Crash With Semi Leaves One Fatality, 6 Injured

Houston truck accident attorneys know that an accident involving a Semi, usually leads to serious injuries and often fatalities, because of the sheer size and force behind the weight of such a large truck. In San Antonio on Friday evening at about 6p.m., a woman was killed in a crash with a semi that ended in a fiery blaze.

The woman was carrying six passengers in the car with her when the wreck occurred. There were three children and three adults in the car when it somehow collided with a semi tractor-trailer on I-35 near the AT&T Parkway. The car crashed into the back of the semi truck and became stuck and wedged under the back of the vehicle, and then burst into flames.

Several onlookers and other people at the scene of the accident were able to extricate the six passengers from the blaze, but they were not able to save the driver because she was most closely wedged under the truck.

According to the truck driver, Ed Trammell, the car tried to maneuver between his truck and the guardrail at the side of the highway. Despite this testimony, police report that it is unclear which vehicle struck the other one.

Juan Trevino, a passerby who assisted with the rescue relayed his experience of the emotional event: "They were just jumping up and screaming, 'save my Mom, save my Mom! And the flames were burning her. We tried to put it out with fire extinguishers that we got from other vehicles and the store, but we couldn't do nothing else. Flames got out of control and that was it."

Trammel, the driver of the truck is in shock about the crash, and plans to give up driving a truck. "It kills me. I'll have nightmares for a month," he said. "I've never had an accident where it killed somebody. Been driving since '84 and always said if I have an accident that kills somebody I'm going to quit. And that's it.”

One of the passengers in the car, a teenager, was taken to a nearby hospital with minor neck injuries. The other survivors of the crash are expected to make a full recovery.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Houston truck accident, call Houston truck accident attorney Joe Stephens today at 713.224.0000 today for a free consultation. Joe Stephens is an experienced Houston injury lawyer who will expertly handle every aspect of your case, on both a professional and personal level. You may also fill out a contact form online and a member of The Stephens Law Firm will contact you within 24 hours to set up your free consultation. Call today to get the advice and help that you need.

Agreement with Mexico Could Increase Risk of Houston Semi Accidents

A recent agreement between the United States and Mexico to allow long-haul truckers to operate between the two countries could increase the risk of Houston trucking accidents involving trucks and drivers from south of the border.

Houston semi accident attorneys understand the complexities involved in representing victims of serious and fatal trucking accidents. Multiple victims, out-of-state truck drivers, commercial insurance carriers and large commercial truck leasing and maintenance companies can all complicate claims. Add to that an endless series of state and federal regulations and it takes a Texas injury lawyer experienced in handling commercial trucking accident claims to look out for the well-being of you and your family.

Such complexities will only be exacerbated when an accident involves a Mexican driver or trucking company. And, while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration insists Mexican operators will be subjected to the same safety regulations, the recent rash of serious and fatal bus crashes tells us all we need to know about the federal government's commitment to providing the kind of resources that would be necessary to ensure compliance. 

The new agreement will lift tariffs Mexico put in place two years ago. As a result, U.S. companies are expected to increase shipments.

“The agreements signed today are a win for roadway safety and they are a win for trade. By opening the door to long-haul trucking between the United States and Mexico, America’s third largest trading partner, we will create jobs and opportunity for our people and support economic development in both nations," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.  "I thank President Calderon and Secretary Perez-Jacome for their leadership and for their partnership as we build a safer, more prosperous future for North America and the world.”

The previous cross-border trucking program was terminated in March 2009. As a result of meetings addressing safety and other concerns, the U.S. government says Mexican trucks must comply with all FMCSA standards and must use electronic monitoring to track hours-of-service compliance. Officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation are also charged with inspecting each trucker's log book. Drug testing samples will also be tested by U.S. labs. Drivers must also be tested on English language skills and the ability to read U.S. traffic signs. 

If you have been involved in an accident in the Houston area, contact The Stephens Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your rights. You may also request your free copy of Attorney Stephens' books, the Texas Accident Bible, A Survivor's Legal Guide and Hiring the Right Attorney. Call today at 713-224-0000 or <a href="http://www.joestephenslaw.com/contact.html">contact us through this website</a>.

Tanker Accident Involving Houston Semi Illustrates Risk of Dangerous Loads

A Diboll trucking accident spilled hot asphalt across the road, leaving the trucker with a broken arm and a head injury, according to Channel 9 News. The driver reportedly rounded the corner too quickly, causing his load to shift. He lost control of the truck, which overturned in the parking lot of a Chevron Station.

Thankfully, no innocent bystanders were hurt in the accident. However, veteran Houston trucking accident lawyers understand that injuries caused by loose or dangerous loads are a common result of Texas trucking accidents.

The 29-year-old driver was hauling a load of asphalt ready mix. As much as 3,000 gallons of the substance leaked from the tanker, where it was being heated to a temperature of 300 degrees. The resulting mess had to be covered with dirt and allowed to harden before it could be removed from the road several days later. Clean-up crews were also concerned about the contamination of a nearby creek.

