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A man in a wheelchair was hit and injured by an 18-wheeler. The accident happened on I-10 and Federal Road outbound. Police and paramedics responded to the 18-wheeler crash and the man was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where his condition is unknown. Details of the incident are unclear; however the big rig did stop at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The accident is under investigation.
Accidents involving pedestrians are on the rise across the country. According to a report issued by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in May 2018, there was a 46% increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2009 through 2016.
When a motorized vehicle collides with a pedestrian, it can have devastating consequences. Even at slow speeds, vehicles can cause serious injuries or death to someone on foot, or in this case, in a wheelchair. Big rigs are even more dangerous because they are large and heavy.
At the same time, distracted driving is a concern for both drivers and pedestrians. Distractions while driving include using a cell phone or other electronic devices, eating, and talking to others, among other things. Distractions are any activities that take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving.
18-wheeler accidents happen for many various reasons. We do not know the cause in this case, but it is possible that the truck driver did not see the man in the wheelchair. There are many blind spots around trucks; many more than there are for regular passenger vehicles. Truck drivers need to rely on the use of mirrors when making turns.
In addition, trucks need to make wide turns. The driver may be unable to see pedestrians in the way, especially when pedestrians are low to the ground as in the case of a person in a wheelchair. That does not excuse the accident, however. Truck drivers need to be aware of the roadway at all times and need to be particularly cautious at intersections, especially where there may be pedestrians.
When a truck and a pedestrian face off, the outcome is usually not good for the person on foot. Whether walking, bicycling, or in a wheelchair, pedestrians can be seriously hurt or killed as the result of being hit by an 18-wheeler. If you were hurt in an accident with a semi-truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
In any crash, the negligent party is held responsible and should pay for any associated damages such as hospital costs, rehabilitation treatments, medications, future medical care, money for pain and suffering, and lost wages. Some injuries are disabling and you may be unable to return to work. These types of cases are complex and it is best to seek help from a qualified Houston truck accident attorney.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, contact the Houston trucking accident law firm today for a free case consultation. (281) 893-0760.
Resources
IIHS report https://www.iihs.org/frontend/iihs/documents/masterfiledocs.ashx?id=2160
https://www.iihs.org/topics/pedestrians-and-bicyclists
