Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas

 Posted on December 18, 2021 in Truck Accidents

Texas sees more accidents involving commercial trucks than any other state in the nation. With the number of big rigs used by our oil and gas industries, this makes sense. More semi-trucks on the roads mean more accidents. However, a good number of these accidents are preventable when appropriate caution is used. Those operating these large and potentially dangerous vehicles have a very important duty to do so as safely as they can. When this duty is not taken seriously, very bad accidents can result. If you were hurt in a truck accident, it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as you can to begin preserving the proof you may need later.

What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents in Texas?

The reasons more commercial truck accidents happen in Texas than anywhere else may be complex. A big part of it is the sheer amount of large trucks used in the oil and gas industries. Unfortunately, when rigs carrying these substances or their byproducts are involved in collisions, there may be additional dangers involving these hazardous materials. Commercial truck accidents may happen in Texas due to:

• Driver fatigue - Oil and gas are around-the-clock industries, as is truck driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets out strict policies regarding how long a driver can work and how long he must rest in between shifts, but these policies sometimes go ignored in the interest of saving time. When drivers exceed the allowable driving hours, they become more prone to mistakes that can lead to major wrecks.
• Drugs - There is no excuse for a truck driver to get behind the wheel while impaired. There are supposed to be drug and alcohol testing procedures in place to ensure that intoxicated drivers stay off the road, but this does not stop every driver every time. Additionally, due to the long hours and tight schedules, some truck drivers turn to stimulants that help them stay awake, but may also increase reckless driving behaviors like speeding and tailgating.
• Fleet maintenance - Companies are financially incentivized to keep all of their trucks in service at all times. This sometimes leads to companies negligently postponing necessary maintenance because they are reluctant to take a truck off the road, especially if doing so would cause delays.
• Distraction - Anyone operating such a large vehicle should have their eyes on the road, not on their cell phone. Unfortunately, driver distraction is a contributing factor in many commercial truck accidents, both in Texas and elsewhere.

If you were hurt in an accident involving a semi-truck, it is best to contact an attorney quickly. The sooner an investigation can begin, the easier it may be to identify and later prove the cause of your crash.

Contact a Texas Truck Accident Attorney

Clark Law Group is committed to recovering compensation for those injured by negligent truckers. Call us at 469-906-2266 to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our experienced Dallas truck accident attorneys. We will conduct a complete investigation on your behalf to build your case.

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-driver-fatigue