Houston Commercial Truck Accident Takes Life
A recent commercial trucking accident seems to illustrate just how much the oil boom has changed the landscape of South Texas. The commercial trucking accident reportedly occurred when a tanker truck driver failed to yield to a second truck driver. The two tanker trucks apparently collided, and the second truck driver tragically lost his life in the collision. The other driver apparently suffered injuries from which he was expected to recover.
Reportedly, the Eagle Ford Shale energy boom has brought new jobs and prosperity to the region, but it has evidently led to not-so-positive changes as well. Apparently this part of Texas has also seen a noticeable increase in commercial trucking accidents. The number of such accidents has purportedly jumped tenfold in the past few years, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Those accident statistics may only increase if companies keep flocking to take advantage of the energy boom. State authorities are reportedly doing what they can to increase public safety. Unfortunately, however, for some the damage is already done.
The family of the trucker killed in this commercial trucking accident, for instance, is now left to carry on without their loved one. He may have been the provider for dependent family members, and likely there have been funeral and other expenses associated with his untimely death.
A Texas Car Accident Lawyer can Help Win Financial Compensation
While workers’ compensation death benefits from the victim’s employer may be of some help, it may also be appropriate for surviving family members to research the possibility of pursuing a wrongful death claim against any third party whose negligence is deemed to have caused or contributed to the fatal commercial trucking accident.
If the evidence discloses that the trucker lost his life due to the negligence of the other trucker, Texas courts will consider claims for monetary relief to cover damages sustained, including any pain and suffering engendered by the tragedy.
Source: The Houston Chronicle, “Traffic, tragedy come with Texas shale boom,” Jennifer Hiller, Aug. 16, 2012
