There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in San Antonio, Texas on October 7, 2024. According to reports, a pickup truck crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler on Interstate 35. After impact, the truck became trapped under the 18-wheeler as it burst into flames. The 18-wheeler is believed to have been stopped because of lane closures on the highway. The driver of the pickup truck was killed as a result. The crash occurred around 11 p.m. The crash remains under investigation at this time.
The tragic crash involving an 18-wheeler and a pickup truck in San Antonio, Texas, on October 7, 2024, raises several potential contributing factors, particularly given the complexity of highway traffic conditions late at night. One possible factor is inadequate warning or signage regarding the lane closures on Interstate 35. Construction zones and lane closures require proper, clear, and timely signage to alert drivers in advance. If the signage was not placed far enough ahead of the closure, or if it was poorly lit or hard to see, the pickup truck driver may not have had enough time to slow down or react before encountering the stopped 18-wheeler.
Another potential contributing factor could be visibility issues, given that the crash occurred around 11 p.m., a time when darkness could obscure the road and make it more difficult for drivers to see obstacles ahead. Poor lighting, combined with the confusion of ongoing construction, can make it harder for drivers to recognize hazards in time. In addition, the size and position of the 18-wheeler may have reduced visibility, particularly if the truck was not equipped with proper reflective markings or lighting that would make it more visible in the dark.
Traffic management during lane closures may also have played a role in this fatal crash. The 18-wheeler may have been stopped due to slowed traffic as a result of the lane closures. If traffic flow was not managed properly, this could have caused an abrupt stop that caught the pickup truck driver by surprise. Sudden traffic slowdowns are dangerous, especially on highways where vehicles are traveling at higher speeds. The lack of adequate traffic control measures, such as the use of barriers, traffic cones, or warning vehicles, could have contributed to the crash.
Lastly, road conditions in the construction zone could have been a factor. Uneven surfaces, debris, or unclear lane markings can confuse drivers, especially in nighttime conditions. If the pickup truck driver encountered poor road conditions while trying to navigate through the construction zone, it could have hindered their ability to react appropriately to the slowed or stopped 18-wheeler. As the investigation continues, these and other factors will be analyzed to determine the cause of this devastating accident.
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. A tanker truck rolled over near Snyder, Texas 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 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.