18-Wheeler Accident on Highway 99 Leaves Woman Pinned

Details About the Incident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred on Highway 99 near West Road at approximately 7:15 a.m.

The driver of the vehicle hit by the 18-wheeler was subsequently pinned between the truck and the highway wall. While details are vague on how exactly it occurred, Houston firefighters were able to rescue the woman by cutting the roof of her car open.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. No major injuries were reported.

Trucking Accidents by the Numbers

Accidents involving large trucks are some of the most dangerous and lethal types of accidents due to the weight and size of the vehicles. According to the latest research report conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA ), it was found that in 2017:

• There were a total of 450,000 reported large truck crashes. Of these accidents, 4,237 were fatal and 344,000 were non-fatal injury accidents.
• 77% of non-fatal large truck accidents involved a driver on the job crashing into another vehicle. 
• Collisions with other vehicles, persons, animals, or objects while encroached on the road accounted for 73% of fatal crashes. 

More recently, in 2018, 33% of all fatal truck accidents occurred on major interstates and freeways. Additionally, 50% of these fatal accidents occurred between 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Notable Factors that Lead to Trucking Accidents

• Weight and Size: On average, large trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle.
• Road Conditions: Severe weather can leave roads substantially slippery, making it much more difficult for a truck driver to brake within a reasonable amount of time. 
• Driver Fatigue: Since truck drivers tend to drive for long periods, they may not get the proper rest they need to safely operate their vehicles.
• Distracted Driving: Texting-and-driving, speeding, eating and drinking, or even driving-under-the-influence can all lead to serious accidents.
• Manufacturing Defects/Company Negligence: The employer of a driver may be responsible for an accident if it can be shown that they failed to properly train their driver or did not inspect the vehicle adequately before it went on the road. In other instances, third-party manufacturers who developed a part of the truck that was defective may also be held liable. 

Wrongfully Injured In a Truck Accident? Do Not Hesitate to Seek Justice!

In the event of an unexpected accident, it is important to contact the Houston truck accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns as soon as possible. Our attorneys will guide you every step of the way and fight for you until justice has been served!

  Contact  Lapeze & Johns today for a FREE no-obligation case evaluation!