Understanding the Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Texas and the US
Every year, numerous trucking accidents occur on roads and highways across Texas and throughout the country, resulting in devastating consequences for those involved.
These accidents can leave victims with severe injuries, significant property damage, and overwhelming emotional trauma.
Understanding the common causes behind these trucking accidents is important for raising awareness and promoting safer practices on our roadways.
From driver fatigue and speeding to inadequate maintenance and impaired driving, a multitude of factors contribute to these unfortunate incidents.
When you or a loved one has been a victim of a trucking accident in San Antonio or the surrounding areas, it is essential to seek the assistance of a skilled San Antonio truck accident lawyer.
Attorneys who concentrate on truck accident cases can provide you with the necessary legal guidance, help determine liability, and fight for your rights to obtain the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Semi-Truck Accidents?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), accidents involving large trucks are responsible for over 4,100 deaths per year on average.
Approximately two-thirds of deaths involving a truck crash were drivers and passengers in cars and other passenger vehicles.
In Texas, the most recent data shows there are over 800 truck-related fatalities per year.
Commercial truck accidents are also responsible for thousands of severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.
When you consider that a big rig can weigh over 30,000 pounds, over seven times heavier than the average passenger vehicle, it is no surprise that these accidents can be so devastating.
Because of the severity of these accidents, it is important to be aware of some of the common causes of commercial truck accidents.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road by themselves. As a result, truckers can get drowsy and doze off behind the wheel, which unfortunately results in severe accidents.
Even though there are laws from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that require drivers to rest and sleep after driving for so many hours, accidents with drowsy truck drivers continue to happen.
Disappointingly, many trucking companies and drivers violate these regulations, which puts the driving public at serious risk.
Truck Driver Distractions
Some drivers may attempt to keep themselves entertained on these long journeys by texting, surfing the internet, adjusting the radio, eating, or doing other distracting activities.
Distracting driving is against the law for all drivers and can be just as dangerous as drowsy driving.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles
The owner of the truck, usually the trucking company, is responsible for making sure that trucks are inspected regularly, as required by FMCA regulations.
If an inspection reveals a maintenance issue, the owner must ensure that the issue is resolved before the driver takes the truck on the road.
Failure to properly inspect trucks and failure to keep up with maintenance is a common cause of truck accidents.
Poor Training
Driving a commercial truck requires much more training than driving a passenger vehicle. For this reason, commercial truck drivers are required to get special licenses to legally drive their trucks.
Due to the large size of the truck, it can be difficult to maneuver, particularly in bad weather. Truck drivers must drive slowly, particularly when turning, to ensure that they do not lose control of their vehicles.
If not handled with care, large trucks are known to jackknife and skid out of control.
Without proper training and licensure, truck drivers may not be able to properly handle driving a commercial truck. As a result, many truck drivers negligently cause severe accidents.
Many of the causes of semi crashes are directly related to the negligent behavior of the truck driver or their employers.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in San Antonio, Texas, or the surrounding area, the driver or the company they work for may be liable for the accident.
Being liable for an accident means being liable for any personal injuries that result from the accident as well.
Contact a San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, it is strongly suggested to seek the assistance of an experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer.
The attorneys at Wyatt Law Firm focus on truck accident cases have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of these cases and fight for your rights.
They can provide you with the necessary legal guidance, help determine liability, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
By working with a truck accident lawyer, you can seek the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Don’t bear the burden alone—reach out to a dedicated San Antonio truck accident lawyer who can advocate for you and help you on the path to recovery.
Remember, time is of the essence in truck accident cases, as evidence may need to be preserved, and there are specific deadlines for filing claims.
Call 210-340-5550 or use our online form to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights.