The collision tore the engine cover off of Billman's rig.
18 Wheelers Collide in Goodrich, GOODRICH, August 20, 2009 - At approximately 5:20 am on August 20, 2009 a green 2001 Peterbilt 18 Wheeler (carrying a large load of fruit juice) driven by James Billman, 45, of Michigan pulled out of the parking lot of Exxon (between Lone Star Charlie's and Mobil). Billman pulled directly in front of another oncoming 18 wheeler, a blue 2004 Freightliner driven by Abraham Johnson, 47, of Florida. Billman was attempting to pull into the crossover point when he pulled in front of Johnson. Johnson cut his wheels left collided sideways into Billman as both trucks rolled into the crossover during the collision. Billman's truck stopped in the crossover and Johnson's truck continued into the north-bound lanes of US-59. Johnson cut his wheels right and quickly pulled his rig into the center median, through the grass and back into the south-bound side to avoid any collision(s) with north-bound traffic and came to rest on the shoulder of the south-bound side of the highway. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department and Deputies James Buie and Keith Franklin and DPS Troopers David Morris, Kevin Burman and Chris Stanbery. Billman was transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both Billman's tractor and trailer sustained heavy damage while Johnson's rig sustained moderate damage to the tractor and trailer. Johnson was hauling 45,000 lbs. of beer from the Anheuser Busch brewery in Houston. One lane of traffic was blocked on both sides of 59 as the accident was being investigated and cleared. A heavy duty wrecker from Riley's Wrecker Service in Corrigan recovered Billman's rig while a heavy duty wrecker from Rick & Collins (also out of Corrigan) recovered Johnson's rig. Both rigs will be stored in Corrigan. Billman received a citation for failure to yield right-of-way during a left turn. Both parties had insurance. The scene was cleared by 11 am.
EMS Personnel from Americare treated James Billman at the scene then transported him to Livingston Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
One Deputy referred to Abraham Johnson as a "Hero" for the skills he used during the collision. Johnson's avoidance attempts kept the collision from being much worse.
DPS Trooper David Morris speaks with Johnson and a witness.
Billman's trailer was totaled.
Debris from Billman's rig dangles from the top of Johnson's trailer.
Billman's cab was totaled...
...Johnson's rig only sustained moderate damage but was still not driveable.
A volunteer fireman from Livingston hoses down the road from vehicle fluids.
A heavy duty wrecker from Riley Wrecker Service stands by.
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