WHEELER COUNTY, Texas—Two 18-wheelers collided March 10 on U.S. Route 83 near Shamrock, Texas, killing one person and injuring two others.
State troopers said a 2017 Volvo tractor-trailer was northbound on U.S. 83 at about 9:45 p.m. when its driver, Sorin Bodescu, a 52-year-old Livonia, Mich., resident, failed to drive in a single lane of travel and crossed over into the southbound lane. The tractor-trailer then struck the driver’s side of a southbound tractor-trailer driven by Bradley Hedger, a 60-year-old Loveland, Colo., man.
Hedger was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Bodescu and a passenger in the semi he was driving, 37-year-old Ioan Sandu of Clinton Township, Mich., were transported to a hospital in Shamrock with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
The posted speed limit on the stretch of US 83, where the fatal crash occurred, had a speed limit of 75 mph, though the speed at which the semis were traveling is unclear. Road conditions were dry and clear.
Authorities reportedly could not determine the make and model of the second tractor-trailer because of extensive damage to the commercial vehicle. The first semi also sustained significant damage.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities have yet to release additional information.
Thoughts on the fatal 18-wheeler accident near Shamrock, Texas
The reports provided by authorities clearly indicate this accident would not have occurred if Mr. Bodescu had exercised greater caution and care while operating his 18-wheeler. Unfortunately, Mr. Bodescu’s choices fell short of the caution and care owed to his fellow drivers, and an innocent man’s life ended because of it.
The law is clear when it comes to another’s blatant negligence. The innocent party and their family deserve an accounting from both Mr. Bodescu and his employer. Truckers are expected to maintain the highest quality of care while operating a commercial vehicle to ensure this very outcome is avoided. When this duty of care is breached, both the driver and the employer must answer the deceased’s family. Was the driver distracted? Was he drunk? Was he fatigued? Had the employer properly trained the driver to operate the vehicle safely? Was the truck maintained and adequately repaired before travel? Answers to these questions, and others like it, will take time to uncover. However, through a detailed investigation of the accident and the events surrounding it, the Hedger will receive the answers to their questions and receive the help and assistance they deserve.
Navigating the post-accident process is incredibly difficult in the wake of a loved one’s passing. The financial stresses, the loss of companionship and support, and the complex legal and insurance systems leave innocent victims overwhelmed and searching for answers. I encourage the family impacted by this accident to reach out to competent professionals for guidance. Until then, I pray the Hedger family can find peace and solace during this challenging time of grief.
Disclaimer: Our firm uses this blog to start important conversations about consumers’ safety. If these resources are found to be offensive or include any false information, we invite you to contact The Ammons Law Firm so we can correct the issue. This content should not be construed as legal counsel or advice.
