A 39-year-old man identified as Timetao M. Jr. was killed in a deadly head-on collision on U.S. 77 on Monday night, September 20.
The deadly collision transpired at approximately 7:45 p.m. on U.S. 77, just three miles northeast of Sinton. A Dodge Ram 1500 was reportedly towing a homemade trailer southbound when a tire from the trailer blew out.
This caused the Dodge driver to lose control and swerve into the northbound lanes, colliding head-on with an 18-wheeler. Due to the severity of the impact, the Dodge was thrown into the air before going off the highway. Unfortunately, the Dodge driver was killed in the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, the driver of the 18-wheeler sustained minor injuries and was transported to Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital. Additional information about the accident is unavailable at the moment. Local authorities are further investigating the crash.
Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Statistics
Approximately 5 million traffic accidents occur across the country every year. In these accidents, at least 38,000 people are killed each year. Although head-on collisions represent only 2% of accidents, they account for 10% of deaths on U.S. roads. A head-on collision happens when two vehicles conflict with each other. These collisions can lead to serious injuries or even death, even at low speeds. A tractor-trailer was involved in the crash in this case.
A big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, although the average car weighs about 4,000 pounds. This enormous disparity in size can lead to serious and often fatal accidents. According to the U.S., big rig accidents have increased by 30 percent since 2009, according to the Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). There were 4,102 fatalities with a large plant in 2017.
Texas currently leads the country in the number of deaths from semi-truck accidents. In 2017, 556 fatal truck accidents occurred in Texas, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The second-highest number of fatal crashes occurred in California with 320 and Florida with 275.
San Patricio County Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Two-Vehicle Collisions
After a tragic car accident, the best thing to do is to consult an expert attorney about the tragedy. Victims should be aware of their rights and the compensation they are entitled to. A lawyer can represent the victim’s family in court and assist them with their claim.
The lawyer files a claim on behalf of the victim and is responsible for citing existing laws, codes or statutes violated. The liable party is required by law through the wrongful death claim to provide financial compensation for the victim’s medical bills, burial costs, pain and deceased persons, and loss of companion status.
The experienced Texas car accident lawyers at Arash Law can serve as excellent legal advocates for you. Schedule your free consultation as soon as possible to protect your legal rights by a skilled professional. Call (888) 398-4017 or complete our online intake form to schedule your free consultation.