Request FREE consultation - 1866-758-4529 
A big rig traveling on State Highway 249 in Harris County lost control and crashed into 11 vehicles. The 18-wheeler accident reportedly occurred when the driver of the 18-wheeler veered through an embankment that separates the highway from a feeder road. The rig ran through the barrier and onto the road at a high rate of speed, running into at least 11 vehicles, it was reported.
According to witnesses at the scene, the truck barreled off the road, hitting a pole and a sign from a local restaurant. The truck hit at least 11 vehicles before it finally stopped in the restaurant’s parking lot. Some of the cars that were hit belonged to restaurant patrons who were not in their vehicles at the time of the crash.
At least five people were injured in the crash, including the truck driver. The truck driver and the driver of a black vehicle had to be airlifted to a hospital; one was reportedly in critical condition. Three other people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The area of the crash was closed for a few hours while it was being cleaned up. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
When large trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the consequences can be devastating. In this case, the truck was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed when the crash happened. It is difficult for the truck to stop because big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Additionally, 18-wheelers require longer stopping distances due to their size and air brakes.
Big rig crashes can occur for several reasons. Sometimes, more than one factor contributes to the crash. Some of the most common factors contributing to 18-wheeler accidents include distracted driving and driving while fatigued. There are restrictions regarding the number of hours a truck driver is allowed on the road in one stretch. However, sometimes drivers may drive longer than they should, and that could cause them to fall asleep at the wheel.
While we do not know the cause of this crash, it may have been due to sleepiness or to a medical problem that the truck driver suffered. The accident will be investigated to determine the cause. Investigators will examine the scene of the crash and the vehicles involved. They will interview witnesses and other drivers involved in the incident. The driver will be checked for use of drugs or alcohol, and the logbook will be reviewed to see how long the driver has been working.
When a big rig crash causes injury, the injured party may be entitled to compensation. If the truck driver or trucking company was negligent, they might be held responsible for medical bills, as well as money for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other legal damages. The law limits the time for victims to file a claim, so it is important to speak with a big rig accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
Contact the best lawyers for 18-wheeler accidents to discuss the details of your case today.
Related Articles:
Two Injured in Serious Crash with 18-Wheeler in Houston
18-Wheeler Crash Leaves Driver Dead
Big Rig Crash Kills Truck Driver
Fiery 18-Wheeler Crash Kills Mother and Three Children
