A large 18-wheeler truck, belonging to a bee-removal business, overturned on I-10 West earlier this week, unleashing a massive swarm of bees in downtown San Antonio. The truck was reportedly carrying as many as 10 million bees in at least 400 beehives at the time of the accident. A recent article reported that the high speed of the truck, strong winds, and the fact that the driver was unfamiliar with the road were all factors contributing to the overturn.
Firefighters reported to the scene and used spray foam, soap, and water, to manage the bees and clean up the honey. Thankfully, no people were injured.
What to Know About 18-Wheeler Overturns:
- A recent study indicates that as much as 50% of all 18-wheeler overturns occur because the driver fails to sufficiently reduce their speed when approaching a curve, as was the case in the recent overturn on I-10 West.
- Rollover accidents are believed to be the deadliest kind of 18-wheeler accident, as there is theoretically no limit to how many cars, bystanders, and pedestrians can be injured when an 18-wheeler wipes out and obstructs a major highway, where most cars and motorcycles are traveling at high speeds and are unable to stop quickly.
- Overloading is a common practice in the trucking industry, although it is unsafe and illegal, because it allows more cargo to be moved for less money. Exceeding the safe weight limit for cargo, or negligently loading cargo in a way that is unstable, or able to easily shift, all increase the likelihood of rollover accidents.
- The driver, the trucking company, the cargo company, and manufacturers of malfunctioning component parts, like breaks, may all be liable in an 18-wheeler rollover, depending on the specific circumstances.
- It is always best to keep at least two to three car lengths of space between you and 18-wheeler trucks. You can allow additional space when coming up on turns and curves as a precaution in the event of an overturn.
What to Do if You Have Been Injured by an Overturned 18-Wheeler
If you have been injured by an 18-wheeler overturn accident, you are not alone. You may be feeling overwhelmed trying to navigate medical bills, insurance claims, and finding your way back to a normal life, but this is not a burden that you have to shoulder by yourself. Thousands of Americans every year are injured and even killed in over-turn accidents because of negligent driving or working conditions.
An experienced San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer will evaluate your specific case and determine the best course of action to ensure that you are fairly compensated for all the pain, suffering, and damages you have experienced.
A successful personal injury lawsuit will allow you to recover all expenses related to injuries sustained from the accident, as well as all anticipated future expenses, lost wages or earning potential, and funeral expenses and loss of companionship in the event of death. A personal injury lawsuit will also allow you to seek compensation for the emotional harm that you suffered as a result of the physical trauma resulting from the collision.
Talk to a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as the result of a negligent 18-wheeler accident, it is time to fight back and get the financial help and support you are entitled to by law. Contact a San Antonio, TX trucking accident attorney at the Law Offices of Eric Ramos to schedule a free consultation today. There are no fees until we win your case.