What are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas?
August 16, 2018 - Truck Accidents
A fully loaded semi-truck can be more than 70 feet long and weigh more than 80,000 pounds. Given the size of such massive machines, they can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities when they’re involved in crashes. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 242 truck accident fatalities in Houston in 2017. An estimated 1,290 other people suffered serious injuries. Another 7,472 suffered injuries that were less serious.
Most common causes:
- Speeding: Speeding is the number 1 factor in traffic accidents throughout the country, and Texas is no exception. In 2011, failing to control speed contributed to 100,036 crashes in Texas.
- Drunk driving: Despite the fact that drivers of all commercial vehicles are subject to random drug testing and medical exams to make sure they are fit to operate a vehicle safely, driving under the influence is one of the major causes of road accidents. Both legal and illegal drugs and alcohol are part of the problem, especially when drivers turn to drugs to help them stay awake while they drive for many hours at a time.
- Driver Fatigue: The federal government has a number of “Hours of Service” (HOS) rules that limit the total amount of time drivers can be on the road without a break, but many drivers violate those, often with a wink and a nod on the part of their employees, because more runs mean increased profits.
- Improper Loading: The way you load your truck is critical and if not performed properly can easily result in an accident. The weight of your cargo must be correctly secured and evenly distributed. Improperly loaded cargo can cause you to lose control of your truck or jackknife resulting in a severe accident.
- Improper Maintenance Procedures: The company and the driver have a duty to maintain the truck. A lack of maintenance can result in brake failure or reduced visibility because of inadequate or broken lights. Tires that are not inspected and changed regularly can “blow out” causing an accident.
- Distracted Driving: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has shown 88% of truck accidents are a direct result of an error by the driver. Driving a truck is exhausting and involves a long workday. Distractions including the radio, cell phones, drinking, and eating while drive must be avoided. Texting, for example, is said to increase the risk of a crash by more than 2,000%.
Contact Us
Juan Reyna represents victims of truck accidents in and around Houston, Texas. If you were injured in a truck accident or lost a family member in such an accident, contact Reyna Law Firm right away at 855-477-7100. You can even use our online contact form. We offer free consultations and case evaluations for accident victims.
There are times when cases turn on seemingly small details. In your initial consultation, we’re going to listen to you carefully, and we’ll discuss all of the facts surrounding your accident and losses. After that, we’ll discuss your legal options. You don’t even need to pay a retainer fee to hire us. No legal fees at all are owed by you unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you. Contact our experienced Texas Truck Accident Lawyer, Juan Reyna right away after being injured or losing a family member in any truck accident in or around Houston.
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