18-Wheeler Rear-Ends Car, One Injured on I-10 in Waller County, TX
Waller County, TX — October 29, 2022, a 32-year-old woman was seriously injured when an 18-wheeler hit a car on Interstate 10 in Waller County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 8:40 p.m. on I-10 near mile marker 730. Preliminary investigation suggests a Freightliner semi-truck was towing a trailer east on the highway in the inside lane when it approached a Honda Accord that was slowing for traffic ahead. Investigators say the truck driver failed to control the rig's speed as he approached; he tried to steer into the outside lane to avoid the Honda but struck its rear passenger side.
The Honda's passenger suffered serious injuries in the collision. Its 31-year-old driver reportedly received minor injuries. The truck driver was unhurt.
No further information is currently available.
It's obviously concerning any time a report says a truck rear-ended someone, though I often mention the importance of letting only clear facts and evidence tell the story. In this case, the facts to find would probably be the ones explaining exactly why the big rig hit the car. A wreck caused by driver inattention, say, would be different from one where his truck's brakes failed, but the aftermath of those might look different. Also, learning the specific reason for the crash means there's far less "wiggle room" for other explanations or excuses.
That last may sound cynical, but the unfortunate truth is that trucking companies are unlikely to shoulder the responsibility for their drivers' mistakes unless there's no alternative. If they can find a way to blame something else, they won't be shy about it. That's where careful and thorough investigation comes in--and why it's so important. Many people who figured their situation was too straightforward to dispute have been rudely surprised when a company dug in its heels and refused to cooperate. Ensuring that doesn't happen means being armed with indisputable evidence. If police already moved on, who'll make sure the victims have that?
