One Dead in Fiery Crash with Stopped 18-Wheeler
According to the local news source KSAT, tragedy struck on Interstate 35 near O’Connor Road in San Antonio on October 8, 2024 at 11:15 PM, when 66-year-old Seong Pluguez collided with the rear of a stopped 18-wheeler while driving her pickup truck. Lane closures due to construction work had blocked access to an18-wheel truck. In the meantime, the truck remained stationary, blocking Pluguez’s path.
Upon impact, Pluguez and her pickup truck became trapped beneath the massive rig. Tragically, the force of the impact caused her vehicle to burst into flames, creating an intense fire that took hours for emergency crews to extinguish. The severity of the crash and the ensuing fire left the vehicle completely engulfed, highlighting the devastating consequences of such high-impact collisions. The fire itself presented major challenges for the firefighters. As a result of the crash and ongoing emergency response efforts, sections of the highway remained closed for most of the rest of the week. The driver was cleared of criminal responsibility for the crash.
Award-Winning Truck Accident Attorneys in San Antonio, TX
The Law Office of Raul Guajardo, led by Attorney Raul Guajardo, has been a trusted name in personal injury law for over 20 years. Dedicated to seeking justice for victims of car and truck accidents in San Antonio, the firm specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. The firm’s approach combines thorough legal expertise with a compassionate understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial burdens clients face after an injury.
Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court, The Law Office of Raul Guajardo works tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome. With a reputation for success and a passion for justice, our services have been integral to protecting the rights of personal injury victims in the community.
Complications of Car Accidents Resulting in Collisions with Stopped Trucks
The collision between Seong’s vehicle and the parked big rig was not an isolated occurrence, due to the differing structures of 18-wheelers and smaller vehicles. When a passenger car collides with a stationary 18-wheeler, the smaller vehicle often sustains catastrophic damage, increasing the risk of fatal injuries for its occupants.
This type of accident is common. 18-wheelers have high undercarriages. When a large truck is stationary, cars may easily become pinned beneath the underside. Passenger vehicles have little structural protection in their upper sections, and the resulting contact between the upper section of the car and the bottom of the vehicle can smash the vehicle.
Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
The difference in size and weight between a car and an 18-wheeler leads to a massive force of impact, most of which impacts the passengers in the smaller car. This force is far greater than what most passenger vehicles are designed to withstand, causing devastating impacts. Resulting injuries might include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are a common outcome of severe crashes involving 18-wheelers due to the inevitable blunt trauma that follows these collisions. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting memory, cognition, and motor skills. Recovery from TBI often requires months of rehabilitation and, in some cases, results in lifelong impairment. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), traffic causes more TBIs than any kind of accident.
Spinal Damage and Broken Bones
Spinal injuries in these cases are also common, such as herniated discs or paralysis. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 37% of spinal cord injuries come from motor vehicle accidents. Spinal injuries have the potential to cause some of the most serious injuries because of the potential nerve damage.
Often, such injuries result in loss of mobility or even paralysis. The resulting loss of independence may lead to life-long home care. Victims deserve compensation for the resulting unemployment, medical costs, pain and suffering, and even the loss of dignity that comes from loss of independence.
Broken Bones
Broken bones, including fractures to the legs, arms, and ribs, are also common and often require surgery, immobilization of limbs for a period, and extensive physical therapy. These injuries often leave victims unable to work or perform daily tasks for extended periods, impacting their quality of life.
Internal Organ Damage
The sheer trauma from a collision with a truck this size can pack a punch that can smash internal organs. The worst of the damage often manifests years after the crash itself. This fact highlights the importance of prompt assessment so that doctors can address any damage. This prompt attention from medical professionals requires a corresponding quick recovery, especially since this assessment may require invasive procedures to detect problems deep inside the body.
Increased Risk of Fatality
A collision with an 18-wheeler significantly increases the likelihood of fatalities, particularly if the car impacts the trailer or rear axles directly. The lack of adequate crumple zones in certain areas can crush the weaker frame of the smaller car along with the car’s occupants. Fatalities are even more likely if the vehicle underrides the trailer, a scenario that can instantly prove deadly.
Burns
In the case at hand, a fire engulfed the scene of the crash along with the victim’s pickup truck. Fires cause some of the most serious types of traffic injuries. Burns from a crash lead to a wide variety of complications to every bodily system, not just the skin. Resulting disfigurement may necessitate reconstructive surgery. The threat of burns should not be underestimated in any crash. The NIH considers these injuries severely underrecognized.
Causes of Truck Accidents
The accident that killed Seong Pluguez contained many unforeseeable variables. However, the accident itself could have been prevented with more coordinated efforts by authorities, the truck company, and the parties involved. Truck accidents and collisions with cars are usually quite preventable. For effective operation, a large truck requires that both preparation on the part of the driver and that the truck itself be in good condition.
Mechanical Problems
Mechanical problems, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or improperly secured cargo, can also lead to accidents, especially given the size and weight of trucks, which require longer stopping distances and greater control. Often careful attention from the trucking company keeps the truck operating smoothly.