The driver was transporting the load from Shreveport to Houston at the time of the accident. The truck belongs to EHC Trucking in Houston. The driver could be cited for making an unsafe turn, following the completion of the investigation.

Tankers can be particularly dangerous, both because of instability caused by sloshing liquid and because of the hazardous nature of many liquid loads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducted a study on cargo tank roll stability, which found 482 fatal cargo tank rollover accidents in a six-year period.

Driver error was responsible in about three-quarters of all cases. Fifteen percent of fatal accidents involved driver distraction -- fewer than 10 percent involved weather. Perhaps most alarming, only about 15 percent occurred on the freeway -- meaning many more occurred in more residential areas. Running off the edge of the road was the number one cause of tanker rollovers.

The report found simulators would better permit drivers to receive the training necessary to properly react to a tanker emergency. However, the training has not been broadly adopted because of the expense of simulators.

Katy Accident Lawyer Joe Stephens, a personal injury trial law specialist, offers free consultations to accident victims in the Houston area. You may also request your free copy of Attorney Stephens' books, the Texas Accident Bible, A Survivor's Legal Guide and Hiring the Right Attorney. Call today at 713-224-0000 or contact us through this website.

Big Rig Oil Spill Shuts Down Highway 290

Houston car accident lawyers know that highway oil spills can wreak havoc on traffic flow because they are so difficult to clean up. The slowed traffic due to something like an oil spill often leads to traffic accidents as well. Luckily, Tuesday’s vegetable oil spill on Highway 290 didn’t lead to any traffic accidents, but it did create quite a mess and severely slowed traffic.

The spill occurred near 34^th street in Northwest Houston at about 6 p.m. Vegetable oil leaked from an 18-wheeler truck, and according to the Texas Department of Transportation, the driver of the truck didn’t realize the vehicle was leaking. The spill caused a slippery mess on Highway 290 for about five hours while road crews cleaned up the spill.

Oil spills- even vegetable oil spills are difficult to clean up because, as we all know, oil and water don’t mix. In order to clean up spills more harsh and industrial cleaning agents are needed. Even missing the smallest bit of oil can lead to future traction problems on the roads, leading to accidents. This makes cleaning up oil spills is not only a difficult process, but a lengthy and time consuming one. Despite taking crews almost five hours to clean up the spill and get traffic moving again, there were no accidents or injuries as a result off the spill.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident or Houston truck accident, call Houston truck accident attorney Joe Stephens today at 713.224.0000 for a free consultation. Joe Stephens is a seasoned Houston injury attorney with over 26 years of experience serving the South Texas community. Joe Stephens will expertly handle every aspect of your case on both a professional and a personal level. You may also fill out a contact form online and a member of The Stephens Law Firm will contact you within 24 hours to set up your free consultation. Call Joe Stephens today to get the advice and help that you need.

18- Wheeler Crash on Highway 290

Houston truck accident attorneys know that one 18-wheeler accident can be quite catastrophic and lead to much injury and traffic disruption. Two 18-wheelers colliding raises these stakes exponentially. Early on Friday morning, this is exactly what happened.

According to Houston officials, two 18-wheeler trucks carrying grain feed collided on Highway 290, causing the grain to spill across the highway. The two big-rigs were from the same company and driving in tandem from Abeline to the Houston Ship Channel to deposit their grain loads.

There was an earlier accident on the highway causing traffic to slow. During the slowed traffic, a white car that was driving directly in front of one of the 18-wheelers was forced to come to an abrupt stop due to the traffic crawl. The first 18-wheeler slammed on its brakes and tried to avoid hitting the halted vehicle in front of it, but wasn’t able to stop in time and crashed into the back of the white car.

The second 18-wheeler was also not able to come to a halt an crashed into the back of the first big rig. The impact of the two truck colliding caused their grain feed cargo to spill across the highway. As a result, the inbound lanes of Highway 290 at Mangum-Dacoma were shut down for several hours causing further traffic delays.

Big rig accidents are usually very dangerous because of the amount of space each truck takes up. Usually when one 18-wheeler accident occurs, other vehicles have trouble avoiding the wreckage and further accidents occur. In this instance, the only casualty was the grain feed. Because traffic was already moving slowly drivers were able to steer clear of the accident and no other accidents or injuries occurred as a result of the big rig accidents.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident or big-rig accident, call Houston truck accident attorney Joe Stephens today at 713.224.0000 for a free consultation. Joe Stephens is a Houston injury attorney that has been serving the South Texas community for over 26 years and will handle every aspect of your case on both a professional and personal level. You may also fill out a contact form online and a member of The Stephens Law Firm will contact you within 24 hours to set up your free consultation. Contact Joe Stephens today to get the advice and help that you need.

Truckers Hauling Fireworks Exempted from Safety Regulations in Houston

If you are counting on the federal government to protect you from a Houston trucking accident, think again.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has suspended work-hour rules for truckers who are hauling fireworks this weekend! FIREWORKS! 

