Texas 114 Crash Near Rhome Critically Injures Woman and Child, Closes Westbound Lanes

• What we know about the Texas 114 crash near Rhome
• Timeline and multi-agency response
• Injuries reported and medical transport details
• Traffic impact along the Texas 114 corridor
• How to request official records and who to call
• How multi-vehicle crashes are evaluated in Texas
• Insurance considerations after a three-vehicle crash
• Practical steps to document and protect your rights
• Child passengers, car seats, and post-crash replacement
• Local context for Wise County drivers on 114
• What to do next and why timing matters
• Commentary from Gosuits Rhome, Texas Personal Injury Attorney
• References

What we know about the Texas 114 crash near Rhome

Late Thursday afternoon, around the heart of the commute, a serious multi-vehicle collision occurred on Texas 114 near Rhome. According to initial reports, at approximately 3:45 p.m., a sedan carrying an adult woman and a young child was struck by a three-quarter-ton pickup truck. A third vehicle was also involved. Both occupants of the sedan were critically injured. The child was airlifted to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, while the adult female was transported by ground ambulance to John Peter Smith Hospital. The man driving the pickup was not injured. A woman in the third vehicle sustained minor injuries and declined transport. First responders shut down westbound Texas 114 for more than an hour while they worked the scene and cleared the roadway. Multiple local and state agencies responded, including Wise County EMS units Rescue-1, Squad-1, Medic-3, Medic-4, and Medic-5, along with the Rhome Fire Department, Rhome Police Department, Boyd Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

This stretch of 114 is a key artery for Wise County residents traveling between Rhome, Boyd, and the Alliance area toward Fort Worth. When a crash happens here, many families feel the ripple effects quickly. If you were on that road Thursday, you likely saw helicopters overhead, flashing lights, and a long backup of westbound vehicles idling on the shoulder. It is scary, and it hits close to home.

Timeline and multi-agency response

Based on the information available, the sequence began with a westbound closure shortly after the 3:45 p.m. collision. Air Evac Lifeteam 68 landed for rapid pediatric transport to Cook Children’s, while ground crews stabilized and transported the critically injured adult to JPS. Multiple agencies coordinated traffic control and safety, including DPS troopers assisting with scene investigation while Wise County EMS managed patient care. Rhome Fire and allied departments provided scene safety, extrication support if needed, and cleanup.

At multi-vehicle crash scenes, DPS and local officers typically document vehicle positions, roadway evidence, and witness statements. In Texas, these details are compiled in a Peace Officer’s Crash Report. Access to those reports is governed by statute, with certain information released to parties with a proper interest and other details protected for privacy and investigative reasons [1].

Injuries reported and medical transport details

The two critical injuries were suffered by the woman and child in the sedan. The child was airlifted to Cook Children’s Medical Center, a pediatric facility that provides advanced emergency and trauma care for children in North Texas. The adult was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital, a major public hospital in Fort Worth known for its trauma services. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains trauma designations for hospitals across the state, including pediatric hospitals and adult trauma centers [2].

In the immediate aftermath of a high-energy crash, air transport is used when rapid access to specialty care is necessary, especially for pediatric patients. Ground transport to JPS suggests the adult had urgent needs as well, and that hospital was the appropriate destination given location and capability.

No other patients were reported transported from the scene. The pickup driver was not injured, and the other driver declined transport after reporting minor injuries. Even so, it is common for symptoms to appear hours or days later. Headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, numbness, or changes in behavior can emerge after the adrenaline fades. The CDC notes that child passenger injuries can be serious even when outward signs are not obvious [3].

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Traffic impact along the Texas 114 corridor

Westbound 114 near Rhome was closed for more than an hour, which is consistent with investigative protocols after a collision resulting in critical injuries. During such closures, DPS and local departments document the scene and ensure the roadway can reopen safely. For drivers traveling toward Boyd or further west, that meant detours and delays through late afternoon. On a corridor that already carries a mix of local traffic and heavy commuter flow from the Fort Worth and Alliance employment areas, an hour-long shutdown stacks up quickly.

Crash data routinely shows that high-speed corridors with mixed traffic can see severe outcomes when vehicles collide. TxDOT publishes statewide crash statistics each year to help communities understand where and how crashes happen and to guide prevention efforts [4].

How to request official records and who to call

After a serious crash, families and involved drivers often need official records to understand what happened and to start insurance claims. Here is how that typically works in Texas, and who to contact:

• Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3): In Texas, officer crash reports are maintained and released under state law. Requests are made through the state’s system as permitted by Texas Transportation Code section 550.065 [1]. If you are an involved party, you can request a copy of the CR-3 report once it is available.
• DPS and local law enforcement records: For supplemental narratives, photos, or 911 recordings, request records directly from the agency that handled the call, typically through the Texas Public Information Act. The Texas Attorney General’s guidance explains what information is open and how to make a request [5]. In this incident, potential record holders include the Rhome Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• EMS run sheets: Wise County EMS units responded. EMS patient care reports are protected health information, but patients or legal guardians can request copies consistent with HIPAA’s right of access rules [6].
• Hospital records: Cook Children’s Medical Center and John Peter Smith Hospital maintain medical records departments. Patients or authorized representatives can request discharge summaries, imaging, and bills under federal privacy rules [6].
• Tow and vehicle release documents: If a vehicle was impounded, contact the towing company listed by the agency at the scene. Tow invoices and vehicle condition photos can serve as valuable documentation.

