Smith County, TX (June 13, 2025) – A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 Westbound near Lavender Road led to delays and injuries early Thursday morning in Smith County.
The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on June 12, near mile marker 560 along the westbound lanes of Interstate 20. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene shortly after reports of the collision came in. The crash involved two vehicles and occurred in a heavily traveled area, creating traffic buildup while crews worked to assist those involved.
First responders provided on-site aid to injured individuals, and at least one person was taken to a nearby hospital for additional treatment. Authorities with the Texas Department of Public Safety are conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Crews worked for over an hour clearing debris and damaged vehicles from the roadway. Drivers were urged to use caution in the area as delays continued throughout the morning. Further details, including the condition of those involved, have not yet been released.
We hope everyone hurt in this crash heals quickly and fully.
Car Accidents in Texas
Texas continues to see a high volume of auto collisions each year, particularly on busy highways like I-20. In 2023, the state saw more than 4,000 fatalities and thousands more injuries from motor vehicle crashes. High speeds, distractions, and heavy traffic all contribute to these incidents. In rural and suburban counties like Smith, crashes are common due to high-speed stretches of highway intersecting with local roads.
Accidents can bring many challenges for victims. Here are some common reasons accidents happen on Texas roads:
- Distracted Driving: Phone use, adjusting controls, eating, or even talking to passengers can take a driver’s focus off the road. A momentary distraction can have major consequences, especially at high speeds.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit shortens reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Speed is a leading factor in many of Texas’ serious injury and fatality crashes.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating reduces the time drivers have to react when the car ahead brakes suddenly. On highways, this often results in rear-end collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Improper merging, especially on ramps and near intersections, frequently leads to collisions. Many drivers misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles when merging.
- Fatigue or Drowsy Driving: Driving while tired can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigued drivers may drift out of lanes or fail to react in time to avoid crashes.
- Impaired Driving: Substance use behind the wheel continues to be a major problem. Alcohol and drugs drastically reduce decision-making abilities and coordination, increasing the likelihood of severe crashes.
In any serious accident, speaking with an experienced legal team as early as possible can protect your future. Call a trusted car accident attorney today. Legal guidance early on can ensure your rights are protected, and that you aren’t forced to accept less than you deserve in a settlement or insurance claim. Don’t face the aftermath alone—get help from someone who knows how to fight for your recovery.
At The McGuire Firm, we’re ready to help you take the next step forward. We’ve represented thousands of Texans in auto accident cases and know what it takes to pursue full and fair compensation. Our attorneys have worked both sides of the courtroom—representing the injured as well as the insurance companies—so we understand how these cases unfold. And we don’t charge you unless we win your case. Let our car accident attorneys help you make sense of your legal options. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.
You don’t have to go through this alone. The McGuire Firm is proud to serve accident victims across East Texas. We’ve handled more than 3,000 cases and know how to guide you from chaos to calm. Our team brings both compassion and tenacity to every case, always putting your recovery first. We work on a contingency fee basis—if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. If you’ve been injured in a crash, give us a call. Reach us at (903) 630-7154 to schedule your free consultation today.
