DPS: 72-Year-Old Driver Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on FM 2393 Near Jolly, Texas

• What we know about the crash near Jolly
• Location and road context on FM 2393 in Clay County
• Investigation status and what official reports will show
• Seat belt use and ejection risks in Texas
• How families can obtain official records in Texas
• Potential civil legal considerations after a fatal single-vehicle wreck
• Insurance and benefits that may apply after a fatal crash
• Practical next steps for preserving rights and evidence
• Local support and community context in and around Jolly
• Time sensitive steps to consider now
• Commentary from Gosuits Jolly, Texas Personal Injury Attorney
• References

What we know about the crash near Jolly

According to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety, a 72-year-old driver, identified publicly as Samuel Joseph Litteken, died following a single-vehicle wreck in Clay County near Jolly. DPS indicates the vehicle was traveling south on FM 2393 when it left the roadway to the right. The driver then overcorrected, skidded off the road, struck a fence, and was ejected. The crash report notes the driver was not wearing a seat belt. The Texas Highway Patrol is investigating. These are the facts available at this time from law enforcement sources, and no additional conclusions should be drawn until the investigation is complete.

In North Texas, single-vehicle roadway departures can happen quickly, especially on rural farm-to-market roads where shoulders can narrow and speeds may vary. Still, every crash has its own causes and contributing factors. The information above describes what officials have publicly reported; it does not assign fault beyond the basic sequence of events. The formal crash report and any supplemental investigative materials will provide a more complete picture once finalized.

Location and road context on FM 2393 in Clay County

FM 2393 runs through Clay County and serves residents in and around Jolly, a small community just southeast of Wichita Falls and near the US 287 corridor. Drivers here are accustomed to open stretches of roadway, pasture fences, and intersecting ranch entrances. Traffic density is usually lighter than in Wichita Falls, yet risks remain, particularly with unexpected roadway departures. In January, North Texas can see quick shifts in wind and temperature, and occasional patches of early-morning frost or dampness. That said, there has been no official indication that weather played a role in this particular incident.

Locals know that the nearest services are often in Wichita Falls or in Henrietta, the Clay County seat. That means response times can depend on where first responders are stationed at the moment the call comes in. Texas Highway Patrol troopers, Clay County Sheriff’s deputies, and EMS partners commonly coordinate responses to rural crashes in this area.

Investigation status and what official reports will show

The Texas Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, a standard process in fatal collisions on state and county roads. Families often wonder what these investigations include and how long they might take. In general:

• Crash report The Peace Officer’s Crash Report, often called the CR-3, documents the scene, roadway conditions observed, preliminary sequences, and any contributing factors noted by the investigating officer. Access to this report is governed by Texas Transportation Code section 550.065, which allows certain parties to obtain it [1].
• Photographs and diagrams Investigations often include scene photos, measurements, and diagrams. Some of these materials may be available upon request from the appropriate agency depending on Texas public information laws and applicable exceptions [1].
• Inquest or autopsy-related findings In many Texas counties without a stand-alone medical examiner’s office, justices of the peace conduct inquests. In some cases, a regional medical examiner may perform the autopsy. Records and release rules are governed by Texas law, including the Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49 [2].

Once the crash report is finalized, eligible parties can purchase it through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System, commonly known as CRIS [3]. While families wait for final documentation, it can help to gather basic information such as the crash date, location, and investigating agency’s case number.

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Seat belt use and ejection risks in Texas

The DPS crash report notes that the driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. Texas law requires seat belt use for drivers and passengers, with limited exceptions, and nonuse can lead to increased injury risk in crashes [4]. National roadway safety agencies consistently report that seat belts reduce the likelihood of fatal injuries and ejection in motor vehicle crashes [5]. Ejection dramatically increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries because the occupant can be thrown into fixed objects or onto the ground with significant force.

These reminders are difficult to read when a family is grieving, but they do serve the broader community. FM roads across Clay County carry neighbors, friends, and family members every day. Taking that extra second to buckle up really matters, and it can be the difference in survivability if a vehicle leaves the roadway.

