There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in Wise County, Texas on May 14, 2024. According to reports, there was a head-on collision between an 18-wheeler and an SUV on FM 1810. All four people in the SUV, including two children, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The two children were students at Chico Elementary School. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly crash. Additional details regarding the accident have not yet been released.
Head-on collisions involving 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles are among the most dangerous and often fatal types of accidents on the road. The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler can lead to devastating consequences when involved in a head-on crash. Typically, these accidents occur when one of the vehicles crosses into the opposing lane of traffic, leading to a direct collision. Causes can vary widely but often include driver fatigue, distracted driving, or improper overtaking. In some cases, mechanical failures such as brake failure or steering issues in the truck can also cause the driver to lose control, inadvertently veering into oncoming traffic.
The dynamics of a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler dramatically increase the risk of severe injuries and fatalities, primarily due to the disparity in size and protective structure between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle. In such collisions, the smaller vehicle absorbs much of the impact force. This often results in the passenger compartment being crushed or severely damaged, leading to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even instant fatalities. The survival rate for occupants in the smaller vehicle is significantly lower compared to other types of collisions, highlighting the deadly nature of these accidents.
From a legal perspective, determining liability in a head-on collision involving an 18-wheeler can be complex. Investigations may need to scrutinize the actions of both drivers leading up to the crash, the trucking company’s compliance with federal safety regulations, and the vehicle’s maintenance records. Issues such as whether the truck driver was adhering to hours-of-service regulations, which limit the number of hours a driver can operate a vehicle to prevent fatigue, often come under scrutiny. Moreover, if a mechanical failure contributed to the accident, liability could extend to the manufacturers of the truck’s components or those responsible for its maintenance.
For victims and their families, the aftermath of a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler is often overwhelming. Legal representation becomes essential in navigating the complexities of personal injury or wrongful death claims associated with such accidents. Experienced personal injury attorneys can provide invaluable assistance in these cases, helping victims gather necessary evidence, represent their interests in negotiations with insurance companies, and pursue adequate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Engaging a lawyer with experience in truck accidents ensures that the victim’s rights are protected and that they have the best chance of receiving a fair settlement.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was a deadly crash involving a semi-truck that was carrying a bulldozer in Houston, Texas on May 8, 2024. An 18-wheeler hauling cattle failed to yield, resulting in a crash near Dumas, Texas on May 9, 2024. There was a crash involving a concrete truck in San Antonio, Texas on May 10, 2024. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in Lufkin, Texas on May 12, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving catastrophic auto and bus accidents in both federal and state court across the country. Our attorneys have extensive experience and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident.
The experienced accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have previously been involved in similar cases and can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was involved in an accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.