The accident occurred by Lone Star Charlie's in Goodrich.
2 Hospitalized in 2 Vehicle Accident, GOODRICH, June 28, 2009 - According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, at approximately 12:52 pm on June 28, 2009 a gray 2007 Chevy Malibu driven by James E. Watson, 52, of Goodrich was north-bound on US-59 in Goodrich when a burgundy 2009 Kia Spectra driven by Carolyn T. Tatum, 67, of Livingston attempted to crossover into the parking lot of Lone Star Charlie's restaurant. Tatum failed to yield right-of-way to Watson and Watson slammed into Tatum with a glancing blow. Watson's vehicle spun around into the ditch on the right side of the road facing west while Tatum's vehicle remained in the middle of 59 north facing east. DPS Troopers Kevin Burman, Sammy Lattner, and Darwon Evans were dispatched to the scene along with Americare Ambulance Service and the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department. Both lanes on the north-bound side were blocked and traffic re-routed to the shoulder as the accident was being investigated and cleared. Both Watson and Tatum were treated at the scene and transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital with unspecified injuries. Both parties had insurance. Watson's airbag deployed. Watson's vehicle allegedly caught on fire but was quickly extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Tatum was issued a citation for failure to yield right-of-way at an intersection. Both vehicles were recovered by a rollback wrecker from Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. The scene was cleared and traffic fully flowing by 2 pm.
A special Thank You to PolkCountyToday.com Assignment Editor, Stash Anderson.
Carolyn Tatum pulled directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
James Watson's vehicle is covered in fire retardant after reportedly catching on fire.
DPS Trooper Kevin Burman speaks with James Watson.
(L - R) Troopers Darwon Evans, Sam Lattner, and Kevin Burman.
Tatum's 2009 Kia Spectra is immobilized in the middle of US-59 North.
James Watson is rolled to an Americare Ambulance (Trooper Evans foreground).
Carolyn Tatum being rolled to a waiting Americare Ambulance.
Trooper Kevin Burman investigates.
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