18-Wheeler Crash Kills 2 In Walker County

Houston truck accident attorneys know that when a large truck or 18-wheelers are involved in an accident, the results are usually catastrophic and often fatal. Because of their enormous size and corresponding weight, if an 18-wheeler collides with a car, the car is often obliterated, causing devastating fatalities.

In Walker county on Wednesday, two people were killed in an accident involving an 18-wheeler truck. The accident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Interstate 45 South between Madisonville and Huntsville. The two people involved in the accident died at the scene, almost immediately. The Texas Department of Public Safety is still investigating the accident, and has released very little information about the incident.

There are some facts about 18-wheeler trucks that Houston truck accident attorneys think it is important to understand to be able to comprehend why accidents involving these trucks are usually so detrimental. The average weight of an 18-wheeler truck is 40 tons, or about 80,000 lbs, and this is without cargo. Depending on how much and what type of cargo the truck is hauling, the weight can increase greatly.

18-wheeler trucks are usually about 70-80 feet long, taking up much more space than an average car, truck or SUV. This means when an 18-wheeler is involved in an accident, it has the capacity to crash into several vehicles at once because of its length.

Because of their enormous weight, 18-wheelers take much longer to stop than an ordinary motor vehicle—about 40% longer than an average car or pickup truck. All of these factors combine to make accidents involving 18-wheelers much more dangerous than other motor vehicle accidents. When driving near an 18-wheeler, drivers are cautioned to keep these statistics in mind, and give the big rig drivers more space. This way, if an accident does occur or an 18-wheeler has to stop suddenly, it will have the time and the space to do so, helping to cut down on the risk of involving other vehicles on the road in an accident.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck or 18-wheeler accident, call Houston truck accident lawyer Joe Stephens today at 712.224.0000 for a free consultation. Joe Stephens is a Houston injury attorney with over 26 years of experience serving the Houston and South Texas communities. He will expertly handle every aspect of your case on both a professional and a personal level. Alternatively, fill out a contact form online and a member of The Stephens Law Firm staff will contact you within 24 hours to schedule your free consultation. Call Joe Stephens today to get the help and advice that you need.