Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash on US Highway 287 West of Groveton Texas

Byline By Attorney Fernando J. Lopez Lopez Law Group Published February 19 2026

Introduction

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers looked into a fatal single-vehicle crash on US Highway 287 west of Groveton that happened on Friday. The crash took place around 12:22 p.m. and involved a 2002 Ford F-150 heading east. The truck did not stay in its lane went off the road to the east overcorrected and flipped over on its right side. The driver 95-year-old Joyce Taylor from Waco died at the scene. The investigation goes on with no other details out yet.

Crashes like this show the real dangers on Texas roads even in single-vehicle cases. East Texas highways like US 287 see traffic from locals and travelers. TxDOT reports show Texas has about 11 fatal crashes each day on average with many from loss of control or lane issues. We help people every week who search what to do after a car accident or how to file car accident claims. If this crash or one like it hit you or a family member call us anytime. We give free case reviews and work on no win no fee. You pay nothing up front.

For more on common Texas crash reasons see our page on common causes of Texas car accidents.

What Happened in the Crash

Troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety got to the scene on US Highway 287 west of Groveton around 12:22 p.m. on Friday. The 2002 Ford F-150 was going east when it left its lane and went off the road to the east. The driver tried to correct but the truck flipped over on its right side. Joyce Taylor 95 from Waco was the only person in the truck and she died right there. No one else got hurt. The road likely stayed blocked while crews cleared the wreck and investigated. Police keep looking into what caused it but no word yet on speed weather or other factors.

This kind of rollover happens on straight rural roads where drivers might lose focus or face sudden problems. Groveton in Trinity County sits in East Texas where highways connect small towns like Waco to bigger areas.

Why Single-Vehicle Crashes Lead to Death

On highways like US 287 vehicles move fast. A small mistake like drifting out of lane can cause big trouble. Overcorrecting often leads to flips especially in pickups like the Ford F-150. Impacts with the ground or road edge cause bad injuries or death. Even older drivers face higher risks from age or health issues. Families left behind deal with shock funeral costs and lost support. Texas data points to failure to stay in lane as a big cause of fatal wrecks right up there with speeding.

Read our detail on common causes of Texas car accidents improper road maintenance if road conditions might play a part.

Who Might Share Blame and Legal Steps

Single-vehicle crashes usually start with driver error but other things can matter. If bad road design poor upkeep or vehicle problems helped cause it claims could go against TxDOT or the truck maker. Texas law sets two years from the crash date to file most claims under Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003. Wrongful death cases let family claim since someone died. Insurance gets checked for policy limits or issues. We dig into all angles to find every way to get paid for losses.

Look at our wrongful death page for how families can seek help.

Steps to Take If You Get in a Crash in East Texas

After a wreck many people look up car collision what to do or what to do after a car accident. These steps work well even in single-vehicle cases.

First Things to Do Right After

1. Get medical help fast even if you feel okay. Some hurts show up later.
2. Call police to make a report. This aids when you want to report motor vehicle accident or learn how to get an accident report online.
3. Take photos of the truck damage road and any marks if you can.
4. Get details from police or witnesses.
5. Do not talk on record to insurance before a lawyer sees it.
6. Call a lawyer soon to keep evidence and hit deadlines for car accident claims.

These moves make your case better and help with how to claim car accident or filing.

See our auto accident attorneys near me page for quick tips.

What Pay You Can Expect

In death cases family can claim doctor bills before death funeral costs lost future pay loss of care pain and more. For injury wrecks it covers hospital stays lost work future help hurt feelings. Each case changes by facts. People ask how much my claim is worth or how long to get paid. We look at your story to give a good idea.

Check how much is my personal injury claim worth for what affects amounts.

How We Help Folks in East Texas and Beyond

We take serious injury and death cases all over Texas including East Texas spots like Groveton and Trinity County. Our team reviews reports gets experts talks to insurance and goes to court if needed. We speak English and Spanish to help more people. No win no fee keeps costs down. If you need who to call after car accident auto accident advice or hurt in a car wreck support we answer day or night.

For area links see Houston car accident lawyer for nearby Houston Dallas personal injury lawyer for North Texas Austin truck accident lawyer for Central or personal injury lawyers McAllen Weslaco TX for South Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

This sad crash on US Highway 287 west of Groveton brings home how fast life changes on Texas roads. Folks often search what to do after getting in a car accident what to do in an accident after an accident steps or traffic accident procedure. If you lost someone or got hurt do not face insurance by yourself. We offer clear help on car accident claims report motor vehicle accident info and stand up for fair results.

Call Lopez Law Group any time for a free chat. Use our form or phone. We back victims across Texas from East to South and North with strong work.

Disclaimer

This post takes facts from public news for info only. It gives no legal advice. Talk to a lawyer on your case. Past work does not mean same ends here.

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