A fatal 18-wheeler accident in San Antonio today has killed 51 people. What happened? Is the truck driver's error to blame? Or are the weather and mechanical failure to blame? Here's a look at both factors. Read on to learn more. After all, it's your safety and ours. Sadly, the accident could have been prevented. Read on to learn how this accident can happen to you.
51 dead in 18-wheeler accident in San Antonio
At least 51 people have been killed in a horrific tractor-trailer crash in San Antonio, Texas, today. The victims include 39 men and 12 women. According to the Mexican Foreign Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, 22 of the dead are Mexicans, while seven were Guatemalans and two were Hondurans. Although the identities of many of the victims remain unknown, Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores says so far 34 have been identified. San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said that all deaths were heat related, as the tractor-trailer was not equipped with a visible air conditioning unit. Additionally, it did not have any water or any other cooling devices.
Firefighters from the San Antonio Fire Department responded to a semi-truck accident on Quintana Road, where they discovered "stacks" of bodies. The truck had no running air conditioning or water, which is unusual for an 18-wheeler. According to the New York Times, a San Antonio fire department member told radio operators that there were approximately 60 people in the truck.
Bexar County officials said the investigation is continuing and more information will be released as the case develops. At this time, more than 20 emergency vehicles were on the scene. The Texas Tribune reported that a person wearing steak seasoning on his clothing was arrested after the accident. Federal prosecutors have also charged two men with illegal gun possession. The investigation into the accident continues. In the meantime, more details of the crash are emerging.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, who is a Mexican citizen, said that he had been carrying migrants for several months. Earlier, he was told that the migrants would be dropped off safely in San Antonio, Texas, after three months. The smugglers, however, had advertised a "three-month warranty" to the victims who had agreed to pay the high price. The smugglers waited until the third month of the journey before the accident, but the victims did not show up.
Truck driver error
A recent 18-wheeler crash on slick pavement in San Antonio has left one man with a broken leg and a broken ankle. The crash happened around 2:15 a.m. on Interstate 35 southbound near Walzem Road on the city's northeast side. According to TxDOT San Antonio, the crash happened after the 18-wheeler driver stopped for a flat tire on the highway. When the truck hit the flat tire, it drove off the roadway and into the shoulder of the road.
In cases like these, the trucking company, or truck driver, may be responsible for the collision. If the truck driver was intoxicated, he or she might have violated the law to cover more distance. Truck drivers may also be distracted or speed excessively while driving due to fatigue. These behaviors can lead to catastrophic accidents. It is important to contact a personal injury lawyer to determine the extent of the trucking company's responsibility for the accident.
In the worst cases, a truck accident can lead to death or serious injury. In addition, victims may face medical expenses, physical therapy, and lost wages. Fortunately, Texas' law recognizes that a truck driver's negligence can lead to an injury. The negligent driver's insurer may be responsible for damages. But it is important to remember that Texas' tort liability system means that the insurer of a truck may be obligated to pay any compensation awarded.
Even minor accidents can have disastrous consequences, but rollovers involving large trucks almost always result in catastrophic injuries and significant damage. In cases like these, you should contact an experienced truck accident attorney to help you get the compensation you need to recover. Remember, a good lawyer can help you get the best possible compensation. You can call a San Antonio truck accident attorney to schedule a free consultation to learn more about the process and your rights.
Mechanical failure
There's a lot to think about when a big rig crashes into another vehicle, but the driver of an 18-wheeler in San Antonio today was thankfully unhurt. The semi-truck was parked on the side of the road and waiting for a tow truck when the pickup driver hit it for reasons that are still under investigation. The pickup driver was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and a full investigation will determine if the mechanical failure was the cause.
Truck drivers and passengers should never take an 18-wheeler for granted. Regardless of driver experience, they should always obey the rules of the road. There are a number of safety issues that can result from a big rig accident, and they must be addressed right away. If the driver has failed to comply with the required number of rest breaks and log hours, he or she may be in violation of Texas law. It's essential that commercial truck drivers take rest breaks, log their hours, and stay rested.
The investigation of the cause of the 18-wheeler accident is important to determining the true value of the claim. While responding agencies may conduct a cursory investigation, the insurance company may collect evidence to defend themselves. That's why it's so important to get a good injury lawyer involved in your case. The attorneys will examine eyewitness statements, police reports, and other evidence to determine the amount of compensation you can receive.
The I-35 Corridor is a long stretch of highway in Texas that's frequently used by commercial trucks. Because San Antonio's population is growing, traffic is already extremely heavy. Adding big commercial trucks will add to the already-hecticed roads, increasing the chances of an accident. When this happens, the commercial truck driver may be unable to stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Weather conditions
A semi-truck crashed into another truck on a slippery highway near downtown San Antonio, Tx. The collision happened along Interstate 35 Westbound near the split between the upper and lower levels. Images from the crash show the truck's front hanging off the interstate and strewn across multiple lanes of traffic. First responders are at the scene, and the road is shut down while the crash is cleared.
The weather conditions at the 18-wheeler accident San Antonio today were hot, humid and muggy. Temperatures in San Antonio climbed to a high of 93 degrees Monday and were expected to reach 100 degrees by Wednesday. The 16 people who survived the accident were rushed to the local hospitals. The survivors suffered from exhaustion and heat stroke. As of Wednesday, 11 of the survivors remained in the hospital. The crew was unable to determine the number of people in the truck. Despite the hot conditions, there were no signs of water or air conditioning in the trailer.
Passenger vehicle collision
A passenger vehicle collision with an 18-wheeler sent a small black sedan and a passenger-only sedan off the road in San Antonio early Saturday. The crash was reported at 9:13 a.m. on Interstate 37 South near Highway 181 and Donop Road. The driver and passenger of the passenger-only vehicle were killed at the scene of the crash. The semi-truck was then driven into a concrete wall of a nearby hotel, sending the passenger vehicle and the 18-wheeler into the pool.
Drivers of commercial vehicles are responsible for most accidents, and drivers of 18-wheelers are no exception. Distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, and aggressive driving are among the most common causes of truck accidents in San Antonio. Distracted driving is defined as focusing on something other than the road. Distractions include adjusting the radio station, reaching under the seat, texting, or talking to a passenger.
If a semi-truck struck your car on a freeway, dashcam video of the collision went viral. The semi-truck ripped off the rear bumper of the BMW, dragging it along while it tried to merge into the left lane. The driver of the BMW managed to make it back to the right lane before the semi-truck crashed into the dirt median. In addition to the damages caused by the crash, the semi-truck's cab tipped over, making the crash even more tragic.
The driver of a white sedan was killed when she crashed into a stalled truck on I-10. The crash closed the eastbound lanes of the highway between the Fresno Street and Hildebrand Avenue exits. The road has since been reopened and traffic is flowing. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is asking drivers to take an alternate route to avoid the area.