There was an 18-wheeler crash near Kingsville, Texas on January 14, 2025. According to reports, an 18-wheeler traveling northbound on US 77 hyrdoplaned before striking the center median. Additional details have not yet been released.
Hydroplaning is a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when a vehicle loses contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, reducing traction and control. For 18-wheelers, the risks of hydroplaning are significantly heightened due to their size, weight, and braking characteristics. The recent crash near Kingsville, Texas where an 18-wheeler hydroplaned on US 77 and struck the center median, underscores the severe consequences of such incidents. While additional details about this crash are yet to be released, it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and mitigating the risks of hydroplaning.
One primary factor contributing to hydroplaning is excessive speed in wet conditions. Large commercial trucks require longer stopping distances and have slower reaction times than passenger vehicles, making speed a critical factor in maintaining control. When traveling too fast for the conditions, even small amounts of standing water on the road can cause the tires of an 18-wheeler to lose contact with the pavement. Once traction is lost, the driver has limited ability to steer or brake effectively, often resulting in accidents like the one reported in Kingsville.
Another contributing factor is tire maintenance. Worn or underinflated tires reduce an 18-wheeler’s ability to channel water away from the tread, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning. Commercial truck operators and fleet managers have a responsibility to ensure that tire treads meet safety standards and that tires are properly inflated before each trip. Neglecting tire maintenance not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers other road users.
The consequences of an 18-wheeler hydroplaning can be catastrophic. Due to their massive size and weight, these vehicles are difficult to control once traction is lost, increasing the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles, barriers, or pedestrians. Additionally, a hydroplaning 18-wheeler can jackknife, blocking multiple lanes of traffic and causing chain-reaction accidents. This incident near Kingsville highlights the need for truck drivers, fleet operators, and road maintenance authorities to prioritize safety by adjusting speeds for weather conditions, maintaining tires, and ensuring proper drainage on highways to minimize standing water.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was an 18-wheeler crash in Orange County, Texas on December 30, 2024. There was a crash involving a cement truck in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 2, 2025. There was an 18-wheeler crash near Buffalo Gap, Texas on January 4, 2025. There was a crash injuring two pedestrians in McAllen, Texas on January 5, 2025. There was a deadly crash at the Cherokee-Anderson county line in Texas on January 8, 2025.
Spagnoletti Law Firm is proud to have attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and New York. Our team has worked on numerous cases involving severe auto and bus accidents, offering dedicated legal representation to families who have lost loved ones or individuals who have suffered serious injuries in trucking or commercial vehicle crashes.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, the accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm are here to help you navigate your legal options. Contact us today online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation and to learn more about your rights.