Hale County Two-Vehicle Accident Leads to Thomas Rich’s Arrest

clock Created with Sketch Beta. September 11, 2025
Hale County Two-Vehicle Accident Leads to Thomas Rich’s Arrest

The Hale County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on Sept. 7 that left multiple people injured and led to intoxication assault charges.

Thomas Rich, 45, of Midland, was driving south on Interstate 27 at 2:21 p.m. when he struck another southbound vehicle near milepost 29, according to deputies. The impact caused the other vehicle to catch fire. Rich now faces intoxication assault charges.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 19-year-old from Amarillo, escaped the burning car and was taken to University Medical Center with serious injuries. A 44-year-old woman in Rich’s vehicle was also transported to UMC but was later released. Rich received treatment for minor injuries at Covenant Hospital in Plainview.

Rich was booked into the Hale County Jail on intoxication assault charges and has since posted bond. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers are continuing their investigation into the crash.


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.”


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


If you, a friend, or a family member have been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run or drunken driver, contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation for guidance

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News 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 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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