Man Struck by 18-Wheeler Declared Dead at the Scene

A 77-year-old man was killed when he was struck by an 18-wheeler traveling on Interstate 20 near Longview. The truck was carrying cattle feed and could not stop in time when Amando Vega veered into its lane, according to a report by KLTV.

Vega’s vehicle was trapped between the truck’s trailer and the guard rail, before being set alight. Vega died at the scene and the truck driver was treated for injuries at a local hospital.

Truck wrecks are a serious concern in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 23,623 semi-trucks were involved in accidents in 2015. Those collisions caused at least 428 deaths.

If you were injured in a truck crash in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. A Longview personal-injury lawyer will help you claim compensation for medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit http://truck-accident.usattorneys.com/texas/ to learn more about truck accident injury lawsuits in Texas.

10 Safety Rules for Driving near Big Trucks

Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks do not handle the same as passenger vehicles. As such, all motorists should know how to adjust their driving when they approach 18-wheelers.

Here are some easy-to-remember tips that will reduce your risk of getting in a truck crash:

1. Never change lanes in front of a truck and then hit your brakes;
2. Give truck drivers the right of way;
3. Be aware of road conditions – large trucks have a long stopping distance in wet weather;
4. Turn on your turn signals early;
5. Whenever possible, avoid driving next to an 18-wheeler;
6. If you cannot see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then assume that he or she cannot see you;
7. Use your low-beam headlights when driving behind a large truck at night – your high beams could blind the driver;
8. Maintain a longer-than-usual following distance behind a big truck;
9. If you approach an intersection where a semi-truck is turning, expect it to enter the adjacent lane to take a wider turn angle; and
10. Avoid the blind spots of semi-trucks.

Where Are the Blind Pots on Semi-Trucks?

18-wheelers have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. It is easy for a small car or motorcycle to disappear in a truck’s blind spot – which can be a deadly situation.

When you approach a semi-truck, be sure to avoid these blind spots:

• Directly in front of the truck;
• Directly behind the truck; and
• On either the side of the truck, behind the cab.

If you were injured in a truck crash that a negligent driver caused, contact a Longview personal-injury lawyer from the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a truck accident attorney who helps clients throughout east Texas. He is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Gregg County Bar Association. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.