A semi truck collision in Houston, Texas, left one boy dead after a car caught on fire. The Houston County Sherriff’s Office reported that a semi truck was traveling eastbound on the freeway when the driver allegedly glanced at something inside the truck. Although Texas authorities were not certain whether the driver was adjusting the radio or using a cell phone, he reportedly returned his attention to the road and observed traffic slowing down in front of him.
According to officials, the driver did not have adequate time to brake and caused a semi truck collision after he skidded an estimated 100 feet and crashed into a silver vehicle. Two additional cars were involved, one of which sustained significant rear-end damage. The HCSO reported that a mother, a boy between the age of eight and 10 and a daughter were in this vehicle. While the mother and daughter were transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention, emergency responders pronounced the boy dead at the scene of the semi truck collision.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has banned the use of mobile devices and texting by semi truck drivers while they are behind the wheel; the only exception to the law is the use of dispatching units. However, some trucking companies and drivers may either not aware of the FMCSA’s regulations or choose to violate the law, despite the agency’s release of updated distracted driver penalties.
Additionally, the FMCSA reported that semi truck drivers are 23 times more likely to cause an accident if they are texting while operating their vehicles, as it is significantly more difficult to control a semi truck due to the size and weight of the truck. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of collisions in the U.S. and includes not only texting and mobile web usage but any action that causes a driver’s attention to be diverted from the road such as eating, drinking, changing a radio station, having heated discussions with passengers, reading and grooming.
Injured in a Semi Truck Collision in Texas?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a semi truck collision in Texas and wish to learn more about your legal rights, contact the American Injury Attorney Group today. We can review your case, free of charge, and connect you with an affiliated attorney who can work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
