Truck Slams Into Loop 410 Overpass on the Southwest Side

According to a KSAT News report, an 18-wheeler hit a bridge and got stuck under it today.

Police reported the accident happened at 9:30 a.m. July 3rd, on Old Pearsall Road under Loop 410. The truck didn’t clear the overpass and was wedged underneath. No injuries were reported, but officials were monitoring the structural integrity of the bridge as the truck bed was being cleared. Traffic on Loop 410 South remained open, but there were some delays as a result. Officials arrived shortly after the incident and immediately began clearing the scene.

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Did You Know?

Over 10,000 bridges in Texas were reported to be “structurally deficient” last year.

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18-Wheeler Bridge Strike Accidents in Texas: What You Need to Know

Those signs warning drivers of low clearance aren’t just for show — truckers must be on alert to make sure they can clear an overpass ahead of them.

Most bridges are made with the legal height of 18-wheelers in Texas in mind. However, many big rigs on our roads travel from out of state and don’t have the same requirements. Additionally, older bridges may not accommodate larger rigs, and many of the bridges in our state are very old.

When an 18-wheeler hits a bridge or overpass, innocent bystanders often suffer the consequences.

Why Are Bridge-Strike Accidents So Dangerous?

There are many ways that 18-wheelers hitting a bridge can endanger other drivers.

• Structural Damage — A fully loaded 18-wheeler at high speeds can do some serious damage to an overhang or bridge, especially if the bridge is older. Falling debris or a bridge collapse can injure those above and around the rig.
• Spilled Cargo — Cargo can spill from the rig onto the road or passing vehicles. This can injure them directly or cause accidents as drivers try to swerve out of the way.
• Head-on Collisions — Bridge strikes are almost always sudden and unexpected. Even if a driver is following at a safe distance, there may not be time to stop or safely avoid the stuck rig.

Who is Liable for a Bridge Strike Accident?

Each accident involves unique factors, so it is never possible to say for sure who is responsible for an accident until an investigation has been conducted. However, responsible parties often include:

• The Trucker — For negligent behavior like distracted driving or failing to check height limits.
• The Company — For failing to properly train employees, being negligent in hiring practices, or failing to plan appropriate routes for their rigs to avoid an accident. They can also be responsible if the truck was improperly loaded or failed to meet safety standards.
• Construction Companies — If they didn’t follow state or local regulations when constructing or repairing an overpass or bridge.

If you were injured in a bridge-strike accident, you should talk to an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney in Texas. Injuries are often more severe, and liability is more complicated in these kinds of accidents.

Injured in a Bridge-Strike Accident in Texas? Call Carabin Shaw

You may be eligible for compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,
• ER Treatment,
• Surgeries,
• Disfigurement,
• TBI,
• Pain and Suffering,
• Trauma/PTSD,
• Missed Work,
• Loss of Earning Capacity,
• Wrongful Death,
• And More.

Carabin Shaw will help you find out if you have a case for free. Call 800-862-1260 today to schedule your free case evaluation and discover your legal options. We have put our clients first in Texas for over 30 years because we care. We look forward to serving you.

Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.

¹KSAT Report