How families can obtain official records in Texas

After a fatal crash, families often face a maze of paperwork when they least feel ready for it. Here are common records and where they usually come from:

• Crash report Once finalized, eligible requestors can obtain the Peace Officer’s Crash Report online through TxDOT’s CRIS portal. You will typically need the crash date, location, and at least one party’s name to search and purchase the report [3].
• Photographs or supplemental materials Some crash scene photos or supplemental diagrams may be available through a public information request to the investigating agency. Access can depend on release rules and whether the investigation is still open. Texas Transportation Code section 550.065 governs accident report release; broader public information requests follow the Texas Public Information Act’s process [1][6].
• Inquest or autopsy report In counties without a medical examiner, the justice of the peace conducts inquests under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49. If a medical examiner performed an autopsy, statute section 49.25 addresses records and releases. Families generally may request autopsy reports, though some details can be exempt from release depending on the law and case posture [2].
• Death certificate Certified copies are issued through the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit and often can be obtained through the county clerk or DSHS, depending on timing and eligibility [7].

Practical tip: keep a simple folder with the crash date, location, responding agency names, and any reference or case numbers provided by law enforcement. Having these handy can streamline record requests later on. Also, requestors should be prepared to show eligibility or a qualifying reason when seeking crash reports and certain other records in Texas [1].

Potential civil legal considerations after a fatal single-vehicle wreck

Even a single-vehicle crash can raise important civil questions that families may want answered. That does not mean anyone has done something wrong. It simply recognizes that multiple factors sometimes contribute to a roadway departure, from mechanical issues to roadway conditions to the actions of a third party who may never have made contact with the vehicle. Without speculating about this crash, here are general avenues families often explore:

• Vehicle and component review Was there a mechanical failure, tire separation, or seat belt malfunction? An independent inspection, ideally before repairs or salvage, can preserve key evidence if questions arise later.
• Roadway and environment Were there hazards such as inadequate shoulder, loose gravel, or a hidden drop-off at the pavement edge? On rural FM roads, shoulder transitions and narrow rights-of-way can influence vehicle stability during a correction or overcorrection.
• No-contact third parties A driver can leave the roadway because of another vehicle’s unsafe movement, even if there is no collision. These scenarios sometimes involve uninsured motorist claims if a phantom vehicle’s behavior caused the crash. Determining this requires facts, not assumptions.
• Wrongful death and survival actions Under Texas law, certain family members may bring wrongful death claims, and the estate may bring a survival action for the decedent’s personal injury claim that existed before death. These remedies are governed by the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71 and related provisions [8].
• Deadlines Texas sets limitations periods that can be short, and calculating the deadline correctly is crucial. While timelines vary by claim, wrongful death and many personal injury claims have a two-year limitations period under section 16.003, subject to exceptions and tolling in some circumstances [9].

Families sometimes search for a sense of timing in these matters. For a deeper overview of how timing can unfold in fatal cases, see How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?. When considering whether to engage wrongful death lawyers, many families appreciate a clear explanation of potential claims, what evidence should be preserved, and how insurance coverage works across policies.

Insurance and benefits that may apply after a fatal crash

Insurance can be confusing, especially when the crash involves only one vehicle. Depending on the policies in place, coverage may include:

• Auto liability coverage Liability insurance generally applies to claims made against the at-fault party for bodily injury or death. In single-vehicle crashes, the liability analysis can be more complex and may consider other potential contributing factors.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage UM or UIM may apply in no-contact scenarios where a phantom vehicle influenced events, or in hit-and-run situations. Determining whether UM/UIM applies requires careful review of the policy language and facts.
• Personal Injury Protection PIP coverage, if purchased, can pay certain medical and funeral expenses regardless of fault. Not every Texas policy includes PIP, but it must be offered under Texas law unless rejected in writing.
• Medical Payments coverage MedPay, if carried, can help with medical or funeral expenses depending on the policy.
• Life or accidental death benefits Separate from auto coverage, a life insurance policy or accidental death and dismemberment policy may provide benefits. Policies and beneficiary designations control.

One more practical point: recorded statements and forms submitted early in the process can affect claims later. Before opening any auto claim or speaking with an adjuster about a fatal crash, it is often wise to consult with a qualified attorney. Insurance carriers can and do rely on what claimants say in those first conversations, and statements made under stress can be misinterpreted down the line.

Practical next steps for preserving rights and evidence

It helps to take a measured approach, even if that feels hard in the moment. The following steps can guide families or representatives through the early period after a fatal wreck.

