A 18-wheeler crash in San Patricio County has claimed the life of a 43-year-old Taft man. The fatal incident occurred just after 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the intersection of County Road 77 and County Road 1258, just north of Taft, Texas.
According to reports, a GMC Sierra pickup was traveling westbound on County Road 77 when it entered the intersection. At the same time, a northbound Peterbilt tractor-trailer approached on County Road 1258. The semi-truck reportedly failed to yield at the marked intersection and struck the pickup truck on the driver’s side, pushing both vehicles off the roadway.
The driver of the pickup, identified as Oscar Gonzalez, was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. Authorities have not reported any serious injuries for the truck driver.
Intersections and Yield Violations Pose Serious Threats on Rural Roads
Accidents at rural intersections like CR 77 and CR 1258 are often deadly, especially when large commercial vehicles are involved. Unlike urban intersections with traffic signals, many rural roads rely on yield or stop signs to regulate traffic. When drivers — particularly those operating heavy trucks — fail to observe these signs, smaller vehicles are at extreme risk.
In this case, the pickup truck appears to have been lawfully traveling through the intersection when reportedly the 18-wheeler failed to yield. The sheer size and weight of the commercial truck made the impact catastrophic. Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require a much greater distance to stop. Any failure to obey traffic signs or adjust speed at intersections can quickly turn deadly.
Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Trucking Accident
Families who lose a loved one in a collision with an 18-wheeler may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These types of lawsuits can help provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, medical costs, and emotional pain and suffering. In cases involving failure to yield, liability may rest with the truck driver, the company that owns the vehicle, or even third-party contractors responsible for maintenance or training.
Commercial trucking companies are subject to strict regulations and safety standards. If the driver was fatigued, distracted, or failed to follow traffic laws, those factors may support a claim of negligence. A thorough legal investigation can help uncover whether any violations of federal or state trucking laws contributed to the crash.
Speak With an Experienced 18-Wheeler Injury Lawyer
Trucking accidents often leave families with not only grief, but also complex legal and financial burdens. If your loved one has been killed or seriously injured due to a commercial truck driver’s negligence, it’s important to speak with a law firm that understands the unique challenges these cases present.
The 18-wheeler injury lawyers at Spagnoletti Law Firm represent families affected by fatal 18-wheeler accidents and other serious motor vehicle collisions. We work to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 to speak with a wrongful death and truck accident attorney today. Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.