Hyundai traveling wrong way struck Toyota Highlander
March 29, 2026 | Mclean, TX
A tragic head-on collision on Interstate 40 near McLean resulted in the deaths of two drivers on March 29.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the incident, which involved vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
Ester Everson, 60, died after a wrong-way Hyundai Santa Fe struck a Toyota Highlander along Interstate 40 near McLean.
What Happened in the Crash?
The crash occurred around 1:56 p.m. when a Toyota Highlander driven by 60-year-old Ester Everson of Amarillo was struck head-on by a Hyundai Santa Fe. The Hyundai was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes at the time of the crash.
- Location: Interstate 40 near McLean, Texas
- Date and Time: March 29, approximately 1:56 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe
- Drivers: Ester Everson, 60, from Amarillo, and unidentified 81-year-old woman
- Outcome: Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene
- Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
The investigation into the cause of the wrong-way driving continues.
Why Do Head-On Accidents Like This Occur?
Head-on crashes often stem from multiple contributing factors. National data highlights common causes and the severity of such incidents.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Driver Error |
Mistakes like wrong-way entry or failure to yield |
Federal Highway Administration |
Distracted Driving |
Use of mobile devices or other distractions |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Driving Under the Influence |
Alcohol or drug impairment affecting judgment |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Driver Fatigue |
Drowsiness leading to lane deviations |
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) |
Poor Road Design |
Inadequate signage or lane markings |
Federal Highway Administration |
According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 3,631 motorists die annually in head-on accidents. The IIHS reports a 58% fatality rate for occupants in frontal impact crashes each year.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, independent investigations play a crucial role in understanding crash dynamics.
Various factors can contribute to a head-on crash, including driver error, distracted driving, driving under the influence, driver fatigue, and poor road design. — Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal
Key takeaways:
- Preserve evidence through professional analysis to establish accountability.
- Legal representation helps families navigate complex investigations.
- Resources are essential to prove reckless actions by at-risk drivers.
- Compassionate guidance supports grieving families while protecting their rights.
Bond emphasized the need for thorough investigations:
An attorney can collect the proper evidence to help prove that a driver’s actions were reckless, which requires a variety of resources. As an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a grieving family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights and best interests, while ensuring that a driver who does not obey traffic laws is held accountable.
Potential Wrongful Death Claims
Families of those involved, including Ester Everson's relatives, may pursue wrongful death claims. These can address losses such as companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to go through, and protecting their rights is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. — Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).