Konnor Taylor Injured, 15-Year-Old Killed In Angelina County Semi-Truck Accident Along State Highway 103
ANGELINA COUNTY, TEXAS (February 15, 2023) – Konnor Taylor was injured and a 15-year-old passenger was killed in a Lufkin semi-truck accident on State Highway 103.
Angelina County officials are saying that the collision took place at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday. A Kenworth truck was traveling north on Craig Road and failed to yield the right-of-way to a pickup truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victims. Konnor Taylor was operating the pickup truck and injured in the crash. A 15-year-old passenger died due to his injuries.
The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation into the crash that injured Konnor Taylor remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Angelina County Semi-Truck Accidents
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and is much more difficult to operate than a passenger vehicle. According to the FMCSA, “The average stopping distance for a loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 55 mph (in ideal conditions) is 196 feet, compared with 133 feet for a passenger vehicle.” Braking distance can be greatly affected by road surfaces as well as weather conditions. There are many steps that truck companies can take in order to prevent collisions.
- Truck companies should ensure that all of their vehicles are regularly inspected and properly maintained.
- Truck companies can install safety features on their trucks such as forward collision avoidance systems.
- Truck companies should ensure that their drivers are well trained.
A large number of truck accidents involve some amount of truck driver error. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.103, the driver of any motor vehicle intending to turn left must first yield the right-of-way to all drivers traveling from the opposite direction that are close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a truck driver fails to yield the right-of-way to a passenger vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Victims of truck accidents often suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Head injuries
Any person that is injured due to the negligence of a truck driver may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages can help cover many of the expenses that often come with a serious injury. Many accident victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after a collision. It is crucial that all evidence is properly preserved following any collision.
Investigating An Angelina County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the teenager killed in this collision. It is our hope that Konnor Taylor will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place.
Do you need more information about a Lufkin 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about a collision we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
