Oil Field Equipment Falls From Truck, Kills Texas Woman

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Truck Accidents on Thursday, March 27, 2014.

Texas is known for many things, including its numerous oil fields. Residents of the state residents are likely very familiar with trucks and other equipment from oil fields. The state’s roadways are frequently full of these types of motor vehicles, many of which are transporting equipment. A 66-year-old woman recently lost her life after a piece of oil field equipment came dislodged from an 18-wheeler and smashed into her car.

The accident occurred on March 20 in Madison County, Texas, on Highway 21. The woman was headed westbound, between Madisonville and Bryan. The semi-truck was traveling eastbound.

According to a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety, a strap holding the equipment on the trailer broke. The equipment came off and bounced. It crashed into the woman’s SUV, causing her death.

Highway 21 was closed for several hours while authorities investigated the truck accident. It’s not clear if the driver of the 18-wheeler will face criminal charges in the accident. It was also not reported whether the truck driver was speeding or impaired.

A semi-truck driver is required to ensure that the load the trailer is carrying is secure. Objects that fall from such vehicles pose a significant threat to other motorists on the roads, as evidenced by this woman’s death.

Victims who have been injured due to a truck driver’s negligent or reckless actions have a right to seek compensation for a variety of civil claims. Not only could the driver be held liable, but his or her employer could be as well. An experienced Texas personal injury attorney can provide more information on such claims for compensation.