Recent Blog Posts
What Is an "Underride" Truck Accident?
Sometimes the term "underride accident" gets thrown around in the context of semi trucks or other very big vehicles. These crashes are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents, and understanding them could one day save your life. If you have questions about the legal effects of different types of truck accidents, a Gonzales truck accident attorney can help.
What Happens in an Underride Accident?
An underride accident is when a smaller vehicle slides under a large truck during a collision. Because semi trucks sit so high off the ground, a car can actually go beneath the truck's trailer or body during a crash. When this happens, the top of the car is often sheared off or crushed. The results are nearly always catastrophic.
Icy Conditions Cause Deadly 12-Car Pile-Up on I-10
On January 24, a tragic multi-vehicle crash on I-10 in Kimble County claimed the life of a man from Florida and left others injured. According to local news, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that 12 vehicles were involved in the collision around 6:30 p.m. near mile marker 470. The accident happened during a major winter storm that brought snow, sleet, and ice to Texas roads.
The man who died was driving a Toyota pickup when another vehicle struck his truck, causing it to veer into the south ditch. Other cars became involved in the wreck. In the commotion, a trailer detached from one of the semi-trucks and landed on the man’s vehicle.
How to Drive Defensively Around Semi Trucks on Texas Highways
When you share the road with huge semi trucks, your safety depends on how well you understand their limits. Semi trucks, also called 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. That is about 20 times heavier than the average passenger car.
Because of their size and weight, these vehicles need much more time and space to stop and turn. When drivers in smaller cars do not drive defensively around trucks, serious and sometimes deadly accidents can happen.
If you are injured in a truck accident in 2026, a Karnes City truck accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and what compensation you may be entitled to.
What Does It Mean to "Drive Defensively" Around Semi Trucks?
"Defensive driving" means staying aware of possible dangers and taking steps to avoid them before they happen.
Fatigued Driving is a Common Safety Issue in Texas
Every driver knows the feeling of fighting to keep their eyes open behind the wheel. Maybe you stayed up too late, worked a long shift, or started your road trip too early in the morning. Whatever the reason, driving while tired is very common, and far more dangerous than many people realize.
Fatigued driving causes thousands of crashes every year in Texas and across the United States. In 2026, drowsy driving remains a serious safety problem that affects everyone on the road. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a tired driver, our New Braunfels car wreck lawyers can help you understand your legal options.
How Common Is Drowsy Driving in Texas?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving was responsible for an estimated 91,000 police-reported crashes in the U.S. a few years ago. These crashes led to approximately 50,000 injuries and nearly 800 deaths. Other experts believe the numbers are much higher. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that drowsy driving may actually cause up to 328,000 crashes each year, including 109,000 that result in injuries and 6,400 that are fatal.
How Speed Limits Affect Truck Safety on IH 10 in Texas
Speed limits play a major role in truck safety on IH 10 in Texas. This interstate carries heavy commercial traffic through cities like El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston, as well as growing areas near San Marcos. When large trucks travel too fast for traffic or road conditions, crashes are more likely to cause serious injuries.
As of 2025, Texas law still requires commercial drivers to operate their vehicles at safe speeds based on road and traffic conditions, not just posted signs. If a speeding driver left you with severe injuries and losses, contact a San Marcos, TX truck accident lawyer at The Bettersworth Law Firm today.
Why Speed Limits Matter More for Trucks Than Cars
Trucks are much heavier than passenger vehicles and take longer to slow down. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That extra weight makes it harder to stop quickly or avoid hazards.
Rollover Crashes on Texas Roads
When you picture a serious car accident, you might imagine a head-on collision or a T-bone crash at an intersection. However, rollover accidents represent one of the deadliest types of crashes on Texas roads. These accidents happen when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often rotating multiple times before stopping. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rollover crashes account for only about two percent of all vehicle accidents, yet they cause nearly 35 percent of all traffic fatalities. That stark difference shows just how dangerous these crashes can be for drivers and passengers.
Texas continues to see hundreds of rollover accidents each year on highways like Interstate 35, which runs through New Braunfels and Seguin. If you are hurt in a rollover accident in 2026, you deserve help from an experienced, aggressive Texas personal injury lawyer. The Bettersworth Law Firm is here to help.
Rear-End Car Accidents Cause Serious Injuries and Death on Texas Roads
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in Texas and across the country. Many people think these crashes only cause minor injuries like whiplash, but rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. Children sitting in the back seat face particular danger because they are closest to the point of impact.
If you or your loved ones have been hurt in a rear-end accident with a car or a truck, call our Gonzales County, TX personal injury lawyer for help right away.
Why Are Children at Greater Risk in Rear-End Crashes?
Children sitting in the back seat are in the most dangerous position during a rear-end collision. The force of impact hits the rear of the vehicle first and hardest, so back seat passengers absorb more of the crash energy than those in front.
I-35 Highway Named Second Deadliest Road in Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety has named I-35 as the second most dangerous roadway in Texas for fatal car and truck accidents. A combination of distracted driving, tailgating, heavy traffic, and out-of-state drivers combined to cause almost 650 deaths between 2018 and 2022 alone.
In particular, the section of I-35 that merges with I-14 (about an hour and a half north of New Braunfels) has been named especially dangerous for its bottlenecks in rush hour traffic. Only I-10 has had more fatalities than I-35, and only by about 25 more people. This issue is so serious TxDOT has initiated a safety campaign specifically targeting drivers on I-35.
Can I Still Sue if I Am Partially at Fault for a Car Accident in Texas?
Sharing fault for a car crash in Texas does not automatically stop you from seeking compensation. Texas law acknowledges that accidents are often complex and that more than one person may share responsibility. To know how liability impacts your case, you need to speak to an experienced Hays County, TX car accident lawyer. We can explain your rights and help you build your claim.
What Is the Texas Comparative Fault Rule?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, also known as the "51 percent bar rule." Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, you can recover damages if you are 50 percent or less at fault for the accident. However, if you are more than 50 percent responsible, you cannot receive any compensation. When eligible, your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
What Happens in a Wrongful Death Trial?
Getting a phone call that your spouse, child, or parent has been critically injured or killed in a car crash is the stuff of nightmares. You may feel confused, overwhelmed, or completely numb. If you have young children, or depend on your spouse or parent for your financial stability, the future may seem especially bleak.
In Texas, people often pursue wrongful death claims to hold responsible parties accountable and seek compensation. A trial can be intimidating, but knowing what happens next can help you get through the process more confidently.
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, our New Braunfels wrongful death attorney provides free consultations to help you make decisions about what to do next. Call us today at 830-606-0404.
Do Wrongful Death Cases Get Decided in a Trial?
A wrongful death case begins when a family files a civil lawsuit against the person or entity they believe caused the death. Before trial, both sides get as much information as they can through the discovery process. Pre-trial motions may address which evidence can be used. These steps help both sides prepare for trial and clarify what the jury will consider.
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