Tamara Thompson, 2 Injured in 18-wheeler Accident on I-35 in New Braunfels, TX
New Braunfels, TX -- May 14, 2022, Tamara Thompson and two others were injured after an accident where an 18-wheeler hit two vehicles.
Authorities reported that the crash took place at around 1:00 p.m. along I-35 near Kowald Lane.
Officials said that 58-yeear-old Tamara Thompson was in a Ford Edge traveling northbound on the interstate. Traffic slowed, but an 18-wheeler reportedly failed to control speed and crashed into a GMC Sierra, pushing it into Thompson's vehicle.
Thompson and a passenger had possible injuries while the driver of the GMC, a 19-year-old Cotulla man, had non-incapacitating injuries.
The exact cause of the crash remains unclear at this time.
Commentary on Tamara Thompson Truck Accident on I-35 in New Braunfels
A truck rear-ending traffic is almost always the result of distraction, speeding, or following too closely. However, the likelihood of a simple explanation is not reason enough to take the situation lightly. Not only could there be highly unusual circumstances the truck driver couldn't avoid (a mechanical defect, for example), but mistakes leading to the crash can actually more than just a single negligent driver.
I have a perfect example from a case I looked into a while back. In that situation, a truck driver crashed after driving for over 20 hours straight. That was obviously reckless, but we wanted to know why the driver did something so irresponsible. The answer ended up being that his employer all but forced him to do it.
That company would routinely set ludicrous deadlines for their employees, and they expected drivers to cut every possible corner to meet those expectations. If they didn't they risked losing their jobs. So drivers had a choice to make: be responsible, or put food on your family's table. How long would it be until someone made a mistake simply trying to provide for their loved ones?
A situation like that is not just a simple slap on the wrist like it might be if some driver on their own just happened to be irresponsible. That's a whole company encouraging dangerous behavior, and they would likely continue putting lives at risk until someone made them clean up their act.
That's why ensuring there are thorough investigations is important after an commercial truck wreck. Getting people the help they need is always a priority, but just about every one of the hundreds of people I've helped also wanted to make sure those responsible for their hardships were being held fully accountable. Are those steps being taken here?
[jump]
