Houston Avenue Bridge Hit for Third Time in 2026: Why This 18-Wheeler’s Too-Tall Load Forced I-10 Shutdown and What It Means for Angleton Drivers

By Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm

The Anatomy of a Bridge Strike: How a Too-Tall Load Becomes a Highway Nightmare

What “Too Tall” Really Means

When we say the load was “too tall,” we’re talking about a violation of 49 CFR § 393.100, which requires that cargo be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting or loss during transit. But more specifically, this was a clearance violation.

The Houston Avenue Bridge has a vertical clearance of 14 feet, 6 inches—a measurement that’s clearly marked on signs approaching the bridge. Most standard 18-wheelers with trailers stand about 13 feet, 6 inches tall when empty. Add cargo, and that height increases.

What likely happened:
– The driver or loading crew failed to measure the loaded height of the trailer
– The truck ignored clearance warning signs posted before the bridge
– The driver did not have a route plan that accounted for low-clearance bridges
– The trucking company failed to provide proper training on height clearance procedures

This isn’t just a paperwork violation—it’s a direct violation of 49 CFR § 392.2, which requires drivers to operate their vehicles in accordance with all traffic laws and regulations. Ignoring clearance signs is negligence, plain and simple.

The Immediate Aftermath: Why Police Shut Down I-10

When the truck struck the bridge:

1. Structural Damage: Even if the bridge appears intact, impacts can cause hidden structural damage that compromises safety. TxDOT engineers would have needed to inspect immediately.
2. Traffic Hazard: The truck was likely stuck under the bridge, blocking all eastbound lanes.
3. Debris Risk: Parts of the trailer or cargo may have been dislodged, creating road debris hazards.
4. Emergency Response: Police had to stop all traffic to safely remove the truck and assess damage.

The fact that police escorted the truck in the wrong direction on I-10 shows just how severe the situation was. This isn’t standard procedure—it’s an emergency maneuver to clear a major highway as quickly as possible.

The Legal Fallout: Who’s Responsible When a Truck Hits a Bridge?

When an 18-wheeler strikes a bridge, multiple parties can be held liable—and our firm has the experience to hold them all accountable.

1. The Truck Driver: Direct Negligence

The driver is often the first line of liability. In this case, potential violations include:

• Failure to measure loaded height (49 CFR § 392.7 – Inspection of cargo)
• Ignoring clearance signs (49 CFR § 392.2 – Compliance with traffic laws)
• Operating an unsafe vehicle (49 CFR § 392.9 – Safe loading)
• Distracted driving (49 CFR § 392.82 – Prohibition on texting)

But here’s the key: In most cases, the driver isn’t acting alone. They’re following company policies—or lack thereof.

2. The Trucking Company: Corporate Negligence

Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained and their loads are safely secured. Potential violations in this case:

• Negligent training – Failure to train drivers on clearance procedures
• Negligent supervision – Not monitoring drivers’ route planning
• Negligent hiring – Employing drivers without proper qualifications
• Negligent maintenance – Allowing vehicles to operate with faulty height measurement systems
• Pressure to violate regulations – Encouraging drivers to take unsafe routes to meet deadlines

Real-World Example: In Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021), a Texas jury awarded $730 million against a trucking company after an oversize load killed a woman. The company was found liable for gross negligence in route planning and driver supervision.

3. The Cargo Loader: Improper Loading

If a third party loaded the cargo, they may be liable for:

• Failure to properly secure the load (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Overloading the trailer beyond height limits
• Failing to provide accurate load measurements to the driver

4. The Truck Manufacturer: Product Liability

If the truck had faulty height measurement systems or inadequate warning devices, the manufacturer could be liable for defective design.

5. Government Entities: Road Design Issues

While rare, if the bridge had inadequate signage or poorly designed approaches, TxDOT or local authorities might share liability. However, sovereign immunity protections make these cases challenging.

What This Means for Angleton Drivers: Your Risks on Brazoria County Roads

Angleton may be 60 miles from downtown Houston, but the same risks exist on your roads. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Trucking Corridors Serving Angleton

Angleton sits at the intersection of several major trucking routes:

• SH 288: Connects Angleton to Houston and the Port of Houston
• US 59: Major east-west freight corridor
• FM 521: Critical local route with multiple low-clearance bridges
• FM 2004: Connects to Freeport and industrial areas
• I-45: North-south corridor that serves Angleton-area freight

Every one of these routes has low-clearance bridges that are vulnerable to strikes.

2. The Industries Putting You at Risk

Angleton’s economy means you share the road with:

• Oil & Gas Trucks: Servicing the Brazosport industrial complex
• Port-Related Freight: Moving containers to/from the Port of Freeport
• Chemical Haulers: Servicing Dow Chemical and other plants
• Agricultural Trucks: Moving crops and livestock
• Retail Distribution: Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers serving the region

These aren’t just trucks—they’re potential hazards if companies cut corners on safety.

