Two people died tragically on Saturday, and another was critically injured when an oversized load detached from an 18-wheeler near Temple, Texas.
Crash Victims Extracted After 4 Hours
The horrific accident occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 36 and 317, about 90 minutes north of Austin. According to Temple Fire & Rescue, crews arrived to find a passenger vehicle with three occupants pinned beneath a detached oversized load weighing 350,000 pounds.
EMS personnel spent the next four hours working to extract the victims from the wreckage, including two people who were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the passenger vehicle somehow survived the crash and was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White Health with life-threatening critical injuries.
So far, it’s unknown why the oversized load came off its trailer, but police have said multiple vehicles were involved in the wreck. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477.
Oversized Load Truck Accidents: What Motorists Should Know
Hauling oversized cargo dramatically increases the risks of operating an 18-wheeler or other big rig, making these large trucks even more challenging to maneuver, particularly when braking or negotiating lane changes and curves. An oversized load can also obstruct a trucker’s line of sight, increasing the potential for a crash.
Regulation of Oversized Load Trucks
To mitigate these risks, most states – including Texas – require specialized permits for trucks hauling oversized loads. At the federal level, oversized load trucks must also comply with regulations set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that require:
- A special permit to transport oversized or overweight loads.
- Appropriate lighting and warning placards to alert other drivers of the oversized load.
- Specialized training in driving oversized loads in addition to a Commercial Drivers License.
Federal regulations further mandate that any oversized load be properly secured and distributed on the truck to prevent shifting during transport. Depending on the size of the cargo, these trucks may also be required to follow specific routes and schedules to minimize the impact on other drivers and the environment. Those transporting a load wider than 12 feet must also travel with escort vehicles.
Common Causes of Oversized Load Accidents
When cargo and trucking companies neglect to follow the rules and regulations governing the transport of oversized loads, or when their drivers lack the necessary skills and experience to safely operate one of these rigs, the potential for a severe or deadly accident increases significantly.
Some of the most common causes of oversized load truck accidents include:
- Exceeding Maximum Height: A truck hauling cargo that exceeds a state’s maximum height requirements is likely to strike any overhead bridge encountered along its route. Such a collision could allow debris to be strewn across the roadway, where it would endanger other vehicles. The impact could also cause the oversized load to detach from the truck, sending the massive cargo into the path of other vehicles.
- Spillage Crashes: “Spillage” occurs when an oversized load truck strikes vehicles in adjacent lanes. Because trucks hauling oversized loads can exceed the width of a single lane, federal and state regulations require that they bear signage warning other drivers of a wide load. When cargo is exceptionally wide, these trucks must also employ escort vehicles.
- Maneuvering Errors: From braking and negotiating turns to navigating through traffic, an oversized load makes operating a big rig all the more complicated. There’s little room for error, and any trucker without the proper training or experience or who engages in reckless or careless behavior is a danger to everyone else on the road.
Tips for Driving Near Oversized Load Trucks
At some point, every driver will encounter a truck hauling an oversized load in their travels. By following a few common-sense safety tips, it’s possible to minimize the potential for an accident:
- Be aware of blind spots: Oversized load trucks have exceptionally wide and long trailers, which means they have more blind spots than a regular tractor-trailer. These blind spots can be located on the sides of the truck, as well as directly behind and in front of it. When driving near an oversized load truck, ensure you are always visible to the driver and avoid lingering in their blind spots.
- Always maintain a safe distance: Because of their size, oversized load trucks require much more time and space to come to a complete stop or make a turn. As such, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance when driving near them. Keep a distance of several car lengths between your vehicle and the truck to reduce the risk of a rear-end collision.
- Avoid sudden lane changes: A truck with an oversized load may take up more than one lane on the road. This means they may have less maneuverability and need more time to change lanes. Avoid sudden lane changes in front of an oversized load truck, as the truck driver may not be able to avoid striking your vehicle.
- Give the truck space when it turns: A big rig transporting an oversized load typically must make wider turns. Be patient and give them plenty of space when turning, especially at intersections. Do not try to squeeze past or cut them off, as this can be dangerous for both you and the truck driver.
- Pass with caution: Passing an oversized load truck requires extra caution. Make sure you have enough space and visibility to pass the truck safely when changing lanes. Be aware that passing may require briefly entering the truck’s blind spots, so be prepared for sudden lane changes or slowing down from the truck.
- Stay alert: Driving near any large vehicle requires increased vigilance, but this is especially important when driving near an oversized load truck. Pay attention to warning signs on the back of the truck, such as “wide load” or “oversized load,” and give these vehicles plenty of space.
Who Can I Sue After an Oversized Load Truck Accident?
No matter how careful you are or how many precautions you take, you could still find yourself involved in an oversized load truck accident through no fault of your own. If the crash results from negligence or recklessness on the part of another party, you may be entitled to file a truck accident lawsuit against the individuals and entities responsible, including:
- The truck driver: If the truck driver operated the vehicle negligently or recklessly, they could be held liable for any damages caused by their actions. This could include speeding, driving while fatigued, or failing to secure an oversized load properly.
- The trucking company: The trucking company may be found responsible for an oversized load accident if, for example, it failed to maintain the truck or did not adequately train its driver.
- The manufacturer of the truck or trailer: If a defect in the truck or trailer contributed to the accident, you may have grounds to sue the manufacturer for negligence.
- The shipping company or cargo owners: If the oversized load was not properly secured or loaded, the shipping company or cargo owners may be held liable for any resulting damages.
- Maintenance contractors or mechanics: If improper maintenance or faulty repairs were the cause of the accident, you may have a case against the maintenance contractors or mechanics responsible.
An experienced truck accident attorney with a record of successfully taking on the largest trucking companies and corporations in the world will have the knowledge and resources to conduct a thorough investigation and identify all parties responsible for your injuries and losses. However, you must act quickly and consult a lawyer as soon as possible. Keep in mind that Texas and most other states require that truck accident victims file suit within two years of a crash. If you fail to take legal action within your state’s statute of limitations, you may be permanently barred from doing so.
Contact Our Undefeated Texas Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consult At 1-888-603-3636
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If you were injured or lost a loved one to an oversized load truck accident, we’re ready to help you hold the trucking company and other responsible parties accountable. Please call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to send us a confidential email via our “Contact Us” form.
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