmons
I am deeply saddened to learn a Mr. Charles Timmons lost his life in a fiery rollover accident. Details from the report are too scanty to pinpoint what caused Mr. Timmons to lose control of his vehicle. We cannot discern whether mechanical failure, drugs or alcohol, distracted driving, or excessive speed may have been factors. This terrible accident must be thoroughly investigated to make these determinations.
Unfortunately, rollover accidents are far too common on our roadways. I have extensively studied the engineering design and safety problems related to rollover accidents. Preventing rollover accidents boils down to improving the vehicle’s Static Stability Factor. The Static Stability Factor is the value given a vehicle to determine the likelihood that the vehicle will roll in an accident. The lower the SSF, the more likely a vehicle is to roll.
Manufacturers must manufacture vehicles that provide sufficient protection to occupants in a rollover crash. This entails the vehicle's roof strength, restraint systems, and safety canopy. Following a fatal rollover accident, it is wise to examine the vehicle to determine if it was crash-worthy.
It is also wise to examine the fuel-fed fire. Vehicles are not meant to catch fire following a crash. I have handled several accidents where the vehicle’s occupants were severely injured due to a manufacturer designing a faulty fuel system. While not all fuel-fed fires are caused by a product defect, it’s common enough to warrant a prudent attorney’s time.
Disclaimer: All the information in this post is from third-party sources or constitutes my opinion. These posts are not legal advice. If you are not comfortable with this post or would like further information, please reach out to my firm to speak with me.