Tyler Woman Maria Hernandez Killed in DUI Crash on TX-31 [Smith County, TX]

Smith County, TX (August 14, 2024) – Maria Hernandez, 58, of Tyler, was killed in a DUI crash on TX-31 Wednesday morning.

The authorities responded around midnight to the three-vehicle crash near FM 2908.

The involved vehicles were a pickup truck driven by 22-year-old Cesar Efrain Viramontes-Cocolon, an SUV and an 18-wheeler.

Viramontes-Cocolon swerving into oncoming traffic while under the influence of alcohol.

Unfortunately, the responding officers declared the SUV driver, Maria Hernandez, deceased at the scene. 

The 18-wheeler driver, on the other hand, was not injured in the collision while the truck sustained minimal damage.

The medical team rushed, Viramontes-Cocolon to a hospital.

Troopers said Viramontes-Cocolon was unable to explain why his vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic. In a document, he claimed his steering wheel had malfunctioned.

Investigators said his eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and he smelled of alcohol during the hospital interview. He denied using drugs or alcohol, however, his blood test reportedly showed alcohol in his system.

The authorities charged Viramontes-Cocolon with intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle after a crash involving three vehicles and resulting in a death. Officers booked him in the Smith County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

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Sweet Lawyers expresses sympathies to the family and community of the deceased. Our hearts are with you through these trying times.

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Who Can Help the Loved Ones of Maria Hernandez?

Each year, around 20-50 million people are injured or killed due to an auto crash.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reckless driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents, accounting for approximately 33% of all crashes. These accidents result in thousands of deaths and injuries each year, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement and increased awareness campaigns to combat this dangerous behavior on the roads.

Steve Baric of Sweet Lawyers says, “The most valuable step you can take in response to a vehicle crash is hiring a personal injury or a wrongful death attorney. Our attorneys prioritize your recovery. At the same time, they will secure your future from further losses a severe accident can bring.”

Call us if you or a loved one were involved in a severe traffic accident. Sweet Lawyers has over four decades of experience in the legal field.

Our team certainly knows what it takes to win your traffic accident, personal injury, or disability case.

We promise to fight for justice and compensation you and your family deserve. Call our offices at (800) 674-7852 or click this link for a free consultation with a professional in your area.