A Conroe man was killed in a traffic accident on the Southeast Side early Monday morning, authorities said. Matthew Whatley, 21, had stopped on Interstate 37 near Southton Road around 3:40 a.m., when he flagged down a passing motorist for help. A San Antonio Police Department incident report states Urbano Ventura, 39, was driving a blue Ford pickup south on Interstate 37 when he saw Whatley and stopped. Then, as Whatley stood near Ventura’s window, a tractor-trailer crashed into the back of Ventura’s truck and struck Whatley. Ventura was not injured, the report states, and Whatley was pronounced dead at the scene. The report cites driver inattention and speed as reasons why the driver of the tractor-trailer, 41-year-old Jose Portugal, crashed into Ventura’s pickup. He was not charged in connection with the incident, the report states. Southbound traffic was diverted off the interstate for several hours while crews cleared the crash.
Conroe, Texas Man Killed by 18-Wheeler
Conroe, Texas Man, Matthew Whatley, Killed by 18-Wheeler By San Antonio and Austin 18-Wheeler and Traffic Accident Attorney Justin A. Hill
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a preliminary release of data regarding 18-wheeler/tractor-trailer accidents and information for 2008 on their website. This information is shocking. The early report emphasizes the dangers of these vehicles and how 2008 was no different in terms of their impact on the roadways. Some of the more important points are below:
- 4,229 Fatality Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers;
- 90,000 Injury Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers;
- 318 Pedestrian Fatality Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers; and
- 69 Bicyclist Fatality Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers
The reasons that combination vehicles continue to be a danger are many. From long hours and fatigued drivers to bad training and poorly maintained vehicles, tractor trailers and 18-wheelers continue to be a serious danger to all drivers. A recent 18-wheeler accident in San Antonio, Texas led to the untimely death of a young man from Conroe, Texas. MySA.com reports:
If someone you know was injured or killed as the result of an 18-wheeler accident, big rig accident or tractor-trailer accident, encourage them to immediately contact a competent attorney for advice. It is extremely important to do this quickly to ensure that evidence is preserved, statements are taken, and the rights of all claimants are protected.
