TALK WITH A TEXAS TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY
The trucking industry can be very strenuous and exhausting for 18-wheeler truck drivers. The industry and its drivers are under tremendous pressure to push the limits of endurance and the law to make a profit. As a result, when a truck accident occurs, our Texas truck accident lawyers can trace the negligence of the truck company and/or the driver to rule violations or other safety issues.
IN 2016, 3,429 LARGE TRUCKS AND BUSES WERE INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASHES
Truck accidents could be caused by several factors, including but not limited to:
PRESSURE ON THE COMMERCIAL CARRIER
There is a tremendous amount of pressure on the trucking companies to cover high fixed business costs. They are confronted with sharp swings in the price of diesel fuel, economic downturns, lost contracts, mechanical breakdowns, and employee theft. Also, the companies are subject to colossal loss whenever something goes wrong. Nevertheless, they have to pay employees, insurance, taxes, State regulations, permits, licenses, and fees, whether the truck is on the road or sitting at the truck stop. To turn a profit, 18-wheeler truck companies lower their exposure to such costs by cutting corners. Such shortcomings lead to violations of rules, regulations, and most importantly, safety issues.
Read: Read: What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Why Should You Purchase It
PRESSURE ON DRIVERS
- Truck Driver’s Fatigue and Error – 18-wheeler truck driver fatigue and error is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Some rules and regulations govern the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road, but because many truck drivers are compensated by the mile or load, they often push the limits of the law. Also, many truck drivers may be impaired by drinking or using drugs to stay awake.
- Defective Truck Parts – 18-wheeler truck drivers are obligated to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Because pre-trip and post-trip inspections are two areas often neglected by drivers, they can be fertile grounds for discussion in cases involving mechanical failure. Also, failing to implement and follow a preventative maintenance program usually leads to maintenance issues. Examples of defective truck parts include but are not limited to tire blowouts, poor brakes, and wheel-offs.
- Excessive Speed – Due to the truck’s/trailer’s weight, they cannot as quickly as cars. A 40-ton truck traveling at 70 mph will need over 600 feet to stop. Therefore, trucking collisions are more severe in damages and injuries than a car collision.
- Blind Spots and Wide Turns – Trucks/trailers have large blind spots located on the sides, the rear, and front of the truck. Many trucking accidents occur because the truck drivers do not see the automobiles in their blind spots. Trucks require a wide berth to make turns. Many collisions are caused by a truck driver who does not see a car when making a turn or the car that tries to pass a truck when it swings wide to make the turn.
- Jackknifes and Rollovers – Large tractor-trailers have a high center of gravity, and a load imbalance makes this problem even worse. When a big rig starts moving sideways in a skid, it is very easy for the load weight to overcome all efforts of the driver. At that point, the brakes stop the wheels from moving forward and the top load causes the trailer rollover.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER?
Our Texas truck accident lawyer focuses on the parties who are potentially liable for the collision. Failure to include a partially responsible party in your lawsuit could affect your ability to receive sufficient compensation for your injuries and/or losses. Unlike a car accident, a trucking accident can have multiple responsible parties, including the 18-wheeler truck driver, truck cab owners, truck trailer owners, truck loaders, or trucking companies.
As explained above, trucking regulations are a complex set of laws, which requires a significant and comprehensive amount of knowledge about the trucking industry. It is essential that all pieces of evidence are preserved, an expert conducts a proper investigation immediately after the collision. Also, it is important that all responsible parties to the lawsuit are identified quickly.
Whether you were involved in a truck accident or lost a loved one in a truck accident, we can help you by investigating and consulting with you on your loss. We understand that no monetary compensation can adequately replace the loss of your loved ones, but the person who violated their contractual obligation to the safety of others on the road needs to pay for breach of their obligations.
WE REPRESENT PEOPLE IN EVERY TEXAS COUNTY AND IN ALL AREAS OF:
- 18-Wheeler Accident
- Big Rig – Rollovers
- Cement Truck
- Commercial Tanker Truck
- Fire Truck Accident
- Delivery Truck Collision
- Dump Truck Accident
- Garbage Truck
- Semi-Truck
- Tractor Trailer
- Pickup Truck Crash
If you were involved and injured in a truck accident, or have any questions concerning Texas trucking laws, contact our Truck Accident Lawyers at Chalaki Law, P.C. today. At our law office, our goal is to protect you before the incident, protect your rights after the incident.
1 Source Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts
