Rear-End Collision Between Pickup Truck and 18-Wheeler Results in One Fatality

According to News West 9, an East Texas man died earlier this month as the result of his involvement in a rear-end collision between a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler. The crash happened on State Highway 302 in Ector County at around 8 p.m. on a Friday.

Police determined that a Ford pickup truck and an 18-wheeler were both traveling in the eastbound lanes when the pickup truck struck the back of the tractor-trailer. Authorities report that the force of the impact sent the pickup truck across the westbound lanes of traffic and into an empty field, where it finally stopped.

Troopers from the Department of Public Safety claim the two people who had been riding in the pickup truck at the time were ejected during the crash. Responders took both individuals to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.

The 21-year-old passenger later died from the injuries he sustained. The driver of the pickup truck, a 20-year-old man, survived the accident but required treatment for serious injuries.

Police claim the driver of the 18-wheeler was unharmed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

If you sustained serious injuries in a rear-end collision that was not your fault, contact the Cooper Law Firm. Our legal team has the resources of a large firm, but we provide the personalized, one-on-one attention of a small practice. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with an accident attorney in Van Zandt.

Most Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions are the most frequently occurring kind of car accident and account for nearly 30 percent of all crashes. Fortunately, most rear-end collisions are entirely preventable, which means if everyone committed to avoiding them, roads everywhere would be considerably safer.

In order to mitigate the risk of such accidents, though, you must first know what causes them. Factors that contribute to the prevalence of rear-end collisions include:

• Speeding;
• Distracted driving;
• Drowsy driving;
• Heavy congestion;
• Tailgating;
• Malfunctioning vehicles; and
• Impaired driving.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end crashes can happen at any speed. Unfortunately, because of the nature of this kind of collision, even low-impact accidents can cause debilitating injuries that have lasting consequences.

In fact, injuries sustained in low-speed collisions are especially dangerous because people are less likely to take them seriously. As a result, they may not seek urgent care, and their untreated injuries could eventually cause life-threatening complications.

Some of the most common injuries that arise in rear-end crashes include:

• Whiplash and other neck injuries;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Back injuries;
• Internal bleeding;
• Knee injuries;
• Shoulder injuries; and
• Broken bones.

If you sustained serious injuries in a rear-end collision with a drunk or distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. To discuss your case with an accident lawyer in Van Zandt and determine the best way to proceed, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation. If you want to learn more about car accident claims in Texas, visit usattorneys.com/car-accident/texas.