A resident of San Antonio has been identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office as the driver of the 18-wheeler involved in a fiery crash last week. The man was traveling north into San Antonio on I-37, driving an 18-wheeler loaded with molasses, when he drifted through the right lane and struck a guardrail. The big rig then fell off of the overpass, and landed on the lanes of 1604 below. The impact caused the tractor and trailer to separate, and the trailer exploded, spilling molasses across the lanes of 1604. The trailer landed on an embankment under the overpass before bursting into flames.
Authorities stated that it is unclear what initially caused the 18-wheeler to veer into the right lane and through the guardrail. The San Antonio Police Department stated that at least one vehicle driving west on 1604 below the overpass was struck by either the falling tractor or the trailer. Two passengers traveling in the vehicle were treated for injuries at Brooke Army Medical Center.
18-Wheeler Crashes in San Antonio
San Antonio has some of the busiest highways in the nation, and experiences a steadily increasing number of trucking accidents and collisions each year. In fact, this is only one in a series of recent accidents on this highway. Why so many? There are several possible contributing factors. 18-wheeler trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when carrying cargo, which is more than five times the weight of a standard passenger vehicle. The heavier a truck is, the longer it will take it to come to a complete stop. If trucking companies or cargo suppliers overload the truck to save money, the driver may not be aware the additional distance is needed to stop. In some cases, overloading an 18-wheeler can prevent it from being able to come to a complete stop at all.
Driver fatigue is another common cause of trucking accidents. Trucking companies may ignore safety guidance in order to prioritize a tight deadline and push drivers to drive beyond a safe limit. Drivers may also take on more deliveries than would allow them to rest. Other times, another driver may be responsible for the accident. If a driver negligently drifts into an 18-wheeler’s lane, forcing the 18-wheeler to try and come to an abrupt stop, this could cause the truck to flip or crash into more cars. In this situation, the potential fault of each driver would be assessed.
Contact a San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer
While many rely on insurance and attempt to navigate the process on their own, a Texas trucking accident and injury lawyer can help ensure that you get a fair and equitable settlement to compensate you for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Insurance companies often deny legitimate claims in hopes that the driver will not pursue it any further. If you or a loved one have been injured by an 18-wheeler truck in an accident that was not your fault, you do not have to shoulder the burden alone. An experienced San Antonio personal injury attorney will evaluate the specific facts and circumstances of your case, and determine the best course of action to ensure that you are fairly compensated for the harm that another is responsible for. Contact the Law Offices of Eric Ramos, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation today.