There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in Martin County, Texas on August 16, 2024. According to reports, an 18-wheeler experienced a blowout while traveling on State Highway 349. The 18-wheeler pulled off the roadway, but was unable to pull completely onto the shoulder. As a result, a portion of the big rig’s trailer was in the lanes of southbound travel. A passenger vehicle with three people in it collided with the trailer, killing all on board. The victims have been identified as Daniel Lindsey, Chelsea Sue Clark, and Marcos Campos. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly crash.
When an 18-wheeler pulls onto the shoulder of a highway but does not completely leave the lanes of travel, it creates significant risks for other drivers. One of the most immediate dangers is the sudden obstruction it poses to oncoming traffic. Drivers may not expect a large vehicle to be partially blocking the lane, especially at highway speeds, where reaction times are critical. The presence of the 18-wheeler can lead to sudden braking or swerving, which increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions or vehicles veering off the road.
Another risk is the reduced visibility that a partially parked 18-wheeler creates for both itself and other vehicles. Large trucks can obstruct the view of drivers approaching from behind, making it difficult for them to see any hazards ahead, such as stopped traffic, road construction, or other obstacles. This lack of visibility can be particularly dangerous at night or in poor weather conditions when the truck’s presence might not be immediately apparent until it is too late for other drivers to react safely.
The situation also poses a significant hazard to the truck driver and any passengers who may need to exit the vehicle. If the truck is not fully off the road, anyone stepping out is at risk of being struck by passing vehicles. Additionally, other drivers may not anticipate pedestrians near a partially obstructing truck, further increasing the danger of accidents involving both vehicles and people.
Finally, when an 18-wheeler does not fully leave the travel lanes, it disrupts the normal flow of traffic, which can lead to congestion and confusion. Drivers approaching the partially obstructed lane may hesitate, slow down abruptly, or change lanes suddenly, all of which can contribute to a chaotic and dangerous driving environment. This disruption can cause ripple effects throughout the traffic, potentially leading to further accidents as drivers further back in the traffic line react to the unpredictable situation ahead.
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.
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.