On August 26, 2015 in Houston, TX all of the main lanes on the freeway near Rankin were closed after a major crash involving an 18-wheeler truck. The truck involved drove through the concrete barrier into the HOV lane and spilled approximately 200 gallons of gasoline. Four additional vehicles crashed as a result. The 18-wheeler truck swerved through all of the lanes before crashing, and coming to a stop.
The accident occurred Wednesday Morning around 7:30am, and completely stopped traffic for four hours. Four other vehicles crashed as a result, and one was turned on its side. The accident was particularly large, as most vehicle accidents only involve two vehicles. According to TIFA crash reports, only 1.1% of all vehicle accidents involve five vehicles in transit. Witnesses expressed their dismay at the scene. Although the cause of the accident is still unknown, it may be due to the truck driver’s negligence.
Houston law enforcement do not yet know what caused the accident, and it is still under investigation. However, they believe that the 18-wheeler was in a lane on the right side of the freeway when it suddenly switched lanes. The truck rapidly moved across multiple lanes, striking the other four vehicles in the process. It stopped after barreling through the HOV lane barrier.
The Texas Department of Transportation indicate that the HOV lane sustained significant damage, but was repaired and fully functional later that evening.
According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2013, Texas held the national record for the most fatalities caused by traffic accidents. That year, 3,382 lives were lost in traffic accidents.
Attorneys do not always rely on police reports to obtain information. Personal injury lawyers often hire private investigators to gather more facts about each case and the true cause of an accident. Are you looking for answers to your questions?
— Article by Richard D. Weaver, a Texas personal injury attorney.