• Consult with an attorney before speaking to insurance companies A free consultation can clarify rights and obligations. What is said to an adjuster can be used later. Getting guidance first can prevent missteps.
• Secure official records Track down the CRIS crash report when it becomes available and request any supplemental materials from the investigating agency as appropriate under Texas law [1][3].
• Preserve the vehicle If possible, avoid authorizing repairs or salvage until there has been an opportunity for inspection by an independent expert. Mechanical and restraint system evidence can be time sensitive.
• Document personal property Create an inventory of items from the vehicle and keep receipts for any costs related to retrieval, towing, or storage.
• Keep a timeline Write down key dates and who you speak with at agencies, towing yards, and insurance carriers. Small details help later.
• Gather background information Compile copies of relevant insurance policies, declarations pages, and any correspondence received. Photograph any visible injuries or memorial items placed at the scene that might later be moved or altered.

Local support and community context in and around Jolly

Jolly sits just a short drive from Wichita Falls along the US 287 corridor. Neighbors often travel to Wichita Falls for hospital services, pharmacies, and day-to-day needs. Clay County offices are centered in Henrietta, whose courthouse square is familiar to many in the area. When a tragedy happens on a rural road like FM 2393, the first people on scene are often neighbors or passersby who call 911, followed by Texas Highway Patrol and county responders.

For those managing practical tasks in the weeks that follow, it can help to know the lay of the land. Vital records requests may route through the county clerk or the Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin. Crash reports are available statewide through TxDOT’s CRIS system once finalized. If an inquest was conducted, the justice of the peace in the relevant Clay County precinct will typically have records relating to the inquest file under Chapter 49 of the Code of Criminal Procedure [2][7].

It is not unusual for community members to gather at churches in Jolly or nearby Wichita Falls for support, or to lean on close friends and family in Henrietta or Petrolia. Grief can be heavy, but local networks in Clay County are strong. People look out for each other here.

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Time sensitive steps to consider now

These actions can help protect legal rights and ensure important information is not lost to time:

• Prioritize a legal consultation first Before opening any insurance claim or giving a recorded statement, get a free consultation with a qualified attorney to understand rights and obligations. Early statements to insurers can limit options later.
• Request the official crash report when available The Peace Officer’s Crash Report is foundational documentation for insurance and potential civil claims in Texas. TxDOT’s CRIS portal is the central access point statewide [3].
• Preserve key evidence quickly Vehicles can be moved, repaired, or salvaged in days. Ask the storage yard to hold the vehicle while arrangements are made for an independent inspection.
• Calendar the limitations period Deadlines can approach quickly, and missing one can end a claim before it begins. Mark a preliminary date based on Texas law and confirm it with counsel as facts develop [9].
• Document expenses Save receipts for towing, storage, and funeral-related costs. Policies like PIP or MedPay may reimburse certain expenses, and documentation supports any claim evaluation.

Commentary from Gosuits Jolly, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Our thoughts are with the loved ones affected by this crash near Jolly. Articles like this are meant to share public information and general education about the civil process. They are not a substitute for advice tailored to any one situation.

From what officials have shared, the sequence on FM 2393 involved a roadway departure, overcorrection, and ejection. Rural roads can be unforgiving when a vehicle leaves the pavement, particularly if an occupant is unrestrained. The investigation by Texas Highway Patrol will be critical in clarifying the contributing factors. Even in single-vehicle crashes, questions sometimes arise about vehicle condition, roadway features, and potential no-contact influences that deserve a careful, fact-based look.

Insurance companies and corporations understand the claims process inside and out. When people grieving try to manage forms and recorded statements alone, it can tilt the playing field. Adjusters may move quickly to collect statements, steer to preferred repair paths, or frame coverage questions in technical policy language. Without context, it is easy to say something that later gets used to limit recovery or to miss a coverage source entirely.

That is why a free consultation matters. It gives space to learn which records to request, how to protect critical evidence, and what timelines apply, without pressure. It also helps level the field before making any decisions about claims or settlements.

References

1. Texas Transportation Code section 550.065 Accident Reports – Texas Legislature Online
2. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49 Inquests Upon Dead Bodies – Texas Legislature Online
3. Crash Records Information System CRIS Purchase Crash Report – Texas Department of Transportation
4. Texas Transportation Code section 545.413 Safety Belts – Texas Legislature Online
5. Seat Belts Reduce Fatal Injury Risk – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
6. What to Expect After You Submit a Public Information Request – Office of the Texas Attorney General
7. Death Records and Certificates – Texas Department of State Health Services
8. Wrongful Death Chapter 71 – Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
9. Statute of Limitations section 16.003 – Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
10. Texas Highway Patrol Overview – Texas Department of Public Safety