Unsafe Operation of the Vehicle
Improper parking, failure to use warning signals, and abrupt lane changes can create dangerous situations where collisions are more likely. These causes highlight the need for strict adherence to safety protocols, regular vehicle maintenance, and vigilant driving practices to prevent devastating accidents.
Environmental Causes
Environmental factors play a significant role in car collisions with trucks. Sometimes, poor weather, such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, can make it difficult for drivers to see stopped or moving trucks and to maintain control of their vehicles. In this case, construction projects along the road caused distractions that led the truck to block the road, especially considering the poor visibility resulting from crash occurring at 11:15 PM.
Under-ride Accidents
The name for this type of accident is “under-ride accident.” These accidents might cause the truck to slide underneath the trailer if adequate under-ride guards are not in place or fail. This type of accident often leads to decapitation or catastrophic injuries. While regulations require under-ride guards on trucks, improper maintenance or design flaws can render them ineffective during a collision.
Reasons to Hire a San Antonio Personal Injury Attorney to Handle your Truck Accident Case
With over 20 years of expertise in personal injury law, Attorney Raul Guajardo understands the complexities of truck accident cases, including navigating insurance claims, federal regulations, and determining liability. An effective truck attorney brings to the table their own set of unique tools. These cases involve problems such as:
Determining Liability
Determining liability in such accidents may involve any of a variety of confounding factors in a situation such as this one, such as whether the truck was stopped legally and visibly. Notably, this accident happened at 11:15 pm. If the truck driver in this case had failed to set out warning devices or activate hazard lights, they could share responsibility for the crash. However, if the car driver was distracted, speeding, or impaired, they may bear most of the blame, leading to complex legal disputes.
Compliance with Regulations
Both companies and drivers must follow strict federal and state regulations, including rules about where and how a truck can stop on the road. A trucker cannot park in unauthorized areas or fail to secure the load, Failure to comply with these regulations can result in automatic liability.
Complications with Multiple Parties Involved
Unlike collisions between two personal vehicles, accidents with 18-wheelers can involve multiple stakeholders. A collision involving a large truck might block the road, causing a chain reaction along with multiple accidents at the same crash site. Liability in this case may extend to other drivers.
Additionally, even without a chain reaction, liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance provider, or even manufacturers of faulty truck components. This web of responsibility often complicates lawsuits and insurance claims, requiring thorough investigation and expert testimony.
Steps to Mitigate Risks and Complications
Given the size and weight of 18-wheelers, even minor errors can lead to catastrophic accidents. Truck drivers must adopt proactive safety measures, such as adhering to federal regulations, maintaining their vehicles, and practicing defensive driving. By parking in designated areas, using hazard lights, and setting reflective warning triangles when stopped, drivers can reduce the risk of rear-end collisions or accidents caused by low visibility.
Training and education are equally crucial in mitigating risks for truck drivers. Comprehensive training programs that emphasize defensive driving, hazard awareness, and compliance with safety regulations equip drivers to handle challenging road conditions and emergencies. These programs also encourage adherence to hours-of-service regulations, reducing fatigue-related accidents, which are a significant risk factor for truck drivers.
Park in Designated Areas with Good Visibility
In this case, the accident occurred at night, meaning visibility was paramount for safety. Truck drivers should prioritize parking in designated areas where their vehicle is clearly visible to oncoming traffic. Parking in well-lit or marked zones reduces the risk of collisions caused by other drivers not noticing the stopped vehicle. Finally, using hazard lights and reflective warning triangles is essential to further enhance visibility and alert other drivers of the stopped truck.
Maintain Under-Ride Guards and Follow Safety Regulations
Current federal regulations require under-ride guards along with other safety measures, because they reduce the risk of catastrophic injuries in the event of a crash. Failure to comply with safety regulations might create a presumption of fault on the part of the driver and shipping company. Regular inspections and compliance checks help identify and address potential hazards before they become problems.
Emphasize Defensive Driving and Compliance in Training
Truck driver training programs should highlight the importance of defensive driving techniques, such as anticipating the actions of other drivers and maintaining safe stopping distances. Additionally, these programs must emphasize compliance with parking and stopping regulations. Consistent education and reinforcement of these practices contribute to safer roads for all drivers.
Steps for Car Drivers to Avoid Collisions with a Truck
Drivers of cars need to stay mindful of the danger that trucks pose on the open road due to the size and awkwardness of the larger vehicles. Trucks have large blind spots, longer stopping distances, and reduced maneuverability. Maintaining a safe following distance, avoiding sudden lane changes, and being mindful of a truck’s blind spots can greatly reduce the risk of a crash involving a car.
Additionally, car drivers should stay alert, avoid distractions, and approach stopped trucks with caution, particularly in low-visibility conditions or on highways. By adopting these safe driving practices, car drivers not only protect themselves and their passengers but also contribute to overall road safety and help prevent costly and devastating accidents. Car drivers can take the following measures to ensure the safety of themselves and others while sharing the roads.
