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A truck driver lost his life in a crash with his big rig on State Highway 31. The crash occurred along a stretch of remote highway about two and a half miles from Mount Calm. The truck was traveling eastbound when a tire blowout occurred, according to the Department of Public Safety. The blowout caused the driver to lose control of the 18-wheeler. The truck veered out of control and overturned and the truck driver was pronounced dead at the accident scene.
When big rigs get into accidents, they can overturn. Trucks are more likely to overturn than passenger cars because of the size and shape of the truck and the load it is carrying. When an 18-wheeler overturns, it can crash into other vehicles, causing serious destruction and injuries. Here, the truck was the only vehicle involved in the accident. The driver died as a result and it is not known at this time whether he was wearing a seatbelt.
When 18-wheelers overturn there is a safety concern, not only to the truck driver and the other drivers on the road, but also because of the potential for a hazardous spill. Large trucks carry many gallons of diesel fuel and when they overturn, the fuel spills out onto the roadway and becomes a hazard.
Diesel fuel is flammable and because there is more it, often, the potential for fire is high. Besides fuel, trucks may also carry a dangerous load. When a truck overturns there is usually a concern that a fire could occur.
Trucks can overturn for many reasons. A tire blowout or sudden lane change can cause the driver to lose control of the big rig. When a truck gets out of control the driver has little he can do to correct the situation, especially if the truck is traveling at a high rate of speed.
An accident is likely to occur quickly. The load may also shift, causing a change to the way the rig handles. Many factors can contribute to truck crashes. An overturned truck indicates that it was traveling quickly at the time of the accident. It may turn over because of hitting into another vehicle or simply due to over-steering when the driver tries to regain control. According to CDL Knowledge, an overturn is the most harmful event in 6.7% of truck accidents in the United States.
When a truck overturns, it may be due to negligence by the driver or the trucking company. The driver must drive safely. Inexperience, load shifts, road conditions, fatigue, and distraction are just a few of the many reasons that a driver may lose control of the truck.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident you may have compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. Contact the leading Texas truck accident attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm to learn how we can help you get the money you deserve.
Resources
https://www.kwtx.com/content/news/Truck-driver-dies-in-crash-on-Central-Texas-highway-494554601.html
https://www.cdlknowledge.com/truck-accident-statistics/
