Laredo 18-Wheeler Accident Claims Family
Laredo 18-Wheeler Accident Claims Family by 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Justin A. Hill
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. A recent accident in Laredo, Texas caused by an 18-wheeler has led to the tragic loss of an entire young family.
Chron.com reports:
A south Texas family of three is dead after their car collided with a tractor-trailer rig as they were headed to San Antonio. The Texas Department of Public Safety identifies the dead as 21-year-old Manuel Arizola, his 21-year-old girlfriend Johanna Sandoval and their 11-month-old son, Romen Arizola. DPS Trooper Tony Salas tells the Laredo Morning Times that the crash happened about 9:30 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 35 northbound about 45 miles north of Laredo. He says the tractor-trailer rig filled with sand was southbound when it crossed the median into the car’s path. Salas says the father’s 13-year-old sister, Victoria Connie Arizola, was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital in critical condition. A spokeswoman at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio refused to update her condition Sunday.
Pro8News.com reports:
A tractor-trailer veered off of the southbound lane onto the northbound lane and hit an oncoming car. The driver, 21-year-old Manuel Arizola, his common law wife 21-year-old Joanna Sandoval and 11-month-old baby, Romen Arizola, all passed away in that accident. At the time of the accident department of public safety officials told us a 13 year old girl was also in the car and she was transported to University hospital in San Antonio at that time in critical condition. However the Associated Press is now reporting that she is at Brooke Army Medical Center. It is believed that she is the sister of Manuel Arizola, the driver of the vehicle. We’ll keep you updated on her condition. The driver of the 18-wheeler reportedly admitted to officers that he fell asleep at the wheel. That accident is still under investigation.
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 an experience 18-wheeler accident 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.
