Melanie Painter Killed in Trinity County Three-Vehicle Crash on SH 69 near Groveton

Trinity County, Texas (April 2, 2021) – One person was killed in a three-vehicle crash Wednesday evening in Trinity County, near Groveton, according to troopers.

The fatal crash happened around 6:45 p.m., March 31, on State Highway 69.

DPS said a 2003 Mack truck tractor towing a pole trailer was traveling eastbound while a marked 2017 DPS Chevrolet patrol vehicle was traveling westbound.

The DPS trooper identified a traffic violation on another eastbound vehicle and made a U-turn. As the patrol vehicle was attempting to re-enter the eastbound lane, the Mack truck drove into the westbound lane and crashed head-on into a 2019 Jeep Wrangler.

The truck then crossed back into the eastbound lane and rear-ended the DPS vehicle. The truck continued off the roadway, overturned, and caught fire.

The Mack truck driver, Chad Deford, 35, of Livingston, was uninjured in the crash.

The DPS trooper, Brady Germeroth, 37, of Crockett, was also uninjured in the crash.

The Jeep driver, Melanie Painter, 53, of Groveton, was taken to Crockett Medical Center, where she later died.

No other information was available.

The crash remains under investigation.

Who May Make a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

A wrongful death claim for a family member may be brought by spouses, children, or parents. The State of Texas also allows the estate of the deceased to bring a survival action to recover for past medical expenses and conscious pain and suffering, as well as other non-economic damages which the deceased may have suffered before death. Texas does not permit brothers, sisters, cousins, or grandparents to assert any claims for the death of a family member.

Wrongful death claims require an attorney who understands the complexity of the damages caused by a significant loss. The lawyer representing the client has the responsibility to hire the necessary experts to help prove the case. 

If you have lost a loved one in a traffic accident, contact our law firm today to talk to an attorney who will help you in your case.

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