Man Injured in Truck Accident on U.S. 281 in Live Oak County, TX
Live Oak County, TX — November 5, 2024, a man from Hialeah, Florida, was injured in a single-vehicle truck accident at around 2:45 a.m. along U.S. Highway 281.
According to authorities, a 46-year-old man was traveling in a southbound Freightliner with a trailer in tow on U.S. 281 in Three Rivers when the accident took place.

Road conditions in the area were reported to have been icy or slick. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the truck failed to appropriately control its speed. It was subsequently involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it jackknifed. The man suffered reportedly serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary
When a semi-truck jackknifes in icy conditions, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, crashes like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.
Was the truck traveling at a safe speed for conditions? Ice and slick roads require slower speeds and increased stopping distances, especially for large commercial vehicles. If the driver was going too fast for the conditions, even if they were within the posted speed limit, that could have contributed to the loss of control. Investigators should review speed data, braking patterns, and road conditions at the time of the crash.
Did the driver have proper training and experience with icy roads? Not all truck drivers receive adequate training for operating in winter conditions. If the driver lacked experience or was not properly trained in handling a jackknife scenario, that could have increased the likelihood of the crash. Investigators should examine the driver's training records and employment history to determine whether lack of experience played a role.
Did mechanical failure contribute to the wreck? Jackknifing can sometimes result from equipment failure, such as faulty brakes or improper trailer weight distribution. Investigators should conduct a post-crash inspection and review maintenance logs to determine whether the truck was in proper working order at the time of the accident.
Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and that their vehicles are in safe operating condition. If a company failed to provide adequate training for winter driving, ignored maintenance issues, or pressured drivers to maintain schedules despite hazardous road conditions, those failures could be relevant in understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should review company policies, safety records, and past violations to determine whether broader issues played a role.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.
“These are essential reads for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a truck wreck”– Attorney Cory Carlson