Last week, a tractor trailer lost its cargo on Central Freeway in Wichita Falls. According to KFDX News Channel Three, the incident happened near Maurine Street sometime around 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday. For currently unknown reasons, something fell off of the commercial semi truck. The vehicle behind the truck ran over the lost cargo and subsequently leaked transmission fluid down the roadway for about a half-mile stretch. Officials with the Wichita Falls Police Department (WFPD) treated the area as a hazardous materials spill.
WFPD Cleans Roadway Spill
Portions of the roadway were blocked off to traffic as crews cleaned up the fluid. The roadway was reportedly an oily mess as morning commuters were diverted around the scene. Thankfully, no injuries were initially reported in connection with this incident. There has been no word on what the 18-wheeler was hauling or if any citations have been made. The car that struck the tractor trailer’s lost cargo likely sustained damage during the incident.
Lost and Spilled Truck Cargo
There are rules and regulations that govern and determine the way cargo must be strapped down and secured on commercial trucking vehicles. When cargo shifts or is lost from the truck’s payload, other motorists and roadway users are put at great risk for injury-causing or potentially fatal crashes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the organization tasked with regulating the commercial trucking industry. When semi trucks are involved in traffic accidents, there are often lengthy investigations involved. Not only do big rig drivers and commercial trucking companies have to comply with the traditional rules and laws of the road, they also have additional regulations to comply with for safe and lawful operation on U.S. roadways.
After a Truck Accident in Wichita Falls
Cases involving commercial trucking vehicles are often much more complex than cases involving traditional passenger vehicles. Truck drivers and trucking companies have additional federal rules and regulations to follow, and it’s essential to find out if a violation of any of those regulations was a contributing factor in your injury accident. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a crash involving a semi truck in Wichita Falls, Lawton or in any of the surrounding Texoma communities, contact the skilled and proven team at the Altman Legal Group at (940) 761-4000 for an immediate free case consultation.