3. The Local Bridges That Could Be Next

Here are the most dangerous low-clearance bridges in the Angleton area:

Any one of these could be the next Houston Avenue Bridge—with Angleton drivers paying the price.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Bridge Strike Incident

1. At the Scene

If you witness or are involved in a bridge strike:

• Move to safety—don’t stop in traffic
• Call 911—report the incident immediately
• Document everything:
• Take photos of the truck, license plate, and DOT number
• Photograph any damage to the bridge or road
• Note the time, location, and weather conditions
• Get contact information from witnesses
• Do NOT approach the truck—cargo may be unstable

2. After the Incident

• Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks injuries
• Report to your insurance—but do NOT give a recorded statement without legal advice
• Contact an attorney—before speaking to the trucking company’s insurance
• Preserve evidence—keep all photos, receipts, and medical records

3. If You’re the Truck Driver

• Do NOT admit fault—even if you think you’re responsible
• Request a union representative if you’re a union driver
• Contact an attorney—before giving any statements to your employer or insurance

The FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence in Bridge Strike Cases

Federal regulations provide a roadmap for proving negligence in bridge strike cases. Here are the key violations we look for:

1. Failure to Inspect Cargo (49 CFR § 392.7)

Before driving, drivers must:
– Inspect the cargo and its securement
– Ensure the load doesn’t exceed height limits
– Verify all tiedowns are properly secured

Violation in this case: The driver clearly failed to measure the loaded height.

2. Operating an Unsafe Vehicle (49 CFR § 392.9)

Drivers must ensure their vehicle is safe to operate, including:
– Proper load securement
– Appropriate height clearance
– Functioning warning devices

Violation in this case: The truck was too tall for the route, making it unsafe.

3. Failure to Comply with Traffic Laws (49 CFR § 392.2)

Drivers must obey all traffic laws and regulations, including:
– Clearance signs
– Weight limits
– Route restrictions

Violation in this case: The driver ignored clearance warning signs.

4. Inadequate Driver Training (49 CFR § 391.11)

Trucking companies must ensure drivers are properly trained to:
– Measure loaded height
– Plan safe routes
– Recognize clearance hazards

Violation in this case: The repeated strikes at the same bridge suggest systemic training failures.

5. Negligent Route Planning (49 CFR § 392.6)

Carriers must ensure routes are safe for the vehicle and load, including:
– Clearance heights
– Weight limits
– Road conditions

Violation in this case: The route clearly wasn’t planned to avoid low-clearance bridges.

The Nuclear Verdict Trend: Why Trucking Companies Are Paying More Than Ever

Trucking companies are facing unprecedented jury verdicts—and bridge strike cases are part of the trend.

Recent Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking Cases

Why are verdicts getting so large?

1. Juries Are Fed Up: After seeing repeated negligence, juries are sending a message.
2. Corporate Greed: Trucking companies prioritize profits over safety.
3. Catastrophic Injuries: Truck crashes cause permanent disabilities that require lifetime care.
4. Pattern of Negligence: Companies with multiple violations face punitive damages.

Ralph Manginello explains: “Juries look at these cases and see corporate indifference. When a company has 76 bridge strikes and does nothing to fix the problem, juries respond with nuclear verdicts.”

The Bottom Line: What This Incident Means for You

If You’re a Driver in Angleton or Brazoria County

1. You’re at risk—the same negligence that caused this incident exists on your roads.
2. Bridge strikes are preventable—they’re caused by corporate cost-cutting, not “accidents.”
3. You have rights—if you’re injured because of trucking negligence, you deserve compensation.
4. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

If You’re a Truck Driver

1. You have the right to refuse unsafe loads—your safety matters more than a deadline.
2. Your company’s negligence could cost you your CDL—or worse, your life.
3. If you’re pressured to violate regulations, you may have legal protections.

If You’re a Business Owner

1. Your supply chain depends on safe trucking—negligent carriers put your operations at risk.
2. You could be liable if your freight is involved in a bridge strike.
3. Demand better safety practices from your carriers.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why We’re the Right Choice for Your Case

1. We Know Trucking Law Inside and Out

Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.

2. We Have a Proven Track Record

• $50+ million recovered for clients across all practice areas
• Multi-million dollar settlements in trucking cases
• Successful verdicts against major carriers like Werner, Swift, and J.B. Hunt

3. We Offer Personal Attention

At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. Ralph Manginello personally oversees every case, and our team keeps you informed every step of the way.

4. We Speak Your Language

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. Hablamos Español.

5. We Work on Contingency

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You only pay if we win your case.

The Final Word: Don’t Let Trucking Companies Get Away With It

The Houston Avenue Bridge strike wasn’t an accident—it was preventable negligence. And it’s part of a pattern that puts every driver in Texas at risk.

Here’s what you need to remember:

1. Bridge strikes are caused by corporate negligence—not “bad luck.”
2. You have rights if you’re injured because of trucking negligence.
3. Evidence disappears fast—act quickly to protect your case.
4. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers—you need someone fighting for you.
5. Nuclear verdicts are changing the game—juries are holding companies accountable.

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies for over 25 years. He’s seen every trick, every delay tactic, every lowball offer. And he knows how to win.

Learn more about trucking accident cases:
– The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
– Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
– The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Fighting for Texas families since 1998
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | https://attorney911.com