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
Like truck drivers, drivers need to stay alert. Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting in-car systems, significantly increases the risk of missing critical cues like brake lights or sudden stops. Being attentive helps drivers anticipate potential hazards and react more effectively to unexpected situations.
Keeping a safe distance behind an 18-wheeler provides ample time to react if the truck slows down or stops suddenly. Large trucks require longer stopping distances, and tailgating can lead to rear-end collisions if the truck stops abruptly. A safe following distance also improves visibility, allowing drivers to see potential hazards on the road ahead.
In limited visibility, such as in this case, drivers should reduce their speed to navigate safely. Drivers should also take these measures when they see a truck on the road. Approaching slowly gives drivers more time to assess the situation and avoid sudden maneuvers that could cause accidents. Slowing down also minimizes and keeping a safe distance also reduces the severity of an impact if a collision occurs, reducing the risk of serious injuries.
What to Do After a Crash
Immediately following a crash, the stress and shock of the situation can impair clear judgment, making it difficult to think logically or respond appropriately. It is crucial for everyone involved to remain as calm as possible and focus on taking specific first steps to ensure safety and control the situation. Keeping these essential actions in mind—such as checking for injuries, calling emergency services, and documenting the scene—can help minimize the immediate fallout and protect the well-being of all parties involved.
Call Emergency Services Immediately
The main priority following a crash is assuring the safety of everyone. A timely response from paramedics can be critical in stabilizing victims and preventing injuries from worsening. Additionally, law enforcement can secure the scene, manage traffic, and create an official accident report, which is vital for insurance and legal purposes.
Document the Crash Site with Photos
Clear and detailed photos of the crash site can help establish liability in insurance claims and legal disputes. In providing these photographs, involved parties should consider vehicle damage, road conditions, missing warning devices, or any other hazards that may have contributed to the collision. Fresh evidence and prompt documentation provides the strongest documentation for what happened before, during, and after the crash.
Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical attention provides assurance that any problems are properly addressed. Prompt assessment informs long-term treatment. A thorough understanding of the fallout from the crash informs a comprehensive recovery, and helps everyone involved bring about a prompt, fair disposal of the case.
Types of Compensable Harms Resulting from Collisions with Trucks
Raul Gallardo can address a variety of types of damage resulting from these collisions. Following a collision with a truck, a skilled San Antonio truck attorney can formulate a comprehensive plan for compensation. With his long experience with the intricacies of personal injury law, Raul Gallardo can address the multiple pressures attendant with any legal process, allowing victims to focus on their recovery. Raul Gallardo they can provide support for long-term needs, such as covering ongoing medical treatments or adjusting to a loss of income, ensuring that victims and their families receive the justice and financial stability they deserve.
Physical Harms
The immediate physical injuries following a serious accident need prompt attention. These injuries often require urgent medical attention to prevent further complications. Ambulance bills accumulate immediately from the scene of the crash and cause an immediate shock when the injured party needs it most.
A skilled attorney not only can assess the immediate fallout from the crash, but also understands how to account for future harm in further negotiations. Many physical injuries, such as neck injuries and spinal injuries, may not become apparent until far in the future. Attorneys need to factor in considerations that might not appear until further in the future.
Financial Harms
Truck collisions frequently result in overwhelming financial burdens, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and costs associated with long-term care or rehabilitation. A main concern is lost wages, which sometimes might even appear years after the initial incident as medical problems snowball. Families of victims may also face the financial strain of funeral costs or the loss of a primary income earner.
Emotional and Psychological Harms
A truck accident can result in myriad forms of emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results can be concrete and quantifiable, such as with therapy bills, or they can be much less quantifiable and result in general loss of functioning. The aftermath will disrupt the everyday life of the victims and often leave them unable to function normally.
Frequently, victims have little experience with crises of this magnitude, and sometimes struggle to assume the added burdens resulting from the accident. Raul Guajardo can draw on long experience with a variety of such tragedies to formulate a roadmap to take on the burden of trial and insurance proceedings while the victims recover.
Award-Winning Accident Attorneys Will Handle Your Case in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley
Mr. Gallardo has been designated by with the Client’s Choice Award and has a five-star review from AVVO. Throughout his career, he has successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims, demonstrating his commitment to securing justice and compensation for his clients. The firm offers free consultations and operates on a contingency fee basis, ensuring clients face no upfront costs. With a fully bilingual staff fluent in English and Spanish, The Law Office of Raul Guajardo provides accessible and compassionate legal representation to a diverse clientele.
Bilingual Truck Accident Attorneys
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Contact Raul A. Guajardo for a Free Consultation to Start Your Truck Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in an accident or need expert legal representation, contact our legal team at the Law Office of Raul Guajardo. You can reach the firm by phone at 956-318-3200 or visit one of our office locations. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit our website at rguajardofirm.com. With a bilingual team and over 20 years of experience, our office is ready to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.