Three thousand commercial drivers hauling fireworks across the country are permitted to work longer than the 14-hour work days permitted truckers behind the wheel. The exemption was granted to 53 motor carrier operations on behalf of the American Pyrotechnics Association and runs from June 28 to July 8.

Our Houston trucking accident lawyers understand the high risk tired truckers pose to other motorists on the road. As we reported in March on our Houston Truck Accident Law Blog, 16.5 percent of all fatal accidents nationwide involve a fatigued driver; authorities believe the problem is particularly acute in the commercial driving industry.

Late last year, FMCSA proposed new hours-of-service regulations for the trucking industry, requiring at least 34 hours off before restarting a trucker's 60- or 70-hour workweek. Left open was whether drivers should be limited to 10 or 11 hours of drive time.

"A fatigued driver has no place behind the wheel of a large commercial truck," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We are committed to an hours-of-service rule that will help create an environment where commercial truck drivers are rested, alert and focused on safety while on the job."

Paper log books often make a mockery of the law anyway; forged log books have long permitted a driver to drive pretty much however much he wants. Safety advocates continue to push for data recorders similar to the black boxes used by airlines -- a standard the federal government has been particularly slow to adopt.

The feds are currently holding a listening tour on the proposed changes -- which also include expanding a driver's permitted work hours to 16 hours at least twice a week.

If you have been involved in an accident in the Houston area, contact The Stephens Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your rights. You may also request your free copy of Attorney Stephens' books, the Texas Accident Bible, A Survivor's Legal Guide and Hiring the Right Attorney. Call today at 713-224-0000 or <a href="http://www.joestephenslaw.com/contact.html">contact us through this website</a>.

TexDOT Hits the Road this Weekend to Prevent Drunk Driving and Trucking Accidents in Houston

The Fourth of July holiday weekend proves to be the deadliest time of the year on our roadways.  Yes, more people die during this three-day weekend than any other holiday weekend.  There are a number of factors that contribute to these deaths.  Traffic increases tremendously during this time of year.  Both passenger-vehicles and trucks will hit the road in full force this weekend.  Residents will be venturing out on vacations as truck drivers will be hurrying to get home for the holiday.  The increased demand for fireworks will also bring out a number of delivery trucks this weekend.  All of these factors greatly increase your risks of being involved in a trucking accident in Houston.

Motorists oftentimes put themselves at an increased risk for an accident as they're more likely to drink and drive during this holiday weekend.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 50 percent of all traffic accidents that have happened during previous Fourth of July weekends involved an intoxicated driver.  In 2009, more than 490 people died in traffic accidents during the three-day Fourth of July weekend.  Last year, Texas saw 337 alcohol-related traffic crashes over the July Fourth holiday weekend.

Our Houston trucking accident attorneys ask that all motorists travel cautiously during the upcoming weekend.  When traveling among large trucks on our roadways, it is important to be completely focused on driving.  Drinking alcohol and driving is not only illegal, but it greatly impairs your driving ability.  It is important that you're able to adjust your driving around trucks as they operate differently than typical passenger vehicles.  Traveling among trucks requires extra attention and focus.

The Texas Department of Transportation will be out in full force this Fourth of July.  They'll be increasing their presence across the state as part of a statewide High Visibility Enforcement effort.  Their enforcement aims to crackdown on impaired drivers.  Motor-vehicle accidents with trucks produce more serious and fatal accidents than accidents with any other type of vehicle.

"TxDOT is proud to be a part of the high visibility enforcement weekend because it works," said Carol T. Rawson, P.E., TxDOT Traffic Operations Director. "The success we’ve seen in jurisdictions across the state reinforces the message that driving while intoxicated will not be tolerated in Texas. The Fourth of July is about celebrating freedom –and if people choose to drink and drive, they stand to lose that freedom and end up in jail. If you plan on drinking make sure you have a P.A.S.S, a Person Appointed to Stay Sober."

The legal consequences of driving while intoxicated are serious and real, but getting into an accident with a large truck may prove to be worse than the legal hassle of a DUI.  Motorists are urged to refrain from drinking and driving and to keep their focus on the presence of large trucks during this Fourth of July weekend.  Don't let this Fourth of July be your last.  Drive safe.

Our Houston trucking accident attorneys would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!

If you or someone you know has been injured in a trucking accident, call Houston car accident attorney Joe Stephens today at 713.224.0000 for a free consultation. Joe Stephens has practiced law in the Houston area for over 26 years, and will expertly handle your case on both a professional and a personal level. You may also fill out a contact form online, and someone from The Stephens Law Firm will contact you within 24 hours to set up your free consultation. Call Joe Stephens today to get the help and advice you need.

More Blog Entries:

9 Vehicle Chain Reaction Accident Results in 1 Fatality, 5 Injuries, June 25, 2011

Texas Law Enforcement to Crack Down on Drunk Driver, June 89, 2011