Orange, TX (August 26, 2026) – Authorities are investigating a hit-and-run crash that left a 29-year-old Orange woman hospitalized on Tuesday morning after another vehicle sideswiped her car on Interstate 10 near the Purple Heart Bridge.
The crash happened around 7:10 a.m. on August 25, in the westbound lanes near the Jefferson County line. According to Texas DPS, the woman was driving a Mazda passenger car in the outside lane when a red Chevrolet Impala traveling west struck the Mazda’s left side. The Mazda crossed the roadway after the impact and hit a barrier.
The woman was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Her 2-year-old passenger was not injured. The Impala continued west after the crash and has not been located. No other vehicles were involved, according to DPS. Troopers are actively investigating the incident.
We hope the injured woman has a smooth recovery.
What Can Happen After a Sideswipe Crash on a Highway?
A sideswipe occurs when two vehicles traveling side by side make contact. Even when the initial impact appears limited, a driver may lose control and move into another lane or toward a barrier.
Highway speeds can increase the risk of a sideswipe. A sudden steering movement after contact may cause a vehicle to cross multiple lanes before coming to a stop. Roadside barriers can also create a secondary point of impact.
Passengers, including young children, rely on properly installed safety restraints during a crash. Seatbelts and child safety seats can help limit movement inside a vehicle during sudden changes in speed or direction. The condition of the roadway and the positions of the vehicles can also affect the outcome.
