On a recent Sunday evening, an 18-wheeler found itself stalled on I-35 South at Rittiman Road. As a result, several other vehicles behind the big rig were involved in a chain-reaction crash. There were a number of serious injuries, and the police shut that section of the Interstate down until they could clean up the debris left by the accident and transport injured drivers to various medical facilities for care.
A police investigation was launched to determine the exact cause of the accident and to find out whether or not the truck had a mechanical defect that caused it to stall. The driver may have been texting while driving and not paying attention to the road or how he was driving.
Whenever a passenger vehicle is involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, the results are catastrophic in varying degrees, depending on the point of impact. In many cases, vehicle passengers die. Those who do live may have life-altering injuries. In all cases involving a collision with a semi, legal assistance is required, as big rig accidents typically involve numerous insurance company, legal and jurisdictional issues.
It is important to contact an experienced trucking accident lawyer immediately in order to ensure evidence at the crash scene is preserved. Never speak to trucking company personnel or insurance adjusters. Always discuss any contact by the defendant with your attorney of record.
Insurance companies are not your friends. Be aware of your legal rights.
Learn more, Lee, Gober & Reyna