“Freak Accident” Kills Truck Driver on La Joya Worksite

A truck driver was killed in what authorities characterized as a “freak accident” on a La Joya worksite on January 2. Workplace accidents are possible in every profession, but some types of workers are more likely to be involved in these types of accidents than others. 

Keep reading to learn more about the La Joya incident and who’s most at risk of workplace accidents from Villalobos Law Firm, Hidalgo County personal injury lawyers.

The La Joya Accident

At around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, authorities received reports of an accident at a gravel pit in the 2200 block of Jarachinas Road in rural La Joya. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found a 46-year-old independent truck driver from Mission dead in the cab of a semi-tractor-trailer. 

The man was on the scene to pick up a load of gravel, but an accident occurred in the process. According to reporting, the truck driver was attempting to unload gravel in a jackknife position when the truck fell into the pit. The cab was crushed by the trailer, leading to the driver’s death.

La Joya fire Chief Leror Salinas called the event a “freak accident.” Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration have been informed of the incident and investigations by both agencies are expected. A local Justice of the Peace ordered an autopsy in relation to the accident.

Who Is Most at Risk of Workplace Fatalities and Injuries?

Whether you slip and fall while working retail or get injured while on a construction job site, workplace accidents can happen in any profession, and all workers should know about their rights to workplace injury compensation. However, there are some industries that are more dangerous than others, and workers in those industries need to be especially aware of their rights while at work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction saw the highest number of fatal accidents in 2022, followed closely by transportation and warehousing. For construction workers, there were 1,069 fatal injuries reported for every 100,000 full-time workers. For transportation and warehousing, 1,053 deaths were reported for every 100,000 full-time workers. The third-highest rate was 598 fatalities per 100,000 workers seen amongst professional and business services. 

When it comes to non-fatal injuries, the industry most at risk may surprise you. According to the National Safety Council, education and health service workers see the highest number of non-fatal injuries that lead to missed work. 

If you’re involved in a workplace accident in Texas, remember that you have rights, and start taking steps to fight for whatever you may be owed.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a Texas workplace accident, a Hidalgo County personal injury lawyer can help you fight for relief.

Your FREE Consultation

Source: myRGV, KRGV, ValleyCentral4