Two-Vehicle Collision Occurs Sept. 7 on Interstate 27
September 07, 2025 | Hale, TX
Authorities in Hale County responded to a serious two-vehicle accident on Sept. 7 that resulted in intoxication assault charges.
Thomas Rich, 45, of Midland, was driving southbound on Interstate 27 at 2:21 p.m. when he collided with another southbound vehicle near milepost 29. The collision caused the other vehicle to ignite. Rich now faces intoxication assault charges related to the crash.
Thomas Rich faces intoxication assault charges after rear-ending another vehicle on Interstate 27, resulting in the car catching fire.
The 19-year-old Amarillo driver escaped the burning vehicle and was transported to University Medical Center with serious injuries. A 44-year-old woman in Rich’s car was also treated at UMC and released. Rich sustained minor injuries and was treated at Covenant Hospital in Plainview.
Rich was booked into Hale County Jail but has since posted bond. Troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety continue investigating the incident.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Texas ranks among the worst states in the nation for drunken driving, with over 42% of all traffic deaths caused by impaired drivers. In 2023, the state recorded more than 26,000 alcohol-related crashes resulting in over 1,100 fatalities and thousands of injuries. This translates to one person dying every 7 hours and 32 minutes due to drunken driving, meaning three Texans lose their lives daily to impaired driving incidents.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case such as blood-alcohol content levels.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who takes the wheel under the influence is held accountable for their actions.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
An injured victim may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim pending an investigation.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover medical bills, future medical care, lost income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.”
“Insurance companies can be notoriously indifferent to the mounting costs an injured party may face,” Bond added. “An attorney can help. We advocate for victims every day, ensuring insurance companies are held accountable and provide fair compensation for their mistakes.”
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(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).