Anna, Texas Man Killed by Tractor-Trailer
Every year, Texas experiences a large number of dangerous, and potentially deadly, accidents involving large combination tractor-trailers. Nationally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, truck-related highway fatalities totaled 4,229 in 2008. There are many reasons that tractor-trailers continue to be such a danger. A tractor-trailer accident, reported today in the Star Local News has claimed the life of Juan Carlos Ortega. According to the Star Local News:
The accident occurred Monday morning on State Highway 121 near the County Road 1220 intersection and involved a tractor-trailer and a Ford Explorer driven by 36-year-old Juan Carlos Ortega who died at the scene, according to a statement released by the Anna Police Department. Anna police Patrol Sgt. Jeff Caponera said Ortega was driving north on SH 121 when the semi cross the center lane and directly into the path of oncoming traffic for reasons that have yet to be determined. The driver of the semi, whose identity was not released, was unable to avoid a collision and struck the Explorer “head-on,” according to the statement. The collision instantly killed Ortega, Caponera said. Police responded to the accident and closed the highway in both directions between the intersections of Farm-to-Market Road 455 and FM 2133 for several hours to investigate the accident and remove the remaining wreckage from the highway. As of Thursday, no criminal charges or traffic citations have been filed against the driver of the semi. Caponera said investigators are awaiting the results of some toxicology tests.
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.
