Texas 18 Wheeler-School Bus Accident Leaves Fifteen Students Injured

Just a week after an 18-wheeler driver was arrested for causing a fatal accident with a school bus, another large truck–school bus accident in Jacksonville, Texas left 15 school children injured.

Last week, the driver of an 18-wheeler that crashed into a Marion County School bus last year, was arrested. That driver, Reynaldo Gonzalez, was reportedly using his cell phone just before or during the accident, which left a 13-year-old school girl dead. Ironically enough Jacksonville’s emergency response team is scheduled to stage a disaster drill next month, and the chosen situation is a school bus-truck accident.

This week, according to an 18-wheeler driver, he was driving at a high speed and was unable to stop when a traffic light turned red. The 18-wheeler ended up broadsiding a bus, full of students from Nichols Intermediate School. Truck Accident AttorneyAt least 4 students were rushed to the East Texas Medical Center - Jacksonville and a total of 15 students were taken to other hospitals in the area. There were a total of 29 children on the bus, all between ten and twelve years of age. The 18-wheeler driver was ticketed for failure to control speed.

Failure to drive at posted speed limits for tractor trailers - which are lower than speed limits for passenger vehicles - is negligent behavior for the driver of a large truck. In the Jacksonville accident, the 18-wheeler driver was driving at 55 mph. If he had crashed into the bus at that speed, police say the tractor trailer could have torn the bus in half and caused multiple fatalities.

As parents of the children who were injured in the Jacksonville 18-wheeler accident thank their stars their children walked away from the accident with minor injuries, trucking lobbying groups are supporting a new bill. The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009, which would increase the allowed weight limits on 18-wheelers to up to 97,000 pounds, from the current 80,000 pounds, will put larger, heavier, more dangerous trucks on the road.

Truck Safety

Everyday, truck accident lawyers hear from anxious families and victims across the country who have been severely injured in 18-wheeler accidents, unsure about who to turn to. We do not need larger, heavier trucks on our roads, we simply need to ensure that the existing 18-wheelers on our roads are in good driving condition, that drivers are well trained and screened before they are hired, and that the trucking company takes all steps to ensure that drivers follow safe driving practices.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, a truck accident attorney can help you get back on your feet.

Contact a truck accident lawyer, at Arnold & Itkin LLP you find the answers and resources you need after a truck accident.

SUV Driver Narrowly Escapes Injuries in Houston, Texas 18-Wheeler Accident

The driver of an SUV narrowly escaped injuries in an 18-wheeler accident when a container on the back of a truck struck an overpass, came loose, and fell on the SUV.

The driver of the SUV escaped injuries only because the container landed on the passenger side of the SUV; the right side of the vehicle was completely destroyed. The container, a portable galley, was apparently being transported from Louisiana to Brownsville. General Marine Leasing, the company that owns the container, said this is the second time an incident like this has happened with their containers as they were being transported across the country by the trucking company, Dynasty Trucking. The general procedure before trucks begin their cross country journeys includes:

  • reporting the height of the cargo to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
  • transportation officials then provide the company with a route that will allow the 18-wheeler to move safely along the highway without damaging the container or endangering other drivers

There is no information yet on whether Dynasty Trucking followed standard procedures in this case, although officials believe the driver was likely off route.  

Truck Accident LawyerMeanwhile, the woman who miraculously escaped injuries, Zoma Ramirez, is undergoing a CT scan to rule out the presence of internal injuries after the accident. The fact that Dynasty Trucking had a similar accident before does not speak well of the company's operating procedures. A complete investigation will reveal more about procedure violations at the company that could have contributed to the 18 wheeler-accident.

Truck Accident Claims

A trucking company can be held liable for injuries sustained in a truck accident. An experienced truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the company's record to look for any similar prior violations and to identify whether or not the driver has a poor driving history.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident and have questions about the trucking company's liability, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.

Texas 18-wheeler Driver Charged with DWI after Rollover Accident

A Plano, Texas 18-wheeler driver, who was driving while intoxicated, capped a few miles of erratic driving with a rollover accident; fortunately, no one was injured in the accident.

