When 18-Wheelers Overturn

Accidents involving 18-wheelers and other large vehicles can be disastrous. There are so many elements involved, making injuries and fatalities common.

A recent crash in Texas caused an 18-wheeler to overturn. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries or fatalities.

Emergency crews responded to the crash, which occurred on Interstate 20 near mile marker 560 in Smith County. An 18-wheeler carrying lumber overturned and collided with a passenger car. Crews found the tractor-trailer on its side with lumber spilled across the roadway, and a car pinned beneath it.

Rescuers were able to free the occupant of the car at the scene, and that person did not need to be taken to a hospital. The 18-wheeler driver was trapped and required a technical extrication, which took about two hours. He was then transported for treatment, though the extent of his injuries is unknown.

This event shows the effects of an overturned 18-wheeler. While nobody was killed in the crash, the roadway was affected by spilled debris. Plus, all occupants of the vehicles were trapped, which can lead to heightened stress for all involved.

Dangers of Overturned 18-Wheelers

Overturned 18-wheelers pose extreme dangers because of their size, weight, and the hazards created when they block roadways or spill cargo. These crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries and multi-vehicle collisions.

Key dangers include:

• Crushing and underride risks. Passenger vehicles can become trapped or crushed beneath the trailer, often causing fatal injuries.
• Massive roadway obstruction. An overturned truck can block multiple lanes, triggering chain-reaction crashes at highway speeds.
• Cargo spills. Lumber, steel, fuel, or hazardous materials can strike other vehicles, ignite fires, or create toxic exposure.
• Fuel leaks and explosions. Diesel spills increase fire risk and make road surfaces dangerously slick.
• Delayed emergency response. Complex extrications slow rescue efforts, increasing injury severity.
• Visibility hazards. Trailers lying sideways are difficult to see, especially at night or in poor weather.

Overturned 18-wheeler crashes are legally complex because they rarely stem from a single mistake. Driver error may involve excessive speed for conditions, fatigue, distracted driving, or overcorrecting during lane changes or curves. Improper loading is another major factor. Unbalanced, unsecured, or overweight cargo can shift in transit, raising the truck’s center of gravity and making rollovers far more likely. In many cases, the party responsible for loading the trailer is different from the driver, expanding potential liability.

Equipment failures also play a significant role. Worn brakes, tire blowouts, suspension defects, or steering malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control, particularly at highway speeds. These failures may point to negligent maintenance practices by the trucking company or a third-party maintenance provider.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Large trucks can cause serious accidents, especially when they overturn. All vehicles in the vicinity may be affected.

These crashes can be complex. Seek legal help from a Houston semi-truck accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. With our experience and knowledge, we can ensure you are following the proper procedures. Call (281) 347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation with our office.

Source:

kltv.com/2025/12/17/car-pinned-under-18-wheeler-i-20-smith-county/