Fiery Big Rig Accident Claims a Life in Harris County
On Monday, November 19th, an 18-wheeler accident in Harris County took the life of one individual.
Details of the Accident
An 18-wheeler slammed into a highway guardrail in Northwest Harris County before erupting into flames. Unfortunately, the driver was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene of the accident.
Sheriff’s deputies were investigating the big rig accident which took place on the 12000 block of TC Jester near Spears Road. Officers could not confirm whether or not the driver was wearing his seatbelt.
Witnesses stated that the truck had been swerving and was traveling at high speeds prior to the accident.
While the 18-wheeler was the only vehicle involved in the accident, such erratic driving behavior could have easily claimed the lives of others.
Facts About Truck Accidents
Big rig accidents are some of the most severe road accidents because of the sheer size of the vehicles. It is very important as the driver of a traditional passenger vehicle to stay alert while driving close to an 18-wheeler and to always obey the law to avoid an accident.
The following facts from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are important to consider when driving close to an 18-wheeler:”>
- Commercial trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car.
- Trucks have a lower braking capability; a loaded tractor-trailer can take 20% to 40% longer to come to a complete stop in comparison to a regular car.
- In 2016:
- 3,986 people died in large truck accidents.
- 17% (660) were the truck occupants.
- 66% (2,642) were the passenger vehicle occupants.
- 16% (637) were pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
- The number of deaths in 2016 was 27% higher than in 2009.
- Forty-eight percent of large truck crash deaths in 2016 occurred from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Trucking companies tend to be well prepared and insured in case of a lawsuit or accident.
This is why it is important to have the Houston truck accident lawyers of Lapeze & Johns on your side. Especially because large truck accidents – which can involve multiple liable parties – are more complex than “regular” car accidents.
Wrongful Death Claims Following a Truck Accident
The Texas Wrongful Death Act and Texas Survival Statute allow for surviving family members of a wrongful death victim to file a claim up to two years after the event. Our Houston truck accident attorneys at Lapeze and Johns will work diligently to gather the evidence needed to develop a strong case.
We will help your family obtain compensation for:
- Economic damages (funeral costs, hospital bills, lost wages, lost benefits, child care, and other damages)
- Non-economic damages (loss of companionship, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and other damages)
- Punitive damages (awarded as a sanction to the negligent party)
Have you lost a loved one in a big rig accident? The Texas truck accident lawyers at Lapeze & Johns are ready to fight for your family’s rights.
The Houston truck accident attorneys at Lapeze & Johns have earned over $385 million in damages for our clients and have a 98 percent success rate. We understand no amount of money will bring your loved one back, but we are here to help you get your life back on track as much as possible.
Negligence cannot go unpunished.
Contact us today at 713-766-0075 for your free case review.
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