Ramiro Hernandez Killed in Truck Accident on FM 1660 in Taylor, TX
UPDATE (June 29, 2022): Reports identified the truck driver killed in this accident as 48-year-old Ramiro Hernandez. The same reports indicate the other truck driver had a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .18, over twice the legal limit, at the time of the wreck. That driver was charged with Intoxication Manslaughter.
Taylor, TX -- May 18, 2022, a truck driver was killed in a collision with another 18-wheeler on Farm to Market Road 1660 in Williamson County.
Authorities say the incident happened shortly before 2:00 a.m. on FM 1660 at FM 973. Preliminary investigation suggests an International 18-wheeler with a flatbed trailer was hauling steel pipes east on FM 1660 as a second International big rig was northbound on FM 973.
The driver hauling pipes allegedly disregarded a stop sign at the intersection; while passing through the crossing the eastbound truck was broadsided by the northbound one. After the impact the northbound truck jackknifed and slid onto FM 1660. The eastbound truck ran off the road and crashed into a nearby cattle fence.
One truck driver was reported dead at the scene. The other's condition is unknown.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Ramiro Hernandez Accident in Taylor
UPDATE (June 29, 2022): It looks from later reports like the driver who failed to yield was drunk. Some may assume that means his employer will more or less automatically accept responsibility and make things right with the victim's family, but things are rarely that simple.
Criminal law and civil law run parallel to one another but don't really intersect. What I mean is that criminal charges don't necessarily translate into civil liability, so as I explained before it's still very important to investigate carefully and gather as much clear evidence as possible of who's responsible for the damage done. Even if it seems quite clear on paper, the best way to make sure it stays that way is to build an indisputable case on facts. Without those facts, even if the truck driver faces criminal charges his employer might still find a way to avoid admitting responsibility.
The victim's family deserves answers, and it sounds a great deal like the company behind the driver who failed to yield should be held accountable for its employee's recklessness.
ORIGINAL: Over the years I've learned that crashes between commercial trucks often turn into a long and high-stakes game of "hot potato" between the trucking companies. They typically won't accept fault without a fight, so while they bicker back and forth about who's to blame victims and families may be stuck in limbo waiting for help.
Some may wonder if there's much chance of that since one driver reportedly failed to yield to the other. However, the company behind that driver could also argue the other was speeding or not watching the road and it would then be necessary to prove those arguments wrong. Trucking defense attorneys aren't shy about pointing fingers where they must to keep their clients off the hot seat, and finding evidence of what really happened can be a tall order for the people just trying to get back on their feet.
I'm not taking sides or saying I know exactly what happened in Taylor. I'm only trying to explain that virtually no crash--but especially one involving commercial trucks--is really that simple. Folks may think I'm just being cynical, but these concerns come from plenty of experience helping truck drivers and families whose lives were affected by crashes like this. When it's time to hold someone accountable any notion of teamster brotherhood goes out the window, at least on the corporate and legal levels.
Furthermore, many victims believe their only recourse is through workers' compensation after these accidents so they don't take any action to gather evidence. They may get some help from that program, but on principle the parties responsible for their damages should be held properly accountable. Doing so generally needs abundant clear proof, so taking swift action after an accident is an important step.
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