María Fernández killed in fiery crash on Hwy 136 in Texas County, OHP says

CRASH INVESTIGATION

When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, reaction time is significantly reduced, increasing the likelihood of collisions like this one.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 90 percent of rear-end crashes are linked to distracted driving. Common distractions include eating, texting, adjusting the radio, observing roadside incidents, and interacting with passengers.

The NHTSA reports that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024, including 642 fatalities in Oklahoma.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, a Managing Partner with Bond Legal.

“Blind spots, inexperienced drivers, and distracted motorists frequently play a role in these types of crashes. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide a family through this difficult time while working to ensure accountability when traffic laws are violated,” added Bond, a national legal analyst for Accident Injury News.

“In certain cases, an accident reconstruction team may be required to determine exactly what happened. These resources are essential in helping clients pursue compensation for damages or losses following a crash,” said Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of María Fernández and María Villanueva de Fernández may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Families of wrongful death victims may seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a devastating accident.

“The stress and grief can be overwhelming after losing a loved one in a crash,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal.

“A wrongful death attorney can follow the official investigation closely and help ensure that the victim’s legal rights and best interests are protected throughout the process.”

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)