Wet roads increase accident risk.
18-Wheeler Loses Control, Breaks Through Gaurdrail on I-35 South
According to a KENS5 News report, an 18-wheeler lost control and crashed on I-35 South due to rainy weather conditions.
Police reported the accident happened at around 6:15 a.m. October 29th, on I-35 South near Loop 410. An 18-wheeler was traveling southbound when police say the 25-year-old driver lost control, sliding into a guardrail. The tractor broke through the guardrail, crashing onto the northbound exit lanes below, but the trailer remained on the bridge. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by EMS. The northbound exit remained closed while police investigated and cleared the scene. No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Bad weather causes roughly 21% of all accidents each year, according to FHWA data.
Why Rainy Weather Increases the Risk of 18-Wheeler Accidents in San Antonio
After a dry spell, San Antonio has finally had some rainy weather.
Rainy weather can significantly increase the risk of an 18-wheeler crash, especially in drier areas like San Antonio. Many people assume the size and weight of a big rig would make them more resilient to rain and wind, but this is not the case. Let’s take a look at the risks presented by rainy weather for 18-wheelers and where you can get help for an 18-wheeler crash in San Antonio.
Risk Factors Caused by Rainy Weather for 18-Wheelers
Rainy weather affects both visibility and traction for an 18-wheeler.
Visibility is low when it’s raining — it’s darker, and water droplets on the windshield make it difficult to see, especially if the rain is heavy. Also, when it rains after a long period of dry weather, oil and debris make the roads incredibly slick, and loss of control becomes much easier. If the rain comes with high winds, 18-wheelers are also exposed to a tipping risk, making it a perfect storm (no pun intended) for a bad accident.
18-wheelers already have a harder time stopping and maintaining control than a passenger vehicle. Because of this (and the extreme risk associated with an accident), the FMCSR stipulates that operators must be extremely cautious in any weather condition that affects traction or visibility.
Unfortunately, despite the risks and regulations, many trucking companies pressure their workers to meet tight deadlines. This can cause drivers to take unnecessary risks and drive recklessly despite the adverse weather conditions. Additionally, driver inexperience due to a lack of training or rushed training to fill the skyrocketing demand for big rig drivers makes accidents all the more likely.
Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident in Bad Weather? Call Shaw.
Do you know what all of these risk factors have in common? None of them are your fault.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident that wasn’t your fault in San Antonio, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Ongoing Medical Care,
- TBI,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to talk to an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio about your case. There’s no fee and no obligation to work with the firm when you’re done — just the expert advice you need. Carabin Shaw puts their clients first. We look forward to serving you.