A morning drive turned dangerous for a grandmother and her two grandchildren after their SUV collided with a disabled semi-truck on the Interstate 10 Service Road in Orange, Texas. The crash, which happened shortly after 8 a.m. on April 24, left all three with injuries and has raised questions about commercial vehicle safety practices in roadside emergencies.
The crash occurred in the eastbound lanes between Womack Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Authorities say the 18-wheeler was stalled in a travel lane but had not been marked with any reflective triangles, flares, or hazard indicators to alert other drivers. With no warning the 18-wheeler was stopped, the SUV slammed into the rear of the stationary truck. All three occupants—an adult woman and her two young grandchildren—were transported to a nearby hospital.
Safety Failures and Legal Implications
One of the most concerning aspects of this crash is the reported failure of the truck driver to place required safety warnings after the vehicle became disabled. Under both federal and Texas law, commercial drivers must take immediate action when their vehicle breaks down in or near a traffic lane. This includes activating hazard flashers and setting out warning devices—such as reflective triangles or flares—at specified distances behind the truck to alert approaching drivers.
These safety measures are not optional. They are mandatory steps designed to prevent exactly this kind of crash. A large, stationary 18-wheeler can become virtually invisible to approaching traffic, especially if it’s early in the morning, visibility is low, or the vehicle blends into the background. Without clear warning signs, drivers have little time to react and no safe opportunity to avoid a collision—particularly on narrow service roads or shoulders. In this case, the absence of warning devices created a highly dangerous situation. It effectively turned the stalled truck into an unexpected and unmarked obstacle in the roadway. The SUV driver had no opportunity to brake or swerve safely, resulting in a high-impact rear-end collision.
Additionally, trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are trained in proper roadside emergency procedures. If a driver fails to follow these protocols, it raises serious questions about oversight, training standards, and accountability. Did the driver know the safety requirements? Was the truck properly maintained to prevent the breakdown in the first place? These are the kinds of questions that must be asked in any thorough investigation.
When commercial drivers or the companies that employ them fail to follow established safety practices, they may be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries. Victims of such negligence are entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and the emotional toll of the crash. In incidents involving children, long-term care and psychological support may also be necessary, making legal accountability even more crucial.
Understanding Your Rights After a Truck-Related Crash
Injuries involving 18-wheelers—especially those caused by a lack of proper hazard markings or failure to secure a broken-down vehicle—often involve complex liability issues. Victims may have legal claims not only against the driver but also against the trucking company responsible for training and oversight.
A personal injury lawyer can help families affected by this kind of crash identify all liable parties, gather critical evidence, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Even when injuries seem minor, the long-term impact can be significant—especially when children are involved.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
If you or your family has been hurt in a crash involving a disabled or improperly marked commercial truck, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Spagnoletti Law Firm is familiar with the complexities of truck accident cases and can assist you in determining your legal rights.
Call us today at 713-804-9306 to schedule a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.