Texas Accident & Injury News
Last month, an accident involving a construction crane and a pick-up truck claimed the lives of two men. The accident occurred in Jefferson County on Interstate 10, near Beaumont. As is often the case in fatal Texas car accidents, news reports conveyed conflicting information in the immediate aftermath of the collision.
What is known is that two men were traveling westbound on I-10. As they approached a section of I-10 where crews were working on widening the highway, they collided with a crane. Both men were immediately killed in the collision.
Initially, reports indicated that a large commercial vehicle was towing the construction crane, which somehow became dislodged from the truck. As the crane broke free, it collided with the pick-up truck.
However, a subsequent investigation revealed additional details. Apparently, the crane was not being towed at the time of the accident. Instead, investigators now believe that the crane experienced some type of malfunction, causing the crane’s boom to fall to the ground, where it struck the passing pick-up truck. The Texas Department of Transportation indicated that it had an active contract with the construction company responsible for operating the crane, providing a public comment that the Department would conduct its own investigation and comply with investigations conducted by other agencies.
In addition to the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other federal agencies are working together in the ongoing investigation.
This accident highlights one of the lesser-known dangers of driving: construction equipment. Motorists routinely pass through construction sites and reasonably assume that workers are safely operating all machinery and that construction equipment will not suddenly create an unexpected hazard. However, that is not necessarily the case. Road construction projects are incredibly dangerous, and drivers should take all necessary precautions.
Those injured in a Texas construction zone car accident may be entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries. In the tragic event of a fatal accident, family members can pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
Carabin Shaw is a local personal injury law firm representing individuals and families in cases stemming from all types of Texas commercial vehicle collisions. For nearly three decades, the firm’s compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys have provided accident victims and their families with high-quality legal representation throughout what is undoubtedly an extremely challenging time. Carabin Shaw offers all prospective clients a free consultation and can be reached on their website at www.carabinshaw.com.