There was a deadly accident involving an 18-wheeler in Houston, Texas on June 28, 2024. According to reports, an 18-wheeler struck a bicyclist on the North Sam Houston Parkway East feeder road. After the collision, the 18-wheeler driver failed to stop, leaving the scene. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. Police are currently attempting to locate the truck driver. The accident remains under investigation.
Bicyclists face significant risks when sharing the road with 18-wheelers. The size and weight disparity between bicycles and these massive trucks create a dangerous environment for cyclists. One primary risk is the limited visibility that truck drivers have regarding smaller vehicles, especially bicycles.
Another significant risk to bicyclists is the potential for being caught in the draft or turbulence created by an 18-wheeler. As these trucks move at high speeds, they displace a large volume of air, creating a powerful draft that can pull in nearby cyclists or push them off balance. This phenomenon is particularly hazardous when a truck passes a cyclist at high speed, as the sudden change in air pressure can easily cause the rider to lose control and potentially crash. Moreover, the turbulence generated by an 18-wheeler can make it difficult for cyclists to maintain a steady course, especially on narrow or poorly maintained roads.
The risk of underride accidents also poses a severe threat to bicyclists. Underride occurs when a cyclist gets caught underneath the side or rear of a truck, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents are particularly prevalent when trucks make wide right turns or when cyclists attempt to pass on the right side of a truck. Despite efforts to improve safety with underride guards and better mirrors, the danger remains significant, as not all trucks are equipped with these safety features, and not all drivers are vigilant about checking for cyclists.
Additionally, the stopping distance required for an 18-wheeler is considerably longer than that for a bicycle or a car. This increased stopping distance means that truck drivers may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision if a cyclist suddenly enters their path or if an unexpected obstacle arises. The weight of an 18-wheeler also means that any collision, even at lower speeds, can have devastating consequences for a cyclist. Given these risks, it is crucial for truck drivers to exercise extreme caution and awareness when sharing the road, adhering to safety practices and respecting the space of others on the road to prevent accidents.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was an accident involving a train and semi-truck in Tye, Texas on June 17, 2024. There was a crash involving a two 18-wheelers near Laredo, Texas on June 19, 2024. There was a crash involving a semi-truck oil tanker near Giddings, Texas on June 23, 2024. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in Denton, Texas on June 25, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving catastrophic auto and bus accidents. Our attorneys have extensive experience and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident.
The experienced accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have previously been involved in similar cases and can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was involved in an accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.