Families sometimes ask about autopsy or coroner records. In incidents involving fatalities, the county medical examiner or a justice of the peace would manage those records under Texas law. This report did not involve a fatality, but in general, the county’s official website is where inquests and release procedures are listed [5].

How multi-vehicle crashes are evaluated in Texas

Three-vehicle collisions raise a common question: who is legally responsible. Under Texas civil law, fault can be shared among multiple drivers. The state’s proportionate responsibility rules allow a jury to assign percentages of responsibility to each party, and a person found more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover damages from others [7].

Investigators will examine factors such as vehicle speeds, lane position, visibility, following distance, and whether any driver failed to yield, made an unsafe lane change, or was distracted. They may also consider whether a sudden hazard forced a driver to react in a way that contributed to a second impact. The fact that a three-quarter-ton pickup was involved does not, by itself, make the case a commercial truck matter. Some pickups are privately operated; others are part of business fleets. That distinction can affect the insurance policies potentially in play and whether any corporate liability issues arise.

Sometimes, the third vehicle is struck as a consequence of the initial collision, which can create layered liability. In those cases, reconstruction details and eyewitness accounts become crucial. Photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris fields, and the final rest positions help clarify the sequence. Because of how quickly traffic stacks up on 114, dashcam footage from nearby drivers may exist, which is why timely preservation requests to potential witnesses can make a difference.

Insurance considerations after a three-vehicle crash

After a multi-vehicle incident, several coverages may apply. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance is primary for injury and property damage claims. If fault is shared, each insurer may contribute proportionally. Texas policies often include personal injury protection unless it was rejected in writing. PIP can help with medical bills and a portion of lost income regardless of fault, subject to limits, and it must be offered under the Texas Insurance Code [8]. Some drivers carry medical payments coverage, which can also apply without regard to fault. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can apply if an at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough.

For families sorting through these layers, a clear explanation of priority helps. This resource provides a helpful overview: Which insurance pays first after a multi car crash.

It is also important to understand that recorded statements given to an insurance company can be used later to challenge a claim. Before speaking with insurers, it is wise to consult with a seasoned injury attorney who can advise on timing, documentation, and scope. Many car accident lawyers offer no-cost initial consultations to review coverage, medical needs, and next steps.

Because this crash involved a child, parents may face separate paperwork and settlement approval issues down the road. Texas courts often require special procedures to finalize settlements for minors. Early planning helps families avoid delays later.

Practical steps to document and protect your rights

In the days and weeks after a serious collision, small steps add up. If you or a loved one were affected by this crash or a similar one in Wise County, the following practical actions can help preserve information and support healing. This is general information only.

• Request the official crash report: Once available under state law, request the Peace Officer’s Crash Report for the incident. Reports are released as permitted by Transportation Code section 550.065 [1].
• Collect medical records and bills: Keep discharge papers, imaging reports, prescriptions, and receipts. HIPAA gives patients a right to access their medical records within set timeframes [6].
• Photograph injuries and property damage: Document vehicle damage from multiple angles and any visible injuries over time. Photos taken in good lighting with reference points are more useful later.
• Track symptoms: Especially for children, changes in sleep, mood, appetite, or school performance can indicate concussion or other injuries. The CDC provides child passenger safety resources that discuss injuries and prevention [3].
• Notify your insurer but avoid detailed statements: Prompt notice is typically required, but it is safer to consult an attorney before giving a recorded statement or signing releases. What is said early can be taken out of context later.
• Preserve dashcam and phone data: If any involved vehicle had a dashcam, secure the card immediately. Back up relevant phone photos and videos to cloud storage to prevent loss.
• Ask about available coverages: PIP, MedPay, and UM or UIM can help if liability is disputed or if the at-fault driver is underinsured. Texas law requires insurers to offer PIP unless it is rejected in writing [8].

When choosing legal help, look for Rhome car accident lawyers who routinely handle multi-vehicle crashes and can coordinate injury documentation, insurance communications, and preservation of evidence.

Child passengers, car seats, and post-crash replacement

When a child is involved in a crash, safety seats are front of mind. Texas law requires the use of a child passenger safety seat system for children under 8 years old, unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches [9], and all occupants must use a safety belt [10]. Beyond compliance, the question families ask next is whether the car seat must be replaced.

