On Sunday, a Wichita Falls man was killed after his pickup truck collided with a semi truck in Stephens County, Oklahoma. According to News Oklahoma, the incident happened sometime after 10:00 a.m. on State Highway 29, near Wrights Corner. For currently unknown reasons, 36-year-old Aaron Esquibel’s pickup truck collided with a semi truck. The commercial truck was carrying an oversized load, but there’s no word on whether or not that had anything to do with the wreck.
Big Rig Wreck in Oklahoma
We do know that the roadway was wet at the time of the crash, but authorities haven’t said whether or not the weather was a factor for the crash. News Oklahoma reports that Esquibel was headed east at the time of the crash, and the big rig, driven by 62-year-old Phillip Garside, was headed west. Sadly, Esquibel succumbed to his injuries on the scene. Garside did not report any injuries after the crash.
Federal Regulations for Semi Trucks
Since this crash is still under investigation with authorities, very little information has been released. Crashes involving tractor trailers and commercial trucking vehicles often require much more in depth investigations. Semi truck drivers and trucking companies have a variety of additional federal safety regulations to follow for legal operation. These vehicles are so much larger and heavier than other automobiles on the roadway. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency tasked with regulating the commercial trucking industry.
Big Rig Crashes in Texas and Oklahoma
Since commercial trucks are so large, drivers, owners and operators have additional rules to follow to keep everybody on the roadways safe. This means that if you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a semi truck, the investigation will typically be much more complicated and lengthy than if only traditional passenger vehicles were involved. This is why it’s important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side after a wreck.
After a Tractor Trailer Crash
After any kind of wreck, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney. Cases involving big rigs can be especially complicated due to the federal regulations involved. An attorney can stay on top of investigative developments from multiple agencies and make sure your rights are being protected. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Aaron Esquibel.