18-Wheeler accidents usually result in catastrophic injuries.
Wrong-Way I-35 Driver Hits 18-Wheeler Head-On
San Antonio Express-News reported an accident involving an 18-wheeler on I-35 that occurred yesterday, May 15, 2023. For reasons unknown, a driver was going the wrong way on Interstate 35 near Fischer Road at 2:30 a.m. The driver swerved to miss three other vehicles and continued to drive the wrong way without stopping when he crashed head-on into an 18-wheeler. The police reported no injuries in either vehicle. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Did You Know?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 27% of all 18-wheeler accidents occur on Interstate highways, with 24% of all accidents resulting in injury occurring at night.
18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
Texas has a big problem with big rig accidents injuring and killing thousands of people every year. In fact, the state of Texas had the most fatalities from accidents involving 18-wheelers than any other state in 2020, with 11% of total fatalities across the nation. What’s worse is that Bexar County is one of the top three counties in Texas for these accidents clocking a staggering 2,137 accidents in 2020 alone.
Unfortunately, the people who are most likely to be killed in a trucking accident are the occupants of the passenger vehicle, with a staggering 97% of the nationwide killed. This is mostly due to the immense weight of the big rig and the elevation that the driver has in comparison to a passenger vehicle. Some of the most common injuries suffered by Texas 18-Wheeler accident victims are:
- Head/Brain Injuries – Rollover often occurs when an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle. This kind of accident almost always involves injury to the head, which often leads to debilitating brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord/Back Injuries – Injury to the spine in an auto accident is often the result of a rear-end collision, which is common in 18-wheeler accidents since they have a hard time stopping. Such injuries can lead to total or partial paralysis.
- Broken Bones/Burns – Broken bones, including ribs, arms, and legs, are common occurrences in 18-wheeler accidents. Burns can result from seat belts, overheated surfaces, or fires, depending on what the vehicle was transporting.
Despite efforts from the government to reduce this major problem that Texas suffers from, the number of 18-wheeler accidents saw a staggering 30% increase from 2010 to 2020, a third of which occurred on Interstate highways. San Antonio is very interstate-heavy, with 1-40, I-10, and I-35 all converging in the center of the city. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, Carabin Shaw 18-wheeler accident attorneys in San Antonio can help you.
Contact Carabin Shaw
The Carabin Shaw law firm has been servicing those injured in San Antonio 18-wheeler accidents for thirty years. We have the experience and resources necessary to represent your personal injury or wrongful death claim. Contact a team who cares today at 800-862-1260 and receive your free consultation. We look forward to serving you.