Bexar County, TX — April 27, 2024, one person was injured following a hit-and-run truck accident at approximately 8:15 p.m. along Interstate Highway 35.

According to authorities, a 29-year-old man was traveling in a Ford Fusion in the left of the two northbound lanes of the I.H. 35 access road in the vicinity of the Copeland Road intersection when the accident took place.

1 Injured in Hit-and-Run Truck Accident on I.H. 35 in San Antonio, TX

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an 18-wheeler with a trailer in tow made a wide turn from westbound Copeland onto the northbound access road at an apparently unsafe time, causing a collision between the 18-wheeler and the northbound Ford. The wreck caused the Ford to lose control and crash into a guardrail before overturning. It reportedly came to a stop resting on its roof on the west side of the road.

The 18-wheeler fled the scene, reports state, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim. The man from the Ford suffered reportedly severe injuries due to the wreck; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. 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 people hear about a hit-and-run accident involving a truck, they often think it’s just a matter of finding and punishing the driver. In my experience, though, it’s not always that simple. Understanding the full picture requires a thorough investigation into several key areas.

First, we need to understand why the 18-wheeler made a wide turn at an unsafe time. Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or under pressure to meet a deadline? Looking into the driver’s logs, reviewing traffic camera footage, and gathering witness statements can help answer these questions.

Next, the trucking company’s role needs to be scrutinized. Was the driver properly trained and following safety protocols? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are well-prepared and not cutting corners to meet tight schedules. If the company didn’t provide adequate training or pushed the driver to take risks, it could share responsibility for the crash.

Additionally, the condition of the truck itself must be examined. Was it properly maintained? Mechanical issues, like brake failures or steering problems, can significantly contribute to accidents. Reviewing maintenance records and inspecting the vehicle can reveal if such factors played a role.

Finally, there’s the hit-and-run aspect. Advanced technology, like traffic cameras and vehicle tracking systems, can help locate the fleeing vehicle. Finding the truck isn’t just about holding the driver accountable; it’s also about understanding why they fled. Was the driver aware of the collision? Did they panic or make a poor judgment call?

A comprehensive investigation that goes beyond the crash scene is necessary to uncover all the factors at play. This means looking into the driver’s background, the trucking company’s practices, and possibly consulting with accident reconstruction experts. Only with this thorough approach can we ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

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