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Crash between Train and Semi-truck in Tye, Texas

by | Jun 20, 2024 | Auto Accident, Train Accident

There was an accident involving a train in Tye, Texas on June 17, 2024.  During the incident, a semi-truck hauling hot mix asphalt became stuck on the tracks Wednesday afternoon.  A train collided with the stuck semi-truck.  Luckily, the vehicle’s driver was able to exit the vehicle before impact.  The incident remains under investigation at this time.

Crossing train tracks can be particularly hazardous for semi-trucks, especially those hauling heavy loads such as hot mix asphalt. The combination of the truck’s length, weight, and the uneven terrain of many railroad crossings can create a precarious situation. One of the primary risks is the potential for the semi-truck to get stuck on the tracks. This can happen when the truck’s undercarriage scrapes against the raised tracks or when the tires lose traction on steep inclines. The risk is heightened for trucks carrying heavy materials, as the added weight can exacerbate these issues, making it difficult for the vehicle to clear the crossing promptly.

In the case of a semi-truck hauling hot mix asphalt, the weight and distribution of the load are critical factors. Hot mix asphalt is exceptionally heavy, and if not evenly distributed, it can shift and alter the truck’s balance while crossing the tracks. The uneven weight distribution can cause the truck to become unbalanced and potentially stuck. Additionally, the heat from the asphalt can affect the tires’ performance, reducing their traction and increasing the likelihood of the truck becoming immobilized on the tracks. Once stuck, the semi-truck poses a significant hazard, obstructing the tracks and creating a potential collision risk with an oncoming train.

Another significant risk is the difficulty of extricating a stuck semi-truck from the tracks in a timely manner. Semi-trucks are large and complex vehicles that require specialized equipment and expertise to move, especially when laden with a heavy, potentially shifting load like hot mix asphalt. In the event of a truck becoming stuck on the tracks, there is a critical window of time to remove it before a train approaches. Coordination with local authorities, tow services, and railroad operators is essential, but the process can be time-consuming and challenging, increasing the risk of a catastrophic collision.

Finally, the consequences of a semi-truck stuck on train tracks can be severe, both in terms of human safety and financial impact. A collision between a train and a semi-truck carrying hot mix asphalt can result in significant injuries or fatalities, as well as substantial property damage. The impact can cause derailment, spillage of hazardous materials, and extensive damage to infrastructure. For the trucking company, such an incident can lead to legal liabilities, loss of cargo, and damage to their reputation. Implementing preventative measures, such as thorough route planning, regular vehicle maintenance, and driver training on safe crossing techniques, is crucial to mitigating these risks and ensuring the safety of both the truck operator and the train’s passengers and crew.

Tragically, there have been a number of recent accidents involving trains.  There was an accident between an 18-wheeler and a train in Gulfport, Mississippi on February 20, 2024.  There was an accident between an Amtrak train and vehicle in Durham, North Carolina on March 14, 2024.  A freight train derailed and caught fire near Lupton, Arizona on April 26, 2024.  There was an accident involving a train in Jersey Village, Texas on June 4, 2024.  A train and 18-wheeler were in an accident in Dexter, New Mexico on June 17, 2024.

Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York.  We have previously handled multiple cases involving train accidents.  Our attorneys have the experience and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in an accident involving a train or commercial vehicle.  The experienced accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was involved in an accident involving a train. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.