Causes of semi truck accidents on Texas’s highways and roads

Common causes of semi truck accidents in Texas

Eighteen-wheeler and other large trucks often weigh 10 times the weight of most passenger vehicles. When an accident occurs, the smaller passenger vehicle, driver and passenger can be seriously injured.

The big rigs travel everyday on highways and roads with passenger vehicles, and, because of that, it is important that truck operators drive cautiously and not take risks. Too often, however, either the truck driver or the trucking companies compromise safety and truck accidents occur.

The following are common situations that can contribute to a semi truck accident.

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  • Aggressive drivers
  • Unrealistic schedules
  • Failure to inspect tires, brakes and lights
  • Tailgating
  • Lengthy work-shifts
  • Driving with an unsecured load
  • Use of amphetamines by the truck driver
  • Tire tread separation and tire blowouts
  • Driver fatigue
  • Cell phone use
  • Failure to install blind spot mirrors
  • Truck jackknifing and rollovers on slippery roads
  • Speeding and ignoring reduced truck speed limit

If you are injured in an accident involving a large truck, it may be possible to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against both the negligent truck driver and the trucking company that employs him or her. If the accident involves a commercial vehicle you may also have a claim against the insurer of the trailer.

Involved a Semi-truck accident?

Our attorney is an experienced Texas Truck Accident Lawyer who will investigate your case and find out if the trucking company, driver, or the owner of the trailer is responsible for causing the accident and, if so, seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future wages, pain and suffering, disability, and for other damages. We also represent family members in wrongful death cases

Negligence and Liability in a Truck Accident Case

Truck accidents involving passenger vehicles often cause serious injuries or death. Truck mishaps typically involve some type of negligence on the part from the truck driver, the trucking corporation, or both. Basic care and attention to detail by the truck driver and the trucking organization that hires them can prevent several accidents from happening.

Pressure drivers to perform beyond their physical limitations or sacrificing safety puts other drivers on the road at risk. Truck mishaps generally have multiple contributing causes. The following are some with the common causes of truck accidents:

18 Wheeler accident Negligence and Liability in a Truck Accident Case

  • Driver exhaustion – Both federal and state law regulate the number of hours a driver can drive in a given day and week.
  • Driver exhaustion and stress. This is a major problem.
  • Trucks Over weight and exceeding the maximum allowed load
  • Driver distractions and inattentiveness.
  • Texting or mobile phone usage are often the cause
  • Driver use of drugs or alcohol – Some drivers occasionally turn to illegal drugs to get a boost their ability to stay awake while driving long hours and distances. Trucking businesses are supposed to perform mandatory substance abuse screenings when each driver is hired. Truck drivers are also required to do regular screenings to monitor for substance abuse.
  • Truck containers or loads that are improperly secured or off balance.
  • Improper loading of trucks and trailers – A poorly loaded trailer impairs the handling of the truck and trailer, makes it more difficult for the driver, and, might cause the trailer to tip. A poorly loaded trailer may affect the capability of the driver to keep the truck and trailer under control. When determining liability in the truck and automobile accident, the weight of the truck and trailer at the time of the accident as well as the material being hauled should be considered.
  • Improper inspection and maintenance of trucks – Rigorous inspection and maintenance in the tractor and trailer is expected legally and ought to be performed by the driver at every stop.
    Negligent passing, speeding, and failure to adhere to the rules of the road – Trucks are particularly dangerous when driven at a high rate of speed given their size and also the longer braking period to stop. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has discovered that over 25% of truckers involved in fatal crashes had prior speeding convictions on their record.

Hire a Experienced Attorney with Truck Accident Experience – Don’t Hire A Rookie

If your loved ones are victims of a Texas truck accident make sure you contact a lawyer that has actual expertise with these complex cases. Our attorney is an experienced Texas Truck Accident Lawyer who will analyze all aspects of your truck accident case and make sure that your rights and interests are protected. Our Office is in Houston, Texas, but his Trucking accident practice ranges all over the state of Texas and across the United States.

We has been trying and handling truck accident cases for more than 24 years. Don’t hire a rookie. If you need a truck accident attorney that understand the complexities of truck accidents, their causes, commercial trucking regulations, and insurance coverage issues.

This firm offers a free legal consultation and comprehensive case evaluation. The Trucking companies and the insurance companies have lawyers representing them from the very day the accident happens, make sure you get the best representation for you and your family as soon as possible.