Rollover Near Port Isabel Leaves Brownsville Native Dead

A Brownsville teenager died after a rollover crash not far from Port Isabel. 

Our McAllen car accident attorney goes over the facts of the case and shares important statistics about rollovers and the dangers of drunk driving. 

Teenager Dead After Rollover South of Port Isabel

A Brownsville local died in the early morning of Sunday, June 25th, after he was ejected from his car during a rollover. The 18-year-old had been driving a 2008 Mercedes eastbound on State Highway 48.

The driver and an unidentified passenger were just south of Port Isabel when they lost control of the vehicle while approaching a curve and crashed. According to authorities, at around 3:11 a.m., the teen “failed to drive on a single lane,” going over the shoulder and into the grass.

The 18-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected when the car rolled several times. He was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger was taken to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville.

Investigators suspect that alcohol played a role in the crash and are awaiting the results of an autopsy.

The Dangers of Rollovers

In 2022, Texas saw 1,471 deaths caused by crashes where a single vehicle ran off the road. This accounts for nearly 33% of traffic deaths in the state. 

According to a study from the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, almost three in four victims in rollover crashes weren’t wearing a seatbelt. Just under two in three victims were completely ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Alcohol can also play a role in rollovers since the driver may not react in time or drift off the road without realizing it. 

Rollovers are among the deadliest car accidents as great forces are involved, and they tend to heavily damage the vehicle. While not all damage to the car will hurt the occupants, rollovers can deform the vehicle. If the vehicle crumples inward to the passenger compartment, injuries and fatalities are more likely. Without a seatbelt, someone can easily be bounced around the vehicle or flung out and suffer serious injuries.

Since rollovers are so dangerous, it’s best to take precautions. Here are some ways you can stay safe on the road: 

• Never drink and drive, even if you feel sober, you may be impaired
• Take turns carefully, particularly on two-lane roads without a barrier or divider
• Don’t jerk the wheel and overcorrect when you’re trying to avoid a collision
• Take a driving course if you aren’t confident in your driving skills under pressure
• Be careful on unlit rural roads, particularly around curves
• Drive slower than the speed limit at all times
• Reduce your speed further at night or when visibility is limited
• Always wear a seatbelt even for short trips

Were you the victim of a car accident? Don’t go it alone. The Villalobos Law Firm is here to help you. Reach out for your FREE case evaluation!

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Source: myA RGV