One person was tragically killed last night and another injured when a tire flew off an 18-wheeler and slammed into a passenger vehicle along the Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas.
18-Wheeler Lost Tire on I-10 Near Bunker Hills
The April 13th accident occurred as the 18-wheeler was traveling in the eastbound lanes of I-10. The tire bounced across the highway and into the westbound lanes near Bunker Hills, where it struck a passenger vehicle in the toll lanes.
The passenger vehicle then veered across all six lanes and struck the outside wall heading westbound. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash, but their passenger was killed.
The 18-wheeler continued on without stopping and has not been since. However, officials cautioned that the trucker driver might have been unaware that the tire had come loose.
Yesterday’s crash remains under investigation.
How Common Are Loose Tire Truck Accidents?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, wheels separating from 18-wheelers and other big rigs cause between 750 and 1050 crashes every year.
It’s estimated that around 40% of wheel separation incidents result from under-torquing or over-torquing of axel lug nuts, while roughly a quarter result from heat buildup due to excessive pressure and friction. Defectively manufactured components also contribute to a significant number of wheel separation incidents.
Federal regulations require that 18-wheelers and other big rigs undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they’re always in good repair. Trucking companies must also keep records of maintenance and inspections. If you or someone you love were injured or tragically killed in a loose-wheel truck or 18-wheeler accident, the ability to access those records could mean the difference between receiving maximum compensation for all of your injuries and losses and walking away with nothing.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Are Hurt in Loose Wheel Truck Accident
Unfortunately, having successfully represented thousands of truck and 18-wheeler accident victims, it’s been our experience that trucking companies almost never voluntarily turn over maintenance records or other documentation proving they and their driver were at fault. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly to protect your rights in the wake of a truck or 18-wheeler accident:
- Call 911 immediately. Once the police arrive at the scene, they’ll gather information and evidence for a written report that could help you and your attorney prove the trucking company and its driver were at fault for the crash.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, or your injuries don’t appear serious, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure there are no underlying issues. This also ensures any injuries you did suffer are documented immediately in the event the trucking company attempts to cast doubt on your claims.
- Gather information: Record contact information for the other driver(s), any witnesses, and the trucking company. Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved and any damage or injuries.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, no matter who appears to be at fault. By doing so, you’ll avoid a detail of coverage that could prevent you from receiving PIP, Med-Pay, and other benefits you’ll need to help cover your medical bills and other expenses.
- Don’t speak with the trucking company or its insurer: They are NOT on your side! They’re only interested in protecting their bottom line by blaming you for the accident, downplaying your injuries, delaying your claim, and making inadequate settlement offers.
- Consult an attorney: To counter the trucking companies’ attempts to downplay your injuries and blame you for the crash, it’s essential to hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer– one who’s successfully taken on the largest trucking companies in the world- with the resources to bring in top accident reconstruction and medical experts and conduct a complete crash investigation.
Contact Our Undefeated Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for a Free Consult by Calling 1-888-603-3636 or Clicking Here
Our Undefeated Houston Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers are investigating last night’s tragic accident along the Katy Freeway and will post an update if additional information becomes available.
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