Live Oak County, TX — August 5, 2024, Richard Deleon was injured following a truck accident at approximately 4:15 p.m. along Interstate Highway 37.

According to authorities, 66-year-old Richard Deleon was traveling in a Ford F-150 pickup truck in the inside of two southbound lanes of I.H. 37 in the vicinity south of C.R. 437 when the accident took place.

Richard Deleon Injured in Truck Accident on I.H. 37 in Live Oak County, TX

A Peterbilt 18-wheeler hauling a trailer was reportedly traveling in the outside lane at the same time. Another vehicle allegedly entered the roadway in front of the truck, prompting the truck to make a faulty evasive action in changing to the inside lane. This led to a collision between the left side of the truck and the right side of the pickup truck, forcing the pickup into the median area where its left side also collided with a guardrail.

Deleon suffered reportedly serious injuries as a result of the wreck; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported. 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 accidents like this happen, it’s easy for people to assume they’re the result of bad timing or a momentary error. However, based on my experience, incidents involving large trucks often involve multiple layers of complexity that need thorough investigation.

In this case, the 18-wheeler’s evasive maneuver could have been an attempt to prevent a worse accident with the vehicle that entered its path. That said, these situations highlight the inherent risks of operating large trucks. Trucks don’t handle like smaller vehicles, and their size and weight make sudden movements difficult to control. A miscalculated lane change or evasive action can lead to severe consequences, not just for the truck driver but for everyone around them.

Another factor that needs careful scrutiny is whether the trucker’s actions were in line with safety protocols. Trucking companies are required to ensure their drivers are well-trained in handling situations where split-second decisions must be made. The company may also bear responsibility if the driver was fatigued, improperly trained, or if the truck wasn’t maintained properly. Any of these factors could increase the likelihood of an accident occurring.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain vital evidence, it is crucial to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the crash receive the clarity and closure they deserve.

Explore cases we take