18-wheeler overturns, hazmat spill shuts down eastbound ramp to I-69

Houston, TX – An 18-wheeler carrying hazardous cargo overturned on Friday morning while exiting the I-610 North Loop, blocking eastbound traffic from accessing the I-69 Eastex Freeway.

According to ABC 13, Houston TranStar first reported the crash at 10:19 a.m. It’s unclear what caused the truck to overturn. According to HoustonTranStar, the accident led to the loss of the truck’s cargo, which required the assistance of hazmat crews to clean up.

A second vehicle was reportedly involved in the incident, although when and whether it collided with the truck is unknown at this time. There were no reported injuries.

The accident was cleared and the exit ramp reopened to traffic as of 3:17 p.m. Friday.

What Makes Hazmat Accidents Uniquely Complex?

Accidents involving hazardous materials differ from other truck crashes because of the severe dangers they pose to everyone nearby, even if no one was injured in the accident itself. Hazmat trucks often carry toxic, flammable, corrosive, or radioactive substances. When these trucks crash, cargo spills or explosions may occur. These can cause injuries and long-term health problems whose effects can be life-altering.

Additionally, the resulting environmental damage makes responding to a hazmat crash challenging for first responders and investigators. Firefighters and cleanup crews must use specialized gear and follow strict federal and state safety protocols to contain the materials safely. This process often takes hours or even days to complete, disrupts traffic, and delays the investigation of the crash.

Finally, these crashes also involve complex liability issues. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the shipper, the manufacturer of the hazardous cargo, or the driver of another vehicle involved in the crash. The hazmat hauling industry is heavily regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. If violations occurred and contributed to the accident, identifying any failure to comply with the rules is necessary to hold the responsible parties accountable.

What to Do After a Houston Commercial Truck Accident

The most important thing to do after a truck accident is protect yourself, especially if you believe the truck may have been carrying hazardous materials. Move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and seek immediate medical attention. Don’t approach a truck carrying hazardous cargo – let emergency personnel handle it. Next, take these steps to protect your legal rights:

• Follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatment and expenses
• Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid giving detailed statements without legal counsel
• Speak with a Houston truck accident lawyer to discuss your options for compensation

Talk to a Houston Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, especially one carrying hazardous cargo, you should consider contacting a Houston truck crash lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and prepare your claim while you focus on healing.