News: DWI charge made after Hutto crash that killed semi-truck driver

HUTTO, TX – A 38-year-old man is being charged with DWI in connection with a crash that killed a semi-truck driver on Monday, KVUE said. 

This is an update in connection with our previous reporting. The crash happened before 1 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 130 and Chandler Road. The 38-year-old man, identified as Rayford Washington, was driving a silver 2022 Audi Q5 SUV and tried to turn left onto southbound State Highway 130 when he collided with an eastbound tractor-trailer. 

The truck driver, 59-year-old Eric Fields, lost control of his big rig and crashed into a bridge barrier, left the overpass, before landing on southbound State Highway 130. The truck overturned as a result, and Fields succumbed to his injuries at the scene. 

Washington and his two passengers, his children ages 5 and 9, were taken to Ascension Seton Williamson County Hospital. The children’s injuries were not disclosed, although Washington was said to have suffered head injuries and had blood on his lip. 

A deeper dive into Monday’s deadly crash 

During the investigation, Washington told a trooper he was coming back from picking up chicken feed and drove his child back to Pflugerville. Washington believes he proceeded through the intersection on a green light and did not see the tractor-trailer, and collided with it. He described the situation as “everything went black.” 

The trooper noted that they smelled alcohol on Washington’s breath and had glassy eyes. Washington denied drinking but said he had drunk one beer prior to, and also took NyQuil. 

Officials conducted a field sobriety test on Washington, who came back with a BAC level of 0.105%, which is approximately 31% above the legal limit of 0.08%. 

Another sergeant confirmed Washington did not, in fact, have the right of way and failed to yield to the truck. 

Subsequently, law enforcement arrested Washington and booked him into the Williamson County Jail. He was charged with driving while intoxicated with a child under 15, which is a state jail felony.

The Department of Public Safety is investigating the details behind the crash. 

If your family member was killed in a DUI/DWI crash, leave it to TK Injury Lawyers’ car accident attorneys to help you cultivate a legal plan of action focused on accountability and achieving justice for your late loved one. We know this isn’t an easy time and are ready to provide you with personalized and compassionate legal guidance, starting with a free consultation. Schedule yours online or by phone at (512) 582-2398 today.