There was a deadly accident involving an 18-wheeler in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 14, 2024. According to reports, an 18-wheeler driver was killed while helping another driver disconnect a trailer from the truck. The second driver backed over the victim, killing him. The victim has been identified as Isaac Zamudio Valadez, from McAllen, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly crash.
One of the significant risks of getting run over while helping disconnect a trailer from the cab of an 18-wheeler is the potential for the truck to move unexpectedly. If the parking brakes on either the cab or trailer are not properly engaged or malfunction, the entire rig could roll forward or backward. This movement could happen suddenly, especially if the ground is uneven or on a slight incline, putting anyone standing between the cab and the trailer at serious risk of being crushed or run over. The sheer weight and size of the 18-wheeler make such accidents particularly dangerous, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
Another critical risk involves communication failures between the driver and the person assisting with the disconnect. If there is any misunderstanding or lack of clear signals between the two, the driver might unknowingly begin to move the truck while someone is still in a vulnerable position. For example, if the driver believes that the helper has already cleared the area but they haven’t, moving the truck even slightly could result in the person being struck or pinned by the vehicle. Effective communication, including the use of hand signals or radios, is crucial to prevent such accidents.
Environmental factors also contribute to the risks. Poor visibility due to weather conditions such as fog, rain, or darkness can make it harder for the driver to see the person assisting with the disconnect. Similarly, slippery surfaces caused by rain, snow, or oil spills can cause the person assisting to lose their footing, potentially falling into the path of the truck. In these conditions, even a small movement of the truck can result in a person being run over, especially if they slip or are unable to react quickly enough to avoid the vehicle.
Finally, mechanical failures or improper maintenance of the 18-wheeler can increase the likelihood of an accident during the disconnect process. If the brakes, gearshift, or other critical components of the truck are not in good working order, the truck may move unpredictably, even if the driver takes all necessary precautions. Additionally, if the trailer is not properly aligned with the cab or if there are issues with the hitch mechanism, there may be a need for extra manual adjustments, placing the person assisting at greater risk. Regular maintenance and thorough safety checks are essential to minimize these risks and ensure the disconnect process is carried out safely.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler and dirt bike in Grayson County, Texas. An 18-wheeler struck and killed a motorist who left his vehicle on Loop 410 in San Antonio, Texas on July 31, 2024. There was a crash involving two 18-wheelers in Brownsville, Texas on August 3, 2024. There was a crash involving two 18-wheelers and a truck in Tye, Texas on August 9, 2024. A passenger vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler that was parked partially on the shoulder in Martin County, Texas on August 16, 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. 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.