Houston Personal Injury Attorneys – Smith & Hassler

Additional information has come to light in reference to the multi-vehicle accident and vehicle fire on US Highway 59 near Grand Parkway in Sugar Land that happened yesterday at approximately 5:30pm. One woman was killed in the collision and an 18-wheeler tanker truck was one of the vehicles involved. Recent media reports indicate that a total of seven vehicles (including the big rig) were caught up in the initial accident, and then a second accident occurred as drivers attempted to avoid colliding with the first wreck. The tragedy unfolded during Houston’s notoriously busy rush hour when commuter traffic is at its peak.

According to Sugar Land police, the driver of the 18-wheeler was unable to control the speed of his tanker truck and smashed into the rear of a Lincoln driven by 66-year old Doris Walters of Pasadena, Texas. Ms. Walters’ Lincoln then caught fire and the fire spread to the big rig and also a pickup truck. Ms. Walters was killed in the accident and another motorist sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital. So far no citations have been issued for the accident and the police investigation is ongoing.

Channel 13 Eyewitness News’ report can be read here.
Channel 2 News’ story is here and includes video.
The Houston Chronicle’s story is here.
KHOU’s story is available here, and includes video and pictures.

Local media outlets are reporting a dramatic crash on Highway 59 in Houston near the Grand Parkway involving a big rig tanker truck and a vehicle fire that has left one motorist dead. The accident happened during rush hour at around 5:30pm in the southbound lanes of Highway 59. Apparently a total of five vehicles were involved and the motorist who was killed was in a pickup truck. A photograph on Channel 2’s web page appears to show a Toyota pickup truck partially engulfed in flames next to the tanker truck. Channel 13’s story is here. Click2Houston.com’s story is here. No report indicated the cause of the wreck, and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department and Sugar Land Police Department is currently investigating. You can be sure that the insurance company who insures the tanker truck is already investigating the accident also. KHOU’s coverage of the accident is here. What was probably a regular commute home has turned to tragedy for the family of the motorist who died. Fox News Houston’s coverage is available here. The Houston Chronicle’s coverage is here and states that the person who died was in a sedan (not a pickup truck) and that the fire was caused when diesel fuel leaked from the fuel tank of the big rig.

One motorist perished in this fiery crash on Highway 59 near Grand Parkway on July 19, 2011

Smith & Hassler’s personal injury attorneys have represented hundreds of Texans injured in 18-wheeler accidents and have significant experience with the special issues in accidents involving commercial vehicles, including investigating trucking companies to ensure their truck and drivers are in compliance with state and federal regulations. If you or a family member have been seriously injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, call 713 739 1250 or 1-800-WIN-WIN1 for a free consultation, or contact us online via our web site.