Taj Black was driving an 18-wheeler loaded with mulch in the southbound lane of US-75 on March 17th. His erratic driving behavior caught the attention of a concerned motorist who reported Black’s dangerous driving to 911. Black was apparently weaving in and out of traffic and speeding. As the motorist informed 911 personnel about the erratic driving, the large truck went out of control and overturned. Truck Accident LawyerBlack was shaken, but escaped without any injuries. The trailer's mulch spilled out onto the overpass, covering most of it. Blood alcohol tests were conducted to determine Black’s intoxication levels at the time of accident; he was charged with driving while intoxicated. 

Truck accident investigations typically include conducting blood alcohol tests on the driver regardless of whether or not any injuries or fatalities resulted. Regarding alcohol use, truck drivers have stricter limitations than drivers of passenger vehicles. While, for the rest of the driving population, the maximum blood alcohol limit is .08, commercial truck drivers cannot have a blood alcohol limit greater than .04. This is because operating a large commercial truck like an 18-wheeler requires a higher degree of alertness and presence of mind than driving a passenger vehicle.

Truck Accident Laws

Trucking companies are required to conduct random alcohol tests on employees throughout the year. When a big rig driver is found to have been intoxicated during an accident, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer can hold the company and the driver responsible for their actions.

If you've been inured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact a truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP to discuss your options for compensation.

Texas 18-Wheeler and Charter Bus Accident Injures Passengers

Passengers of a charter bus suffered injuries when the bus collided with an 18-wheeler in an accident on Interstate 10 near Winnie, Texas.  However, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) believes that more injuries were avoided due to cable barriers in the median that prevented the vehicles from crossing over into other lanes.

Early in March the charter bus was headed to Boston after a trip to the Coushatta Casino in Louisiana. While traveling down Interstate 10 the tractor trailer clipped the back of the bus. Some of the 48 passengers aboard the bus suffered minor injuries in the crash. Texas Truck AccidentAccording to TxDOT officers at the scene, the presence of cable barriers prevented the bus and the truck from crossing over onto the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 after the crash. If the two vehicles had indeed crossed over into the eastbound lanes they would have, most likely, collided with other vehicles, increasing the number of and severity of injuries.

The cable barriers were so effective in minimizing the number of injuries in this crash that TxDOT officers are looking into expanding cable barrier use across southeast Texas. The Department may expand the cable system for another 18 miles, from Winnie to Beaumont. Officers are looking at installing cable barriers at other high risk areas, like the stretch near the Goodyear plant, which has seen a number of serious accidents, many of them involving 18-wheelers. The cable system from Winnie to Beaumont is expected to be installed over the next 6 months.

Dangerous Highways can Cause 18-Wheeler Accidents

Cable barriers can ensure that even large vehicles like 18-wheelers stay within their lanes after an accident. This can prevent multi-vehicle wrecks and minimize the number of injuries and fatalities during truck accidents. Cable barriers are especially necessary on heavy traffic highways where 18-wheeler accidents can end up causing multi-vehicle pileups. It is the responsibility of state authorities to ensure that such cable barriers are installed to reduce the risk of fatalities and prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident. Failure to maintain a highway can place state agencies at fault in 18-wheeler accidents. These agencies can be named in any truck injury lawsuit filed by an 18-wheeler accident lawyer after a crash.

If you've been injured or lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.

Investigations Continue into Texas 18-Wheeler Accident That Killed Teenager

As the family of 13-year-old Clarissa Gonzales paid their final respects, San Diego, Texas police continued their investigations into the 18-wheeler accident that killed her.

18-wheeler Accident AttorneyClarissa was hit by an 18-wheeler on Highway 44 in San Diego, Texas on the night of February 13th. She, ultimately, died from her injuries. It is still not clear what Clarissa was doing on Highway 44 when she was hit; police are trying to determine if the girl was crossing the road or playing with friends at the time of the accident. It is believed to be more likely that she was walking. Police are looking at a number of possibilities for what caused the accident, including the likelihood that the 18-wheeler driver was not aware that he had hit the young girl. The driver did not remain at the scene of the accident. Police are still making efforts to identify the driver and have reportedly zeroed in on one lead. Accident investigators are also conducting tests on the clothes that Clarissa was wearing at the time of the crash, as they could contain evidence that may help identify the 18-wheeler that struck her. A few witnesses have come forward to provide clues about the identity of the truck.

