David Vela, of Edinburg, Texas, Died In Midland County Semi-Truck Accident Along SH-158
MIDLAND COUNTY, TEXAS (January 3, 2022) – A man identified as David Vela was killed in a Midland County semi-truck accident in the southbound lanes of SH-158.
Midland County officials are saying that the collision took place around 6:31 p.m. on Thursday. David Vela was driving a 2020 Ford F-350 on SH-158.
The driver of a semi-truck made a left turn directly in front of the Ford F-350. David Vela was unable to avoid the collision and hit the semi-truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision. Sadly, the pickup truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Midland County Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and have very large blind spots. These blind spots are large enough to make an SUV disappear. They are especially pronounced on the sides of commercial trucks. There are a number of steps that can be taken to help mitigate the dangers posed by semi-truck blind spots.
- Truck companies can install safety features on their trucks such as blind spot monitoring systems.
- Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Truck drivers should always use their signals to alert other drivers of their intentions.
Semi-truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. A serious traffic infraction can jeopardize a truck driver’s ability to maintain their commercial license. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code § 545.152, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left in the roadway must first yield the right of way to all traffic traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that made an unprotected left turn in front of another vehicle before a collision.
If a truck driver was working at the time of any collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck may have been transporting goods at the time of a collision. However, truck companies will often try to avoid liability for collisions by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” There are many steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
When a semi-truck driver is negligent and causes a collision, they can be held at fault through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that often come with the sudden loss of a loved one. It is extremely important that all evidence is properly preserved after any collision. Evidence is what will ultimately be needed to demonstrate liability after any collision.
Investigating A Midland County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of David Vela. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.
Do you need more information about a Midland County semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
