Smith County, TX (April 14, 2025) – A serious crash involving an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle caused a full shutdown in both directions of Toll 49 near the 155 Frankston Highway on April 11. According to reports, the collision happened east of the highway when both vehicles collided and struck the toll tag and vehicle plate reader infrastructure. The impact also damaged a guardrail, requiring an extended closure of the roadway. Traffic in the area was brought to a halt, and crews worked to assess and clean up the damage.
At least one person was hurt in the accident and was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. Emergency personnel remained at the scene for several hours to investigate and manage the situation. Officials have not confirmed a timeline for when the road will reopen, but the closure has caused traffic delays in the area as commuters are being rerouted. Authorities continue to look into the cause of the crash. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Truck Accidents in Texas
Accidents involving commercial trucks are among the most serious collisions that occur on Texas roads each year. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 32,000 crashes involving large trucks were reported across the state in 2023. Many of these accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles.
Here are some key issues that often contribute to truck accidents and why they’re important to understand:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to drowsy driving, reducing a truck driver’s reaction time and awareness. Federal regulations exist to limit drive time, but not all drivers or companies adhere strictly to these rules.
- Brake Failure or Mechanical Issues: A significant number of truck crashes stem from mechanical problems, especially brake failures. Routine inspections and proper maintenance are vital, but lapses in oversight can result in dangerous equipment on the road.
- Improper Lane Changes or Blind Spots: Due to their size, trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Unsafe lane changes or failure to signal can cause collisions with smaller cars that aren’t visible to the driver.
- Unsecured or Overloaded Cargo: Shifting or improperly secured cargo can throw a truck off balance. Overloaded trailers increase the risk of rollovers, especially when turning or navigating curves.
- Poor Road or Weather Conditions: Large trucks are harder to maneuver in rain, ice, or fog. These conditions make it even more important for drivers to proceed cautiously and avoid sudden movements.
- Inadequate Training or Inexperience: Not every driver on the road is properly trained to handle an 18-wheeler, especially under high-stress or emergency conditions. Inexperience can lead to poor judgment in critical moments.
If you’ve been involved in a wreck like this, it’s important to contact a truck accident attorney. A skilled attorney can help gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you’re not taken advantage of during a vulnerable time. Don’t wait to get help—legal support early in the process can protect your rights and your future.
At The McGuire Firm, we know how overwhelming an accident can be. That’s why we focus on helping injury victims across East Texas—because you shouldn’t have to face this alone. Our team offers free consultations and never charges a fee unless we recover money for you. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, we know how the other side thinks—and we use that to our clients’ advantage. We’ve worked over 3,000 personal injury cases and have recovered millions for those injured in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, don’t wait. Call our Smith County truck accident attorneys today. You can reach The McGuire Firm at (903) 630-7154 to get started. Let us help you move from chaos toward recovery.
