Truck Accident in Guadalupe County Kills Canyon Lake Man

A tractor trailer accident in Guadalupe County has killed a pickup truck driver. According to the Seguin Gazette, the tractor trailer was heading east on Interstate 10 when the truck hydroplaned. The driver lost control of the rig, causing the truck to veer into oncoming traffic and hit a Ford F550. The driver of the Ford, a Canyon Lake man, was killed in the accident. The truck driver also suffered serious injuries.

Hydroplaning can occur when tires lose traction and glide across a water surface. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads that had been made wet by heavy rains. Hydroplaning accidents are typically seen when vehicles are traveling at high speeds, or when tires have been poorly maintained or are in poor condition. Tires that are well maintained and are in good condition, can continue to maintain contact with the road. However, when the tires are under inflated and worn out, there is a higher chance of hydroplaning.

An out of control big rig is bad news for any motorists in the vicinity. Occupants of the smaller vehicles have a very slim chance of survival or escaping without serious injuries when 80,000 pounds of force come crashing through the car.

That's why these vehicles, their operating companies and drivers are held to higher standards set down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The agency lays down strict standards for driver hiring, training and supervision practices, maintenance of trucks and truck parts, licensing of companies, and testing drivers for alcohol and substance abuse.

As Texas truck accident attorneys, we were very encouraged to note the NTSB recommendation to the FMCSA for tire pressure monitoring devices on all commercial trucks.  However, the FMCSA has a poor record of implementing recommendations.  More initiative by the FMCSA could prevent a large number of the tractor trailer accidents that occur on our highways.

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