A pedestrian – 18-wheeler collision is usually fatal for the pedestrian. There is not much that can protect a person walking on the road from the impact of an accident with a tractor trailer. For pedestrians, it is important to be alert at all times and look for vehicles in motion around in the area. If you are walking at night, always wear reflecting clothing and avoid dark or camouflage patterned clothes. Always stick to the sidewalks and cross only on designated crosswalks. If you see a tractor trailer approaching do not attempt to run in front of it. 18-wheelers cannot brake as quickly or slow down at the same speed as passenger cars.

Truck Accident Lawyer

In case of an accident with an 18-wheeler, an injured pedestrian victim can file a personal injury lawsuit. In case of death of the victim, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that employed the driver. Pedestrians tend to get blamed for such accidents, which is why it is important to have an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney on your side.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.

Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Victims Call for Stricter Driving Regulations

A Texas couple who escaped a potentially fatal collision with an 18-wheeler last month is calling for tougher restrictions on big rigs driving through North Texas.

The couple, Cindy and Christian Benitez, were traveling in their Toyota Corolla on Interstate 35 in Dallas when their vehicle ended up under a rock-hauling 18-wheeler. The car was almost completely crushed under the tractor trailer. Cindy managed to escape without injuries, but Christian was trapped in the wrecked car for nearly 90 minutes. Emergency teams worked hard to extricate the man who was jammed under the big rig's wheel. Christian made a miraculous escape from the wreckage, but was left with severe injuries. Truck Accident RegulationsHe was treated in the hospital and has since been discharged. He faces extensive rehabilitation therapy and is presently unable to walk. Recovery has been extremely painful for Christian, his wife says. The couple has since filed a truck accident lawsuit against the 18-wheeler driver, who escaped without injuries, as well as the trucking company that operated the 18-wheeler.

The couple is now calling for lawmakers to enforce stricter restrictions on 18-wheeler driving regulations. According to them, the accident occurred when the truck merged into their lane. The Benitez' are demanding that 18-wheelers be required to stay in the right hand lane when driving. Currently, San Antonio, Houston, and Hudson are the only cities in Texas that have such restrictions on 18-wheelers. Trucks in Dallas have no such restrictions. Changing lanes without warning can be disastrous for an 18-wheeler and drivers around them. Because of their elevated position,18-wheeler drivers may not be able to see smaller passenger cars in their blind spot. That's why a truck driver at the helm of one of these large machines is required to make other motorists aware of his intentions of turning, slowing down, or changing lanes.

Truck Accident Claims

Both poor judgment and reckless driving by a truck driver can be cited as examples of driver's negligence, and both the driver and his trucking company can be named by a truck accident lawyer in a lawsuit resulting from such gross negligence.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.

Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Kills Man and Child

Last week, an 18-wheeler accident on a Houston freeway killed a man and his 2-year-old child.

The accident occurred just before 12:30 pm on Interstate 45 and involved a passenger car and an 18-wheeler. Emergency crews that responded to the scene of the tragedy had to use extrication equipment to remove a man and his child from their severely damaged car. Both were taken to the hospital where they were pronounced dead. The man’s wife, who was in the passenger seat, survived and has been admitted to Memorial Hermann Hospital. She is in serious condition.

Truck Accident AttorneyMore accident investigations are needed before officials can find the cause of the accident. Investigators will look into the speed of the 18-wheeler at the time of the crash. Tractor trailers routinely haul heavy loads and are required to keep within speed limits that are lower than those for passenger cars and other smaller vehicles. Also, the driver will likely have to undergo drug and alcohol testing to determine if he was driving under the influence. The truck will also be subject to investigation to determine if malfunctioning parts or components of the truck could have contributed to the accident. Malfunctioning brakes, weak tires, faulty steering wheel mechanisms, and defective head lights are some examples of damaged 18-wheeler components that can contribute to vehicle instability and loss of control.

18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

To file claims in an 18-wheeler accident, your 18-wheeler accident lawyer will first have to determine where the liability for the crash lies. There could be a single factor contributing to the crash or a combination of several factors, each of which could have had a role in the accident. Independent investigations have to be conducted; this could take months of probing the trucking company's records, the driver's records, and hiring expert witnesses. All this requires access to substantial resources and the kind of expertise that only a truck accident lawyer who handles these kinds of cases has. 

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.

Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Leaves Man with Critical Injuries

Emergency medical crews that responded to the scene of an 18-wheeler accident in Dallas, Texas on January 30th were not expecting the sight that greeted them - a big rig was on top of a Toyota Corolla and one of its rear wheels was touching the chest of the car driver.

