Texas Accident & Injury News
Chemical spills are a major risk of 18-wheeler accidents.
Major 18-Wheeler Accident on I-10 Shuts Down Highway for 7 Hours
According to a News4SanAntonio report, an early-morning crash involving an 18-wheeler caused a seven-hour shutdown on I-10.¹
Police reported the accident happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday, November 19th, on I-10 Westbound at Loop 1604 on the East Side. While the exact circumstances remain under investigation, a passenger vehicle reportedly struck an 18-wheeler hauling two trailers, causing the truck to roll over.
No injuries were reported, but the impact caused a chemical leak — possibly battery acid — that spread across the roadway. KSAT News confirmed that HAZMAT teams were called to contain and neutralize the spill.²
I-10 remained closed until 8:45 a.m. while emergency crews worked to safely clear the scene.
Did You Know?
8,413 people have been injured in crashes involving at least one 18-wheeler in Texas this year, according to FMCSA data.³
The Dangers of Chemical Spills After an 18-Wheeler Accident
Collisions involving 18-wheelers are dangerous on their own — but when hazardous materials are involved, the situation can escalate into a citywide emergency. The recent I-10 shutdown is a clear example of how even a single spill can impact public health, traffic, and the environment.
Why Chemical Spills Are So Dangerous
Trucks carrying materials like battery acid, fuel, industrial solvents, or corrosive liquids pose severe risks when damaged:
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Health hazards: Exposure can cause chemical burns, respiratory distress, or toxic reactions.
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Environmental contamination: Hazardous materials can seep into soil or waterways.
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Traffic dangers: Cleanup often requires full road closures for hours, increasing the chance of secondary crashes.
Because of these risks, HAZMAT teams are deployed immediately to contain the spill and protect both first responders and nearby drivers.
How These Spills Happen
Chemical spills during commercial trucking accidents often stem from:
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Rollover crashes that rupture tanks or containers
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Improperly secured or mislabeled cargo
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Driver fatigue or error
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Poor vehicle maintenance or defective valves
Investigators typically review maintenance logs, driver records, and shipping manifests to determine what went wrong and who may have contributed to the spill.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in hazardous material crashes is more complex than in standard motor-vehicle accidents. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on:
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The trucking company, for inadequate training or unsafe equipment
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The shipper, if the cargo was improperly packaged or labeled
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Maintenance contractors, if faulty repairs contributed to the accident
Victims harmed by hazardous materials may be entitled to compensation for injuries, medical care, property damage, lost income, and long-term health effects.
What to Do if You’re Exposed to a Chemical Spill
If you encounter a crash involving hazardous materials:
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Stay in your vehicle with windows closed.
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Turn off air vents and recirculation systems.
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Move upwind or uphill if evacuation is required.
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Avoid touching any liquids or inhaling vapors.
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Seek immediate medical care if you experience irritation, dizziness, or breathing issues.
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Document the scene if it’s safe to do so.
Your safety — not the traffic delay — should be the priority.
Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident? Call Shaw.
Crashes involving 18-wheelers and hazardous materials can leave victims facing medical bills, long-term injuries, and overwhelming stress. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a commercial truck accident anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical Bills
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ER Treatment
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Lost Wages
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Pain and Suffering
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Property Damage
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Wrongful Death
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And More
We can help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 for a no-obligation, free consultation with an experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
No fees unless we win. We put our clients first because we care.
We look forward to serving you.