Melissa De Leon, 48, of Monte Alto, Died In Monte Alto Truck Accident By FM 2812 by Engelmen Gardens Road
WELASCO, TEXAS (February 25, 2023) – A 48-year-old woman identified as Melissa De Leon died in a Monte Alto semi-truck accident on FM 2812 by Engelmen Gardens Road.
Hidalgo County officials are saying that the collision took place around 12:06 a.m. on Friday. A 1999 Freightliner Tractor Truck with a utility trailer was backing into a private driveway off FM 2812.
The semi-truck was involved in a collision with a 2020 Nissan Rogue driven by Melissa De Leon. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, Melissa De Leon died at the scene due to her injuries. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Hidalgo County Semi-Truck Accidents
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can be very difficult to navigate. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a semi-truck accident. According to the FMCSA, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” Accidents are much more likely to occur at night when visibility is reduced. There are steps that truck drivers should always take in order to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
- Truck drivers should yield to oncoming vehicles before entering a private driveway.
- Truck drivers should always be well rested before the start of their shift.
A large number of truck accidents are due to truck drivers that fail to check their blind spots before entering private driveways. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code 545.103, the operator of a vehicle may not turn to enter a private road or driveway or move right or left upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. Truck drivers are more likely to be involved in deadly collisions when they are inexperienced or fatigued.
If the driver of a semi-truck was working at the time of a collision, liability for the crash could extend beyond the truck driver. Many truck drivers work for companies as employees. In general, companies are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” Several steps should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that died in a semi-truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. In order to win a civil claim, plaintiffs will need to demonstrate negligence. Negligence is the failure to use the care of a reasonable, prudent person in a similar set of circumstances. Sadly, though, truck companies will almost never admit fault when their drivers are involved in fatal collisions.
Investigating A Hidalgo County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Melissa De Leon. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Hidalgo County semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
