Detached trailers can cause serious accidents and even death.
Trailer Hauled by Minivan Detaches, Flips Over Highway Wall After Collision on Loop 410
According to a KSAT News report, a two-vehicle collision caused a trailer being towed by a minivan to flip over the highway wall.
Police reported the accident happened at around 5 a.m. November 6th, on the eastbound lanes in the 1900 block of NE Loop 410. A minivan pulling a trailer was struck by an SUV after the 22-year-old woman driving lost control because she believed she had struck an object. The impact caused the trailer to detach from the minivan, flipping over the wall of the highway and spilling its contents. Both vehicles reportedly had extensive damage, but no injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Did You Know?
Defective trailer hitches caused 198 accidents across Texas in 2023.
Accidents Caused by Trailer Detachment in Texas
Runaway trailers can and do cause catastrophic accidents across Texas.
Drivers have a responsibility to ensure that the trailers they’re towing are secure and can be held responsible for accidents caused by trailer detachment while driving. However, there are some instances when trailer detachment isn’t the driver’s fault, and they may be able to sue for compensation for any injuries sustained in a resulting accident.
Why Do Trailers Detach?
Trailers can detach for a number of reasons, including:
- Speeding,
- Overloaded Trailers,
- Defective Trailer Hitches,
- Sharp Turns,
- And Not Being Properly Secured.
Reckless or negligent behavior is the fault of the driver. However, even the most careful driver can lose a trailer if a defective hitch is to blame.
Defective Hitch Accidents
There are many flaws that can make a hitch defective (and dangerous), including:
- Flawed locking device that causes the hitch to disengage,
- Defective support chains that don’t secure the trailer when the hitch disengages,
- The use of low-quality materials, causing it to break during use.
When a product manufacturer fails to design or create a safe product, and your trailer detaches and causes an accident as a result, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim.
Governmental Liability
Sometimes, a hitch can break because the road conditions are dilapidated and not properly maintained. Or, if overgrown trees, shrubs, or debris on the road cause the accident, that may also cause a hitch to break. If poor road conditions cause your accident, the city or state government may be to blame.
Suing a governmental entity is difficult and requires the help of an experienced accident attorney.
Injured in a Detached Trailer Accident? Call Shaw.
If you were hurt in an accident caused by a runaway trailer that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Surgeries,
- 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 today for a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney. There’s no fee and no obligations attached — just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw puts their clients first. We look forward to serving you.