A tragic crash on a rural road in Cameron County has led to the death of one man and criminal charges for another, following an investigation that revealed the use of a cell phone contributed to the collision. The incident occurred on Saturday, April 19, 2025, around midday at the intersection of FM 1421 and Road 233 near San Benito, Texas. Authorities from the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the scene of a two-vehicle collision involving a red Kenworth semi-truck and a blue Chevrolet Aveo.
According to preliminary findings, the Chevrolet Aveo, driven by 70-year-old Lorenzo Guajardo of San Benito, was traveling southbound on FM 1421 and began to slow down in preparation for a left-hand turn onto Road 233. Behind him, the Kenworth semi-truck reportedly failed to reduce speed in time and rear-ended the Aveo with considerable force.
The semi-truck was operated by 39-year-old Luis Fernando Gonzalez Altamirano, a resident of Mexico. After further investigation, DPS confirmed that Altamirano was texting while driving at the time of the crash — a distraction that directly contributed to the fatal outcome.
Guajardo was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Altamirano was arrested at the scene, and now faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
This tragedy serves as another reminder of the deadly consequences of distracted driving, particularly among operators of large commercial vehicles. Texting while driving, even for a moment, dramatically reduces reaction time and increases the risk of fatal collisions. In cases like this one, a split-second decision to look at a screen instead of the road can change lives forever.
Drivers of heavy trucks are held to especially high standards due to the potential severity of crashes involving large commercial vehicles. When those standards are ignored, innocent motorists often bear the consequences.
Legal Support for Families After Fatal Crashes
When a fatal crash occurs due to negligence, such as texting while driving, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue legal action. A wrongful death claim can provide compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
If your family has been impacted by a deadly accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The team at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help evaluate your claim and provide guidance on how to move forward.
📞 For a free consultation with a Texas truck accident lawyer, call 713-804-9306. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.