Rollover on TX-207 near Borger Claims Kristen Chisum-Floyd: Understanding Rollover Accidents in Texas
The heartbreaking news of Kristen Chisum-Floyd’s death in a rollover accident on Texas State Highway 207 near Borger serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on our roadways. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were no deathless days on Texas roads in 2023. This tragic incident highlights the complexities of rollover accidents and the legal avenues available to victims and their families.
The Details of the Accident
On November 27, 2025, a fatal rollover occurred on TX-207, approximately eight miles south of Borger, in Carson County. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), a 2020 Ford F-150 traveling south crossed into the northbound lane, directly in the path of a 2005 Ford Expedition. The driver of the Expedition, in an attempt to avoid a collision, swerved and overcorrected, causing the vehicle to roll over. Kristen Chisum-Floyd, 42, a passenger in the Expedition, tragically died at the scene. The driver and four other passengers, including three juveniles, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The accident is currently under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.
Rollover Accidents in Texas: A Grim Reality
Texas, with its vast network of highways and varied terrain, sees a significant number of rollover accidents each year. While reckless driving is often assumed to be the primary cause, several factors can contribute to these incidents.
What is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. These crashes can involve multiple vehicles, but many are single-vehicle accidents often linked to speed, distracted driving, or challenging road conditions.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents:
- Speeding: Excessive speed is a leading cause. When vehicles take sharp turns or navigate hilly areas at high speeds, the momentum can cause them to roll.
- Sharp Turns: Taking turns too sharply, especially in vehicles with a high center of gravity, increases the risk of a rollover.
- Overcorrection: As seen in the Chisum-Floyd accident, overcorrecting after swerving to avoid an obstacle can lead to a loss of control and a rollover.
- Vehicle Type: Certain vehicles, such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and 15-passenger vans, are more prone to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity.
- Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage, can contribute to rollover accidents.
- Tire Defects: Tire blowouts or other tire-related issues can cause a driver to lose control, leading to a rollover.
- Load Imbalance: Overloaded, improperly loaded, or even underloaded trucks are at a greater risk of rollovers.
- Distracted Driving: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 90% of rollover accidents occurred in routine driving situations, suggesting driver distraction may be a significant factor.
Legal Aspects of Rollover Accidents in Texas
Texas operates under a “fault-based” system, meaning the person responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying the damages. If you’ve been injured in a rollover accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
- The Driver: If the driver was negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence), they can be held liable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a faulty vehicle component or a design defect, the manufacturer may be liable.
- Government Entities: If the accident was caused by poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage, the government entity responsible for the road may be liable.
- Trucking Companies/Shippers: In cases involving commercial trucks, the trucking company or the shipper responsible for loading the cargo may be liable if negligence in loading or maintenance contributed to the rollover.
Compensation Available:
If you are injured in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Covers both immediate and future medical treatment costs.
- Lost Wages: Accounts for income lost due to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensates for emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Covers the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Other Damages: This can include compensation for disfigurement, loss of consortium (loss of companionship), and other related losses.
Modified Comparative Negligence:
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Statute of Limitations:
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if you are taking action against a government agency, you may have only six months to provide a formal written notice of your intention to file a lawsuit.
Seeking Legal Assistance in Borger, TX
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rollover accident in the Borger, TX area, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney. A local attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Several experienced personal injury attorneys serve the Borger, TX, area, including:
- Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C.
- Kevin Glasheen
- Tom J. Riney
- Nick C. Nichols
These attorneys have experience handling personal injury cases, including car accidents and truck accidents, and can provide valuable legal guidance.
The Importance of Road Safety
The tragic death of Kristen Chisum-Floyd underscores the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution and responsibility behind the wheel. By understanding the causes of rollover accidents and the legal options available to victims, we can work towards preventing future tragedies and ensuring that those who are injured receive the compensation they deserve.
Remember: Always drive defensively, obey traffic laws, avoid distractions, and ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. Your safety and the safety of others depend on it.