There was an 18-wheeler crash in Shallowater, Texas on October 23 2024. According to reports, the crash involved a pedestrian and occurred at FM 1294 and U.S. 84. Additional details have not yet been released.
Semi-truck and pedestrian accidents carry significant risks due to the stark disparity in size and weight between the truck and a person on foot. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and their large dimensions create blind spots where a pedestrian may not be visible to the driver. The force of impact in such collisions is usually catastrophic for the pedestrian, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Unlike smaller vehicles, semi-trucks require more time to come to a complete stop, which increases the risk of not being able to avoid hitting a pedestrian in an emergency.
Another risk factor in semi-truck and pedestrian accidents is the limited maneuverability of the truck. Semi-trucks cannot make quick turns or evasive maneuvers as easily as smaller vehicles can. When a pedestrian suddenly appears in the truck’s path, the driver may have very few options to avoid a collision. This is particularly dangerous in urban areas, near loading docks, or at truck stops where pedestrian traffic might be more prevalent, and semi-trucks frequently navigate tight spaces.
Additionally, the design of the truck itself can contribute to the severity of a pedestrian collision. The height of the cab and trailer means that a pedestrian struck by a semi-truck is more likely to be pulled under the vehicle or thrown forward with significant force, rather than simply being pushed aside. This increases the likelihood of multiple points of impact, which can cause devastating injuries. Furthermore, features like extended grills or bull bars, sometimes installed for additional safety, can actually exacerbate the harm to a pedestrian upon impact.
Environmental factors also play a role in the risks associated with semi-truck and pedestrian accidents. Poor weather conditions, low lighting, or road construction can reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, increasing the chances of an accident. In these situations, a semi-truck driver may struggle to see pedestrians in time to react, especially if the pedestrian is wearing dark clothing or crossing in an unexpected area. Given these risks, it is crucial for both truck drivers to maintain heightened awareness and for pedestrians to exercise caution around large vehicles, particularly in high-risk areas such as truck routes and industrial zones.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was a trucking crash near Eden, Texas on October 16, 2024. A cement truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Houston, Texas on October 17, 2024. There was a crash involving multiple 18-wheelers in Washington County, Texas on October 18, 2024. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in Ward County, Texas on October 20, 2024. There was a crash involving multiple 18-wheelers in Pflugerville, Texas on October 22, 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 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 to learn more about your legal rights.