NHTSA recommends replacing a child safety seat after a moderate or severe crash. For minor crashes that meet specific criteria, reuse may be acceptable, but the safest route is often replacement when in doubt. NHTSA offers detailed guidance on when a seat should be replaced after a crash [11].

The CDC emphasizes that properly used car seats can dramatically reduce the risk of injury in a crash. If you have questions about proper seat choice or installation after this kind of incident, consider scheduling a seat check with a certified technician. Many local fire departments and community events in Wise County offer inspection days, especially during back-to-school time.

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Local context for Wise County drivers on 114

Texas 114 near Rhome carries a unique blend of commuter traffic from Fort Worth and industrial traffic serving the Alliance corridor. In the afternoon, you will see parents heading to practices, workers returning from warehouses, and residents making their way toward Boyd and beyond. It is busy and fast. With access points, speed transitions, and occasional construction, even a momentary lapse can trigger a chain reaction.

TxDOT’s statewide crash facts show that severe injuries often occur on high-speed roads where different vehicle sizes share tight spaces. On 114, that can mean sedans alongside heavy pickups and service vans. That combination can increase injury severity in certain impact angles. It is part of why local departments emphasize spacing and speed management during peak hours. While we do not speculate about the cause of this crash, safe following distances, attentive driving, and resisting the urge to beat the traffic light are habits that help on this corridor [4].

What to do next and why timing matters

In serious crashes with critical injuries, timing affects almost everything that follows. Evidence at the scene can be lost quickly once the roadway reopens. Memories fade. Vehicles get repaired or sold. Medical bills arrive before liability is settled. Acting early helps the process make more sense.

• Get a qualified legal consultation first: Before calling any insurer, arrange a free consultation with a personal injury attorney who can outline rights, likely coverage sources, and how to avoid common missteps. Statements you give to an adjuster can be used to limit or deny benefits later.
• Secure the crash report and core records: The crash report, EMS run sheet, and hospital discharge summary form the backbone of any claim. The report will be released as permitted by state law [1], and medical records are available through HIPAA’s right of access [6].
• Identify all potential insurance layers: In a three-vehicle crash, there may be multiple liability policies, plus PIP, MedPay, and UM or UIM. Sorting this out early prevents delays when bills come due. Texas requires PIP to be offered and allows it to be rejected only in writing, so check your declarations page carefully [8].
• Track deadlines: Texas generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a civil claim, though specific circumstances can affect timing. Missing a deadline can eliminate options [12].

These steps are not about rushing decisions. They are about preserving options and preventing small issues from becoming bigger problems later. If you are comparing firms, it can also help to speak with more than one attorney before choosing who to work with. Many car accident lawyers offer case reviews at no cost.

For broader guidance about the first days after a traffic crash, car accident lawyers can help clarify what to expect, from rental car issues to medical liens, and how to handle calls from multiple adjusters in a multi-vehicle event.

Commentary from Gosuits Rhome, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with the woman and child who were critically hurt, and with every family caught in the hours of uncertainty that followed along 114. We share this article to provide general information and community-focused context for those trying to make sense of what happened, not as a substitute for advice on any particular case.

From a personal injury perspective, three-vehicle collisions raise complicated questions, but the core issues are familiar. Investigators will work to understand the sequence of impacts and assess how each driver’s actions contributed to the outcome. High-speed corridors like 114 can turn small mistakes into major emergencies in an instant, especially when vehicles of very different sizes are involved.

Insurance companies and large corporate policyholders know the rules and the timelines very well. They often move quickly to gather statements, secure their own photos, and frame the narrative around liability. Without strong guidance, people can be pushed to give recorded statements or sign broad medical authorizations that later get used to minimize claims or shift blame. We see this most often when someone is still in pain, juggling child care and work, and hoping the process will be straightforward.

That is why a free consultation matters, particularly early on. It gives people a chance to understand their rights, identify all potential coverage sources, and avoid avoidable mistakes. It also helps families plan for medical needs and document injuries in ways insurers recognize. In cases involving children, there are extra steps and safeguards to consider, so having a clear roadmap brings real peace of mind.

References

1. Release of Accident Reports, Transportation Code 550.065 – Texas Statutes
2. Designated Trauma Facilities – Texas Department of State Health Services
3. Child Passenger Safety – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4. Crash Statistics and Reports – Texas Department of Transportation
5. What Information is Open – Texas Attorney General
6. Individuals’ Right under HIPAA to Access Health Information – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
7. Proportionate Responsibility, Chapter 33 – Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
8. Personal Injury Protection Offer, Section 1952.152 – Texas Insurance Code
9. Child Passenger Safety Seat Systems, Section 545.412 – Texas Transportation Code
10. Safety Belts, Section 545.413 – Texas Transportation Code
11. Car Seats and Booster Seats: Reuse After a Crash – NHTSA
12. Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury, Section 16.003 – Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code