Lockhart, Texas Teenagers Killed in Truck Accident

Two high school students were killed last week and one more was injured in a truck accident on Texas 21 in Mustang Ridge in Texas.

Zared Castellan was traveling with her cousin Bernice Castellan and Deimie Castellan. They were on their way to confirmation classes at a church in Lockhart when their car was struck by an 18-wheeler. Zared and Bernice were killed at the scene of the accident, while Deimie was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

This tragedy is one more reminder of the kind of dangers motorists face when they share their highways with tractor trailers. As Texas truck accident lawyers, we know that driving around or near a tractor trailer can be a challenge, but we don't believe it has to be fraught with risk.

Every year, an estimated 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving tractor trailers, 18-wheelers and semi rigs. Most of these accidents are entirely preventable.  Typically, tractor trailer accidents can be traced to driver error, truck malfunction, driver fatigue, impaired driving, and in some cases, errors on the part of the motorist.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lays down strict guidelines for trucking companies. These rules govern hiring of employees, maintenance of trucks, and guidelines for safe operation of these massive vehicles.

Preventing Truck Accidents

This accident also reminds us of the need to be especially careful when we are on the road with 18-wheelers. As a motorist, it's important for you to know that a truck driver has blind spots which can prevent him from seeing you.  Also, know that a tractor trailer takes a much longer time to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied. Never tailgate a tractor trailer, and when you try to pass one, remember that the length of a tractor trailer can stretch up to 57 feet. Often, motorists underestimate the length of these rigs with devastating consequences.

The Texas truck accident attorneys at Schechter Shaffer McElwee & Harris represent injured victims of commercial truck, 18-wheeler and tractor trailer accidents in the Houston area, and around the state of Texas.