18 Wheeler Accident Issues Add to I-35 Traffic Problems

At least two 18 wheeler accidents on Interstate 35 led to serious injuries, with one resulting in a fatality. The interstate highway, which carries some of the heaviest traffic in the state, has been the site of numerous 18 wheeler accidents since the start of 2016. Heavy rains and high winds throughout this week have also contributed to the startling number of accidents along this busy stretch of highway. State and local officials are calling for measures to make the highway safer and prevent many of the 18 wheeler accidents that occur.

Details of the Salado I-35 18 Wheeler Accident

An 18 wheeler accident just south of the town of Salado closed traffic on both sides of I-35. The accident occurred early Tuesday morning near Exit 283, about 50 miles north of Austin. The 18 wheeler accident involved two tractor-trailers and a small passenger vehicle. Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety found that the driver of one of the tractor-trailers was traveling at a high rate of speed in the southbound lanes. The driver lost control, struck a concrete barrier, and collided with the other truck and passenger car. No major injuries were reported.

Details of the Troy I-35 18 Wheeler Accident

The driver of a passenger vehicle lost his life in an 18 wheeler accident near Troy. The accident occurred just a hours after the collision in Salado, just 25 miles to the south. A Killeen man was killed when a tractor trailer broadsided his pickup truck. Local police told reporters that the 18 wheeler lost control on the wet road and stalled across the freeway’s southbound lanes. The driver of the tractor trailer was taken to a local hospital for observation. No charges have been filed in the 18 wheeler accident as of this writing.

Details of the South Austin I-35 18 Wheeler Accident

The string of 18 wheeler accidents continued with an incident on I-35 in South Austin. Austin police reported that an 18 wheeler fell on its side at around 3 am. The 18 wheeler accident also led to a second tractor-trailer running over the debris and spilling more than 200 gallons of diesel fuel on the freeway, some of which trailed into a storm drain. The accidents closed the southbound lanes of the freeway for several hours as crews worked to clean up the fuel spill. One of the drivers was taken to a local medical center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Study Reveals Times, Causes for High-Risk I-35 18 Wheeler Accidents

A study by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) examined the causes and times of the most serious Austin-area I-35 18 wheeler accidents. The study found that, from 2013 to early 2016, more than 100 18 wheeler accidents occurred between the hours of noon and 3 pm. Less than half that number of accidents occurred between midnight and 3 am. The study also found that the biggest contributing factors to these accidents were unsafe lane changes and driver inattention.

Sources: KWTX-TV, KCEN-TV, KXAN-TV

Know Your Rights in an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit

To find out how we can help you with an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit, contact us today at 888-751-7263. Our friendly staff will ask a few questions about your case and connect you to an attorney who can help with your 18 wheeler accident lawsuit. You can also fill out the “Free Case Evaluation” form at the top of this page.

NOTE: This blog post is a news story and does not constitute and endorsement of the Amaro Law Firm by any parties mentioned herein.