It took fourteen emergency vehicles hours to extricate the driver of the Toyota Corolla. The man suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the Harris Methodist Hospital in Dallas; he is said to be in critical condition. The other passenger of the car and the big rig driver managed to escape the accident with no injuries.  According to the female passenger, the two of them heard a crash and the next thing they knew, they were pinned under the 18-wheeler. Investigators say they will look into the possibility that the driver of the big rig failed to notice the car as he changed lanes. That can sometimes happen when an 18-wheeler is sharing the road with other, much smaller vehicles; because of the driver's elevated position, cars that are too close behind the big rig  may be in a blind zone, not visible to the driver. Of course, we do not yet know if this was the case. The Sheriff's Department has confirmed that they will conduct a full investigation of the 18-wheeler accident, including administering alcohol and drug tests to the driver and checking for any mechanical failures on the truck that may have been responsible for the crash.

Investigating a Truck Accident

A truck accident can result for a number of reasons, ranging from driver fatigue resulting from overwork, to failure of the trucking company to maintain the truck properly. It can also be the result of a combination of factors. That is why investigations of causes of an accident  should begin immediately, so vital evidence can be isolated.

When a victim of an 18-wheeler accident decides to pursue claims for damages, their truck accident lawyer will also initiate investigations to ascertain liability. There may be more than one party that holds accountability for the accident and all of these parties should be investigated. All of this requires financial and technical resources and only a large, experienced law firm will have access to these resources.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a big rig accident, contact an experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.

 

Dallas, Texas 18-wheeler Accident Linked to Driver Falling Asleep at the Wheel

The driver of an 18-wheeler fell asleep at the wheel while driving along Interstate 20 in Grand Prairie, Texas, causing the big rig to overturn; the driver escaped with minor injuries. 

On January 20, after falling asleep at the wheel and overturning his 18-wheeler, the driver was taken to a Dallas hospital and was, reportedly, out of danger; no other vehicles were involved in the accident. According to reports, when the driver nodded off, the tractor trailer veered to the left side of the freeway and crashed through 170 feet of guardrail before overturning. Police said that investigations will commence soon, and will look into whether or not the driver was exceeding his hours of service.

Driver fatigue at the wheel of an 18-wheeler is the cause of many accidents involving these vehicles, reported every year in Texas. Dozing off or falling asleep at the wheel is just one sign that a driver has not had adequate rest between shifts. Investigations by commercial vehicle enforcement officers will reveal if the driver's logs indicate that he had been driving for longer than the stipulated hours and when his last rest break was. New trucking rules allow a trucking driver to work 11 hours consecutively, and mandate a rest break after a 14 hour shift. The possibility of truckers manipulating their logs in order to work longer than the hours allowed is a very real one, and truck safety groups have called for a return to the previous 10-hour work rule. The trucking industry, however, has been reluctant to bring back the old hours due to the losses it would suffer going back to the 10-hour work rule.

Driver fatigue is an aspect of driver behavior that can be dangerous in any situation, but when you're talking about an 80,000 pound 18-wheeler, the consequences of nodding off at the wheel can be catastrophic. In this particular accident, it is extremely fortunate there were no other vehicles in the vicinity when the big rig toppled over and, consequently, no other injuries. 

Truck Accident Lawyer 

A person injured in a truck accident caused by driver negligence or fatigue can file a damages claim against the trucking company that employed the driver. These truck accident lawsuits can be complex, requiring extensive investigation and a look at the driver's logs, as well as his background. The truck accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin have represented hundreds of clients over the years in truck accident injury cases and have earned them the compensation they deserve. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.

 

18-Wheeler Accident Kills Louisiana Man

The dangers posed by speeding 18-wheelers were brought home to a Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana family, when a 70-year-old man was killed in an accident involving a semi truck on December 8th. Police are still investigating the causes of the accident.

According to this report, Dorris Morris was driving north on I-49, when his Toyota Camry was rear ended by the 18-wheeler. The impact drove both vehicles off the road and into a tree. The semi truck ended up on top of the Toyota. Morris was declared dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the 18-wheeler, Lorenzo Hurst, was ticketed for careless operations, and toxicology tests were conducted.

