La Salle County, TX — August 14, 2024, one person was injured following a truck accident shortly before 4:45 p.m. along State Highway 44.

According to authorities, a 52-year-old man was traveling in an eastbound Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on S.H. 44 in the vicinity east of Interstate Highway 35 when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound Freightliner 18-wheeler hauling a trailer on S.H. 44 attempted a left turn into a parking lot at an apparently unsafe time. This resulted in a collision between the front-left of the Freightliner and the front-left of the pickup. The man—who had been the sole occupant of the pickup truck—suffered reportedly serious injuries as a result of the wreck; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When accidents like this happen, it’s easy for people to assume they stem from a simple misjudgment or timing issue. However, based on my experience, crashes involving large trucks often require a closer look to understand the full scope of contributing factors. This incident on State Highway 44 is no exception.

One of the primary questions investigators will need to address is why the Freightliner attempted a left turn at a time that placed it in the path of the oncoming pickup. Left turns are among the riskiest maneuvers for large trucks, as they require careful judgment about both timing and visibility. Investigators should consider whether the truck driver was following proper procedures and if factors like visibility or distraction may have played a role in the timing of the turn.

If the Freightliner was operating under a commercial company, it’s crucial to assess whether the company adhered to safety standards, including regular driver training and route planning. It’s essential that trucking companies take proactive steps to ensure their drivers are fully prepared to handle situations requiring clear judgment, such as executing safe left turns in traffic; failure in these areas could suggest shared responsibility for the wreck.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to gather vital evidence, it is crucial to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the accident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.