A devastating truck accident in Newton County, Texas, claimed the life of a commercial driver on Monday afternoon, June 16, 2025. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that 41-year-old Josette Blasdel of Leesville, Louisiana, died at the scene after her 18-wheeler veered off Highway 63 and collided with a tree.
Incident Summary
According to authorities, Blasdel was traveling eastbound on Highway 63 near Burkeville around 3:45 p.m. when a rear driver’s side tire blew out on her tractor-trailer. The blowout caused her vehicle to leave the roadway, where it struck a large pine tree.
Emergency responders from both the Burkeville and East End Fire Departments worked to extricate Blasdel from the wreckage. Tragically, she had been ejected from the cab, and her body was discovered between the tractor and trailer. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger riding in the truck was not injured.
Marks observed on the roadway suggest the 18-wheeler overturned before sliding off the highway. The Texas DPS continues to investigate the cause of the blowout and the events leading up to the fatal crash.
Tire Blowouts and Trucking Safety
Tire blowouts are a serious and often deadly risk for operators of large commercial vehicles. These incidents can be caused by:
- Defective tires or manufacturing flaws
- Over- or under-inflated tires
- Poor maintenance or failure to replace worn treads
- Excessive load weight or shifting cargo
- Roadway hazards
In the case of tractor-trailers, a blowout at highway speeds can make the vehicle nearly impossible to control, especially when it involves a rear tire on the drive axle. A thorough investigation will be required to determine whether the tire failure stemmed from mechanical neglect, a defect, or improper load management.
Legal Responsibilities in Commercial Trucking Accidents
Trucking companies and vehicle owners are legally responsible for maintaining the roadworthiness of their vehicles, including regular inspections and timely tire replacements. In some cases, equipment manufacturers or maintenance providers may also share liability if their negligence contributed to a mechanical failure.
Investigators will likely assess:
- Whether pre-trip inspections were performed
- The condition and service history of the blown tire
- Whether any manufacturer recalls were applicable
- Who was responsible for vehicle maintenance
If failures or violations are found, the parties involved may be held accountable under Texas and federal trucking laws.
Supporting the Families of Fallen Truck Drivers
Josette Blasdel was reportedly a mother of four, and her untimely death leaves a family facing not only unimaginable grief but also serious financial uncertainty. Surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim, especially if the blowout was caused by preventable factors.
Compensation in such claims may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of future income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and parental support
An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney can help investigate all potential sources of liability and ensure that grieving families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent victims and families impacted by commercial trucking accidents across the country. Our legal team is experienced in identifying the root causes of mechanical failures and holding negligent parties accountable.
If you have lost a loved one or were injured in a commercial truck crash, we are here to help.
📞 Call us at 713-804-9306
Let our team guide you through your legal options and fight for the justice your family deserves.