Investigations will eventually point to the causes of the accident, and how much at fault Hurst was in this crash. Unfortunately, all too often, 18-wheeler drivers work long hours, and are under tremendous pressure to deliver loads. This leads to drivers navigating highways at unsafe speeds, and driving aggressively to fill their log books for the day.  Besides truck driver fatigue, there may be other reasons for truck accidents like alcohol and drug use or speeding, which become monumentally more dangerous behaviors when it’s the driver at the helm of an 18-wheeler you're talking about. Poor maintenance and faulty repairs of trucks, which typically run for thousands of miles a year, and use of poor quality or defective parts in the truck can also cause malfunctions that lead to serious accidents.

Anytime an 18-wheeler is involved in an accident with another vehicle the consequences can be catastrophic for the driver of the smaller car. When a tractor trailer of the size that was involved in this accident ends up on top of a car, there's precious little hope that the driver and passengers inside will survive the crushing impact. Passenger cars are built and tested to withstand the impact of other cars of their size. They have little protection when they are involved in an 18-wheeler collision. 

In 2007, close to 413,000 large trucks were involved in accidents in the country, and a total of 4,808 people were killed in these. A large majority of the fatalities–close to 80 percent – were driving or sitting in the other vehicle. It's just an example of how poor the odds of survival are for drivers or passengers involved in an accident with these massive trucks.

Truck Accident Litigation Can be a Long and Expensive Process

Proving liability when you've been involved in an 18-wheeler accident is a lengthy process. Unlike in a passenger car accident, there is more than just the truck driver who may be liable. A trucking company may provide inadequate driver training and poor record keeping, the company that manufactured the truck, any company that was involved in the maintenance and repairs of the truck etc. All these potential factors have to be investigated to isolate the cause and liability for the accident.

That’s why pursuing civil litigation in an 18-wheeler crash requires the expertise of specialized 18 wheeler accident lawyers who litigate these types of cases regularly. A general accident lawyer may not have access to the investigative resources that a truck accident lawsuit requires. If you've been injured or lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.

Austin, Texas Police Enlist 18 Wheeler Help to Prevent Accidents

Police in Austin, Texas have their eyes on the city's big rig trucks, not just for their role in 18 wheeler truck accidents, but also to gain a dramatically different and elevated view of the traffic situation on the streets. APD has launched a new crackdown on aggressive driving and they are climbing aboard the cabs of the city's 18 wheelers to enforce it.

The program which commenced on September 1st, has a police officer sitting in the cab of a massive 18 wheeler truck next to the driver, keeping an eye out for traffic violations of the kind that might not have been observable from street level. The size of these trucks gives anybody seated inside an elevated vantage point, from which to catch even minor violations that would not have been as easily noticeable as in a regular patrol car.   Once the officer spots a violation, he immediately radios back up officers following in a patrol car, and the offending driver can be pulled over and cited.

The offenses that an officer can observe from the cab of an 18-wheeler range from tailgating, to changing lanes without signaling. Besides, some of the most aggressive driving tends to take place around these massive trucks. Truck drivers are often in a rush to get to their destination on time, creating conditions that are ripe for an accident. An 80,000 pound truck is far too heavy to stop quickly if it must. Add to that the fact that a trailer can jack-knife and even become detached from the truck, and careen toward other motorists who might be in the vicinity.  The potential for a deadly 18 wheeler accident is huge. Smaller vehicles that are close by almost always take the brunt of the impact when a crash does occur.

Using an 18 Wheeler to Prevent Truck Accidents

So far, the program has resulted in more than 400 citations and over 100 arrests. The program has also focused on 18 wheeler safety with truck examinations and inspections being undertaken to cite owners of defective trucks, and keep these vehicles off the streets. Since the inception of the program, about 668 trucks have been inspected in Austin. More than 2600 citations have been issued for failure to comply with federal trucking regulations, and at least 100 trucks have been removed from service for poor truck maintenance

Probing Truck Accident Liability

Getting to the root cause of a truck accident that results in injuries or fatalities can be a time consuming process. Truck inspections have to be conducted, and driver negligence, if applicable, must be proved. A successful truck accident lawyer must have access to the financial and technical resources necessary to build winning cases. If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, call an experienced truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free initial consultation.

