Texas Accident & Injury News
A few moments of distraction while driving can mean the difference between life and death.
“Distracted” Driver Dead After Crashing Into an 18-Wheeler Stopped on I-35
According to a KSAT News report, a man was killed after his SUV crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler on Interstate 35.¹
Police reported the accident happened at around 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 8th, on southbound I-35 near O’Connor Road.
According to the preliminary investigation, a silver SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck the rear of an 18-wheeler that had come to a stop because of heavy traffic.
Investigators believe the SUV driver was distracted, noting there was no evidence he attempted to brake before the collision.
The driver, later identified as 27-year-old Cimmeron Dwayne Kee, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 32-year-old driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured. The investigation remains ongoing.
Did You Know?
There have been 158 fatal crashes involving at least one 18-wheeler across Texas so far this year, according to FMCSA data.²
Rear-End Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers: Why They Happen and When You May Have a Claim
Rear-end collisions are among the most common crashes on Texas roads. When an 18-wheeler is involved, however, the outcome is often far more serious.
Many people assume the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is automatically at fault. While that’s often the case, it’s not a rule. Every crash has its own set of circumstances, and investigators must examine the actions of everyone involved before determining liability.
Why These Accidents Happen
Commercial trucks frequently slow down or stop because of traffic congestion, construction zones, crashes ahead, or road hazards. Drivers following behind may have only seconds to react if they aren’t paying close attention.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Fatigue
- Impaired driving
- Failure to recognize stopped or slowing traffic
A distraction lasting only a few seconds can be enough for a driver to travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.
The Rear Driver Isn’t Always at Fault
Although the rear driver is often found responsible, there are situations where another driver or company may share liability.
Investigators may consider questions such as:
- Were the truck’s brake lights and hazard lights working properly?
- Was the truck stopped in a place where it could have moved to safety?
- Did improperly secured cargo create a roadway hazard?
- Did another driver’s actions contribute to the collision?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning more than one party can share responsibility for a crash. Determining fault requires looking at the entire chain of events rather than assuming the rear driver is automatically to blame.
Why Rear-Ending an 18-Wheeler Is So Dangerous
The size and design of commercial trucks make rear-end collisions especially severe.
Because trailers sit much higher than passenger vehicles, a smaller vehicle may slide underneath the trailer during impact. These are known as underride crashes, and they frequently result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Victims commonly suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Multiple fractures
The risk increases significantly at highway speeds, where there is little time or distance to avoid a stopped truck.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident
The steps you take after a trucking accident can affect both your recovery and any future legal claim.
After calling 911 and seeking medical attention, try to preserve as much information as possible if you’re physically able. Photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, roadway conditions, and traffic can become valuable evidence later. Witness contact information, dashcam footage, and the responding officer’s report may also help investigators reconstruct what happened.
Because commercial trucks often contain electronic data recorders and are subject to federal safety regulations, important evidence can disappear if it isn’t preserved quickly.
Why It’s Important to Speak With a Lawyer Early
Trucking accidents are often far more complicated than crashes involving only passenger vehicles.
In addition to the truck driver, investigators may need to examine the trucking company, maintenance records, electronic logging devices, onboard data, and insurance policies. Preserving that evidence early can make a significant difference in determining exactly what happened.
If you or your family has been affected by a serious 18-wheeler accident, speaking with an attorney early can help protect your rights while the investigation is still underway.
Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident? Call Shaw.
Commercial trucking accidents often involve catastrophic injuries, multiple insurance companies, and complex investigations. An experienced attorney can help preserve critical evidence and ensure every potentially responsible party is identified.
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Medical Bills
- Emergency Treatment
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Future Medical Care
- Permanent Disability
- Wrongful Death Damages
- And More
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use our live chat to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just straightforward legal guidance from a firm that puts clients first.
We look forward to serving you.