Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers
Two separate large truck fires tragically claimed the life of one truck driver and injured another in just three days time in Houston, Texas this week — and another fiery 18-wheeler incident broke out on Katy Freeway again this morning.
Here’s what you should know about this alarming trend and why our undefeated Houston truck accident lawyers are monitoring the growing number of 18-wheeler truck fires on our local roads.
1 Truck Driver Tragically Killed, 1 Injured in Multiple Large Truck Fires Across Harris County
On Saturday, August 16, a tanker truck hauling nearly 9,000 gallons of fuel erupted in flames on US 90 near Fondren shortly before 10 a.m. Firefighters arriving on scene found the front half of the massive vehicle severely damaged and hanging over the side of the elevated roadway. Tragically, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The blaze was so intense that at least one firefighter was hospitalized for heat exhaustion, and nearby businesses were forced to evacuate. One woman told ABC13 she had to leave her salon because of the heavy smoke. Officials have not yet determined the cause of the deadly incident.
Just three days later, on Tuesday, August 19, a FedEx truck caught fire on Highway 290 at the Grand Parkway, sending the driver to the hospital with injuries and shutting down traffic through the morning rush hour.
Then on Thursday morning, August 21, yet another 18-wheeler went up in flames just before 9 a.m.— this time on I-10 (Katy Freeway) near Blalock — creating major commuter delays. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident.
Houston Truck Fires Highlight Growing Dangers for Truck Drivers and Passenger Vehicles
Truck fires are relatively uncommon compared to other types of vehicle accidents, but they are extremely dangerous when they occur.
Between 2018 and 2022, fire departments responded to at least 215,096 vehicle fires in the U.S., according to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports. These fires resulted in more than 640 fatalities, over 1,500 injuries, and at least $2.8 Billion in property damages.
Although large trucks are involved in only 8% of fatal crashes each year, they account for 17% of fatal vehicle fires, according to one study from the U.S. Department of Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Administration. This stark disparity shows that truck drivers are disproportionately at risk — with a higher likelihood of severe burns or fatal smoke inhalation — yet the danger doesn’t stop with them. Truck fires can escalate in seconds, putting anyone nearby on the road in immediate, life-threatening danger.
In Houston, where thousands of trucks travel busy longhaul routes and access the bustling Port of Houston, truck fires are an ever-present risk. But three incidents in less than a week is especially alarming, pointing to a troubling trend in the trucking industry that has contributed to a spike in deadly Texas truck accidents in recent years: putting profits over people leads to entirely preventable incidents that claim lives.
Why Are 18-Wheeler Fires on the Rise in Houston?
Truck fires don’t happen by chance. Many are entirely preventable, often caused by companies that fail to invest in proper vehicle maintenance and safety measures, while pressuring drivers to meet tight deadlines. Yet they continue to claim lives and cause devastating injuries.
Common causes of 18-wheeler fires include:
- Mechanical failures: Brake malfunctions, overheating engines, and other critical system failures can ignite a fire in seconds.
- Electrical issues: Faulty wiring, short circuits, or battery problems are frequent triggers for truck fires.
- Collisions and crashes: Many fires result from accidents caused by distraction, speeding, or reckless driving. Even a minor crash can escalate if the truck is carrying flammable cargo.
- Improper maintenance: Skipping inspections, delaying repairs, or ignoring worn components greatly increases the risk of a catastrophic fire.
In most cases, these fires are not “accidents” — they stem from faulty equipment, inadequate maintenance, or unsafe company practices. When trucking company negligence is involved, both truck drivers and innocent motorists who are harmed have the legal right to hold trucking companies fully accountable for their reckless actions or failures to maintain safety — and they should.
Seeking justice and maximum compensation is often the only way to prevent future tragedies and ensure victims and families receive the support they deserve.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Truck Fire or Accident
If you or a loved one were injured or tragically killed in a large truck fire, taking immediate action is critical to protecting your legal rights. Following the right steps can make a major difference:
1. Ensure Safety First. If possible, exit your vehicle and move to a secure location away from the burning truck and traffic. Avoid inhaling smoke or flames.
2. Call 911. Report the fire, request medical assistance, and alert law enforcement immediately. Quick emergency response can save lives.
3. Document the Scene. If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the truck, the fire, skid marks, and the surrounding area. This evidence can be crucial for your case.
4. Seek Medical Attention ASAP. Even if you feel okay, injuries from heat, smoke inhalation, or collisions may not appear right away. Prompt medical evaluation protects your health and strengthens your claim.
5. Preserve Evidence and Records. Keep copies of police reports, medical records, and any communications with the trucking company.
6. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer. Only an experienced attorney has the resources, expertise, and network of safety and accident reconstruction experts to thoroughly investigate the fire, identify all at-fault parties, preserve evidence before it disappears, and, most importantly, ensure you secure the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
At Zehl & Associates, we stand up against the largest trucking companies in the world and consistently secure record-setting recoveries for our clients. When lives are on the line, experience and results matter — but our unwavering commitment to clients is what matters most.
Hear why so many our clients say, “Zehl treats you like family.”
Undefeated Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636
Our Undefeated Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers are monitoring the spike in dangerous large truck fires on Harris County roads, and will post new update as new information becomes available.
In addition to being undefeated, we’ve won Billions for thousands of accident victims in Texas, Louisiana, and across the United States, including the largest truck accident verdicts and settlements in Texas history.
If you or someone you love were injured or tragically killed in a large truck accident, our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers can help. Please call 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us page.
Your consultation is free, and because we represent clients for a contingency fee, you’ll owe us nothing unless we win your case.