18-Wheeler Crash in Houston on I-10 Katy Fwy
This deadly crash occurred early morning last week on Wednesday October 9, 2024, and shut down all lanes of Katy Freeway (I-10) at Dairy Ashford.
Two Vehicle Crash
Houston Transtar reported that the crash was first reported at 5:01 a.m.
Houston Police Department responded to the scene during the early morning hours, and reported that the wreck involved a car and an 18-wheeler which had flipped onto it’s side. It took crews almost five hours to open a few of the lanes on I-10, while three of the lanes had remained closed until 11 a.m. according to ABC news.
Additionally, the 18-wheeler that crashed had spilled diesel onto the major Houston freeway which required cleanup before all lanes could be re-opened.
If you have been in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident in Texas, contact our Houston Truck Accident Attorneys.
Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
As experienced commercial accident attorneys, we’ve seen more than our fair share of 18-wheeler and other commercial vehicle crashes. Our experiences with these accidents show that most are the result of negligent or reckless driving on the part of the driver or negligent behavior on the part of the trucking company.
Common causes of 18-wheeler or other commercial collisions are:
Speeding
Almost 1 in 3 fatal crashes involve speeding as a factor per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Speeding means a driver cannot control his vehicle when an unexpected situation occurs on the road, and also makes it difficult to stop in the event of a sudden stop ahead.
Inexperienced drivers or drivers lacking proper training
Since the pandemic, there are more and more inexperienced drivers entering the field as there is an ongoing truck driver shortage nationally. Many new drivers lack basic skills and know-how to drive safely. Many of these new drivers fail to check blind spots, fail to hold a lane at high speed, fail to anticipate a merge, and are not familiar with roads and their conditions. Additionally, many are not well versed in and fail to adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Fatigue
It’s not unusual for drivers to violate the Hours of Service regulations, the regulations that limit how many hours can be driven within a 24 hour period. Tired drivers means driver impairment on the road, which affects decision making abilities.
Driving under the influence
Drug use is a considerable factor in many commercial vehicle crashes. Not all companies comply with regular drug and alcohol testing, and being under the influence (besides being illegal) significantly impairs reaction times on the road.
Distracted Driving
Any distractions such as eating while driving, texting, or being on the phone can result in a truck driver’s failure to notice vehicle around the truck which can then lead to improper lane changes or other dangerous moves that can cause collisions with other vehicles on the road.
Hire The Right Truck Accident Attorneys
The attorneys at the Kishinevsky Law Firm PLLC are here to help. Our law firm continues to monitor the progress of truck safety regulations and fights to hold trucking and commercial companies liable for their reckless actions. If you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident, you deserve to be paid the full amount of compensation for your injuries. Call our office at 832-LAW-1111 for a free consultation.
Houston personal injury lawyer Rashmi Parthasarathi represents clients in personal injury claims and has spent several years representing clients in product liability cases who were injured by pharmaceutical and medical device companies who put profits before safety of their products. In January 2020, Rashmi Parthasarathi joined the Kishinevsky Law Firm where she continues working to help clients harmed by the wrongful acts of others to obtain justice, especially individuals being taken advantage of by insurance companies and other large corporations.