[08-25-2021] Smith County, TX – One Killed, Another Injured After a Fatal Tractor-Trailer Crash on US-69

One person was killed while another was injured after a tractor-trailer accident on U.S. Highway 69 on Wednesday, August 25.

According to the initial reports from local authorities, the accident happened at the U.S. Highway 69 bridge at Farm-to-Market Road 346.

A tractor-trailer and another unspecified vehicle were involved in the collision. The circumstances leading up to the crash have not been established.

Both the drivers were rushed to an area hospital with unspecified injuries. Unfortunately, one of the drivers later succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead.

Information about the crash is limited at the moment. Their identities have not been disclosed. Local authorities are further investigating the cause of the accident.

Fatal Tractor-Trailer Accident Statistics

Tractor-trailer collisions are more deadly than other types of road accidents. It’s primarily due to the large size difference between big rig trucks and other vehicles on the road. Every 15 minutes, a person is killed or seriously injured in a tractor-trailer accident, also known as 18-wheelers, big rigs, or semi-trucks. Approximately 500,000 trucking accidents occur in the United States each year, with approximately 5,000 resulting in death.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, approximately 34,000 accidents involving at least one commercial truck occurred in 2016. In these accidents, 6,100 people were injured, including 1,100 people who were paralyzed and nearly 600 people who died. Tractor-trailer accidents are caused by various factors, such as loss of control of the truck, a tire blowout, a disabling or non-disabling vehicle failure, excessive speed, lane drifting, and improper truck maneuvering, and driver fatigue.

Smith County Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Following a truck accident, time is crucial. Critical evidence, such as the truck’s black box, GPS data, and driver’s records, tends to change or disappear. This evidence is usually critical to the success of your truck accident lawsuit. In most circumstances, the statute of limitations for filing a civil claim in Texas is two years from the date of the accident.

However, the statute of limitations is substantially shorter in other circumstances (such as when the government is involved). If you have lost a loved one from a fatal tractor-trailer accident, don’t hesitate to contact an expert wrongful death attorney immediately.

Our attorneys from Arash Law can give you the legal guidance that you need. They also have the resources and the skill that can aid you in winning your wrongful death claim. Call (888) 398-4017 to schedule your free consultation. Don’t wait to get advice about your motorcycle accident case. The sooner you have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, the better protected your legal rights will be.