The driver of a Ford Mustang was killed yesterday in a chaotic accident involving an 18-wheeler, a Mazda, and a lost load. Shortly after 3:00 pm on Wednesday, May 8th a collision occurred between the Mazda and the 18-wheeler. As a result of the first collision, the 18-wheeler lost control and struck the concrete barrier between the east and westbound lanes on I-610 at Homestead, where 610 passes the Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood of Northeast Houston.
The Barrier Can’t Stop a Semi
The impact with the barrier dislodged a bulldozer that was being transported by the 18-wheeler, sending it tumbling into oncoming traffic and across the lanes on the opposite side of 610, where it collided with several vehicles.
Crews worked for over 6 hours to investigate the accident and clean up the aftermath.
Initial Investigation
HPD’s initial report was that the Mazda attempted to switch lanes striking the truck. The truck then lost control and struck the barrier. But this is just the beginning of the inquiry in a truck accident case.
After an accident of that magnitude, the trucking company will, no doubt, send out an investigation team of their own to gather evidence of the wreck. It is critical for injury victims to hire their own truck accident attorneys to investigate serious truck accidents like this if they want to be sure to preserve evidence and get to the truth.
More Investigation Required
Trucks typically have an electronic data recorder or “black box” as they are called. These EDRs often can record the details of the crash, including vehicle speed, movements, brake application, and other data. Preserving this evidence is often critical when trying to determine the cause of a truck accident.
In addition to the EDR, a detailed truck accident investigation needs to include an evaluation of how the bulldozer was secured to the trailer. Trucking regulations require trucking companies to use specific types of tie-downs and a specific number based on the weight and size of the load. Failure to use appropriate tie-downs is a breach of the duty to secure a truckload and can contribute to the load becoming lost.
Lastly, driver logs and pre-trip inspection logs need to be subpoenaed and reviewed to determine whether the driver had received enough sleep to legally operate an 18-wheeler on public roadways. The trucking DOT 14-hour rule was created specifically to ensure that drivers have enough sleep to stay rested and alert on the roads. Alert to vehicles changing lanes and alert enough to react safely in an emergency situation so as to avoid additional unnecessary loss.
Conclusion
18-wheeler death crash investigations require more rigorous evaluation than a typical car accident. The black box needs to be examined. The driver’s records and logs need to be reviewed, and in cases involving lost loads, the tie-down assembly needs to be evaluated. It is critical that you hire an attorney with experience handling 18-wheeler truck accidents to evaluate the case when your loved ones are killed in a truck crash.
Don’t trust your case to just anyone. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., have been fighting for truck accident victims since 1979. Call us at 800-298-0111 for a free case review today.
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