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Deadly Crash between Motorcycle and Semi-Truck in Corpus Christi, Texas

by | Oct 5, 2024 | Auto Accident, Wrongful Death

There was a deadly crash involving an 18-Wheeler and a motorcycle in Corpus Christi, Texas on October 3, 2024.  According to reports, the crash occurred at the base of the Harbor Bridge when the motorcycle struck the back of the 18-wheeler.  The victim has been identified as Juan David Beltran.  The crash remains under investigation at this time.

The deadly crash in Corpus Christi, Texas, may have been caused in part by the actions of the 18-wheeler. Large commercial trucks, like 18-wheelers, are significantly more difficult to maneuver and stop than smaller vehicles, and these limitations can contribute to accidents. If the truck was changing lanes or merging near the base of the Harbor Bridge, the driver may not have seen the motorcycle approaching from behind. Even though motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to spot, it is the responsibility of the truck driver to check all mirrors and blind spots thoroughly before making any lane changes or sudden maneuvers, especially in high-traffic areas like the base of a bridge.

Another potential factor could have been the truck’s speed relative to the conditions. The Harbor Bridge is a high-traffic area, and the design of the bridge can make it more challenging for large trucks to slow down quickly or navigate tight turns. If the 18-wheeler was moving at a slower speed than the surrounding traffic, especially while approaching an incline or decline on the bridge, this could have caused a sudden speed differential between the truck and the motorcycle. If the truck slowed down unexpectedly or didn’t signal its movements clearly, it could have left the motorcycle rider with little time to react, ultimately resulting in a rear-end collision.

Visibility and lighting also play a significant role in accidents involving large trucks. The base of the Harbor Bridge may have lighting or visibility challenges, especially during certain times of day. If the 18-wheeler’s brake lights, turn signals, or hazard lights were not functioning properly, it may have been difficult for the motorcycle rider to judge the truck’s speed or intentions. Properly functioning lights are critical for all vehicles, but especially for large trucks, which take up a significant portion of the roadway and often block the view of traffic ahead. A failure to ensure that all lights and signals were operational could have made it much harder for the motorcycle rider to anticipate the truck’s actions.

Lastly, the size and weight of an 18-wheeler create inherent risks in terms of stopping distance and reaction time. Even if the truck driver attempted to slow down or make an emergency stop, the weight of the vehicle could have caused a delay in its response. This delay, combined with the potential for limited visibility or the truck’s maneuvering, may have contributed to the motorcycle striking the back of the 18-wheeler. While the investigation is ongoing, the combination of the truck’s speed, handling, and potentially limited visibility could have all played a role in this tragic incident.

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.

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.