There was a crash involving an 18-Wheeler near Snyder, Texas on October 4, 2024. According to reports, a tanker truck rolled over on Highway 84 near CR 258. The driver of the semi-truck was trapped in the vehicle as a result. The crash remains under investigation at this time.
The crash could have been caused by several factors, with the most common in rollover accidents being speed and road conditions. Tanker trucks are particularly susceptible to rollovers due to their high center of gravity and the movement of liquid cargo within the tank. If the driver was navigating a curve or making a sharp turn on Highway 84, the liquid inside the tanker may have shifted, creating an imbalance that led to the rollover. Even at moderate speeds, the sloshing effect of liquid cargo can cause a truck to tip if the driver is not aware of the additional forces at play.
Another possible cause could be related to the condition of the roadway. If it has uneven surfaces, potholes, or loose gravel, the tanker truck may have lost traction or stability, especially if the driver attempted to avoid an obstacle or overcorrected. Rural highways like this one are often less maintained, and any imperfections in the road can have a greater impact on large commercial vehicles, particularly those carrying liquid cargo. The sudden movement of the truck on a compromised road surface could have led to the loss of control, causing the tanker to roll over.
Mechanical failure is also a potential contributing factor to the accident. Regular maintenance is critical for ensuring the safe operation of large trucks, especially those hauling hazardous or heavy materials. A brake malfunction, steering issue, or problem with the suspension system could have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. If any of these systems failed while the tanker was in motion, the driver may not have been able to prevent the truck from tipping over, trapping them inside. Mechanical issues are often an underlying cause of accidents, particularly in rollover situations involving large trucks.
Lastly, driver fatigue could have played a role in this crash. Long-haul truck drivers are frequently on the road for extended periods, and fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making. If the driver was tired or had been driving for several hours without adequate rest, they may not have been able to react appropriately to changing road conditions, the movement of the liquid cargo, or any obstacles in their path. Fatigue is a significant contributor to many accidents involving large commercial vehicles, and the effects of exhaustion can be particularly dangerous when operating a tanker truck with sensitive cargo that requires constant attention and precise handling.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was a crash involving an 18-wheeler in Abilene, Texas on September 25, 2024. There was a deadly crash involving FedEx 18-Wheeler in Cooke County, Texas on September 27, 2024. There was a crash involving an 18-Wheeler and a passenger vehicle near New Orleans, Louisiana on October 4, 2024. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-Wheeler and a motorcycle in Corpus Christi, Texas on October 3, 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.