 

Arnold & Itkin files lawsuit against negligent Florida trucking company in Orange County, Texas

Texas truck accident lawyers Kurt Arnold and Mike Pierce of the Houston, Texas personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP brought suit on behalf of a Jennings, Louisiana resident who was injured in a 18-wheeler truck accident.  The D&H Transportation truck hit Plaintiff in Orange County, Texas on I-10 after the truck merged into his lane trapping Plaintiff between the truck and a concrete barrier.  Plaintiff seeks medical bills, past and future earnings loss, and pain and suffering.

Texas bus crash kills 17 and injures dozens raising questions about charter bus safety

A deadly bus crash that occurred Friday in Sherman, Texas about 64 miles north of Dallas has injured dozens and left a total of 17 people dead.  In the accident which may have been the result of a tire blowout, the bus crashed through a bridge guardrail, veered off the highway, and rolled into the hillside above the creek below.  About 30 people remain hospitalized, including six in intensive care.  The passengers were traveling from Houston to Missouri to attend a religious celebration.

As a result of the crash Federal regulators charged with commercial truck accident investigation and enforcement of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations have shut down the Houston bus operator and two businesses he owns, declaring them "an imminent hazard to public safety".  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued out-of-service orders that effectively halt the companies' operations.  According to the orders, "Angel Tours, Inc. and Igual Busmex Inc. failed to ensure their vehicles are properly and regularly inspected, repaired and maintained, thereby posing an imminent hazard to the public".

Learn more about truck accident investigation and commercial trucking regulations on our Truck Accident Lawyer website.

18-wheeler wreck disrupts busy Dallas interstate

In Dallas, Texas a driver suffered minor injuries in a fiery 18-wheeler wreck in which part of the truck ended up hanging off a busy Dallas interstate. Intense flames and thick smoke rolled from the rig in an accident officials believe happened when the driver lost control late Tuesday morning.

Austin, Texas truck driver accused of fleeing an accident

In Austin, Texas a truck driver accused of fleeing an accident after a motorcycle smashed into the back of his tractor-trailer faces an evidence-tampering charge after a chunk of the dead cyclists’ leg was found lodged near the bumper.

Family sues after deadly cement truck accident

The family of a Dallas, Texas woman killed when a cement truck landed on her SUV is suing the trucking company and the driver.  The accident happened when the truck driver swerved and lost control of the truck he was driving.

The family's attorney asserts that the driver was reckless and unqualified due to a history of driving offenses.  The truck driver had a prior DWI conviction, had been cited for speeding in a commercial vehicle, had his license suspended, and had been cited for failing to maintain proper insurance.

Negligent hiring by commercial trucking companies can lead to deadly consequences for innocent motorists. When trucking companies are negligent in their hiring practices, they can be held liable for injuries or deaths caused when unqualified drivers they hire cause accidents. Contact a truck accident lawyer for a free consultation if you have questions about your right to claim compensation for injuries or death caused by an accident with a commercial truck.

Laredo man dies in auto accident cause by spilled load from truck

A Laredo, Texas man died in a rollover accident Saturday in Brooks County when a semi-truck trailer loaded with gravel lost its load on State Highway 285.  The man drove his vehicle into the gravel and skidded until he hit a fence, causing his vehicle to rollover twice.  The driver of the truck stopped when he realized that a trailer latch had opened causing the trailer to spill its load.

When an accident is caused by a trucking company's failure to maintain a truck and equipment, resulting in the failure of important equipment such as the latch that caused the trailer's load to be released, the trucking company, trailer manufacturer, operator and other parties may be liable for the wrongful death of an innocent driver. An experienced truck accident lawyer can hold them accountable. Contact a truck accident lawyer if you have questions about your options for claiming compensation for injuries caused by the failure of a trucking company to maintain its equipment.

Concrete truck accident in Dallas kills woman and traps child

In Dallas, Texas on Friday, a concrete truck loaded with 50,000 pounds of concrete swerved to avoid a crash with another vehicle and overturned on top of an SUV killing the driver and trapping her 5-year old daughter.

Houston truck accident involving dump truck and autos backs up traffic for miles

An accident involving a dump truck and several cars caused havoc on Houston's Highway 290 and backed up traffic for miles.  Houston Metro opened the 290 HOV lanes outbound to all vehicles to help keep traffic moving after the accident caused problems. No one was injured, but the truck spilled its load of gravel causing chaos on the highway.