Truck accidents can happen for many reasons. While there is no denying how dangerous and scary traffic crashes are in general, truck accidents manage to be that much more dangerous and devastating for those involved. The immense size and force of these massive vehicles — especially when traveling at high speed — can generate so much energy and physical impact in an accident, resulting in increased property damage, severe injuries, and death. Piling medical bills, extended recovery time, lost income, mental and physical anguish, and permanent disability go hand-in-hand with truck accident injuries.
According to the Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2020 published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 4,998 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2020. In Texas, 643 people lost their lives in accidents involving large trucks.
If a trucker's negligence leaves you injured or causes the death of a loved one in a Texas truck accident, seek the legal guidance of a truck accident lawyer immediately. The Francis Firm, located in Southlake, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Texas, understands exactly what you’re going through if you’ve been involved in a truck accident. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident to pursue the justice you deserve.
Leading Causes of Truck Crashes in Texas
Truck drivers earn their living behind the wheel, which means most of them are safe and professional drivers who understand and follow all trucking safety rules and regulations. Unfortunately, a catastrophic accident ensues when a trucker fails to live up to these serious responsibilities.
Truck drivers’ negligence causes most truck accidents on Texas roadways. However, other factors, such as equipment failure, can also cause a truck accident. Below are the top common causes of trucking accidents:
Driver Error
Of all the causes of truck-related crashes, driver error is more likely to cause a truck accident than all other factors combined. The most common truck wrecks result from some form of the truck driver's negligence, which can take any of the following life-threatening forms:
Driver Fatigue
Commercial truck drivers work under immense pressure to meet hectic schedules. Unfortunately, overburdened conditions, unreasonable schedules, and too much pressure prevent truckers from getting quality sleep. As a result, drowsy truck drivers suffer cognitive and physical impairments that can cause accidents.
Speeding
Trucks require a lot of time and room to make turns, stop, park, etc. When a trucker fails to drive safely, whether by adjusting their speed for conditions or sticking to the speed limit, it becomes challenging for them to maintain control of the truck, which may result in a deadly crash.
Distraction
Operating a 40-ton, fully loaded tractor-trailer at highway speeds is a challenging task that requires the driver's complete attention. Unfortunately, truckers are as susceptible to distractions inside and outside the vehicle as any other driver.
If a truck driver is distracted by reading or sending a text message, adjusting the radio, eating, or anything else that takes their attention away from driving, they greatly increase the chances of a truck accident occurring.
Aggression
Aggressive drivers are some of the deadliest road users out there. When a dangerously aggressive trucker is driving an 18-wheeler or semi-truck, it takes the likelihood and dangers of a truck accident to new heights.
If you suspect that any form of driver error caused your truck accident, talk to an experienced Texas truck accident attorney immediately to understand what steps to take after a truck accident. The Francis Firm brings decades of legal experience and a thorough understanding of proving a trucker's liability and can begin developing a claim for compensation on your behalf.
Substance Abuse
Intoxicated truckers will frequently experience impaired judgment, slowed reflexes, and an increased likelihood of making a deadly mistake. In severe cases, an intoxicated truck driver can fall asleep while driving.
When a truck driver is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, it is so dangerous that Texas and federal laws have put in place much stricter policies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set the BAC (blood alcohol threshold) for commercial drivers at 0.04%, which is half the level of BAC (0.08%) at which a typical driver of a non-commercial vehicle is deemed to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
Any commercial truck driver found in violation of the FMCSA's alcohol misuse regulations risks being placed out-of-service for up to 24 hours. If a truck driver is found guilty of operating a commercial truck in Texas with a 0.04% BAC or greater, they risk losing their commercial driver's license (CDL).
Mechanical Failure
A commercial truck driver is only as good as the machine they are operating. An equipment failure could quickly result in a catastrophic crash. Commercial trucks have more complex systems and parts than any other vehicle on the road, and a faulty part or system can trigger accidents. Some of the systems and parts likely to fail before a truck accident are:
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Trailer attachments
- Tires and wheels
Truck crashes involving mechanical failure are preventable and should not occur. Every truck driver and company should regularly inspect and maintain their trucks.
Proving that a mechanical defect or a truck was inadequately maintained requires an experienced truck accident lawyer with the dedication and resources to conduct a full investigation. Contact The Francis Firm to learn more about how a truck accident attorney can help you go against vehicle manufacturers, trucking companies, and any other potentially liable parties for your truck accident in Texas.
Misguided Trucking Company Priorities
Oftentimes, a trucking company's commitment to meeting strict deadlines leads to improper loading, poor maintenance, and driver fatigue. The result is a greater likelihood of a catastrophic truck accident.
A company-wide commitment to ensuring proper maintenance of commercial trucks, driver training, correct cargo loading, and generally making driver safety a priority can prevent crashes caused by unrealistic company priorities.
Other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Unsecured or incorrectly loaded cargo
- Insufficient truck maintenance
- Failure to follow truck driving regulations
- Following too closely
Get Qualified Help Early From an Experienced Texas Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries in a truck accident in Southlake, Dallas, Fort Worth, or any other part of Texas, our highly skilled, experienced, and dedicated truck accident lawyers could help you obtain compensation for injuries and other damages. Michael Francis recognizes the dire nature of your situation and is committed to diligently defending your rights and interests. We're here to fight for you, so please don't wait to call us at 817-329-9001. Book your free initial consultation with The Francis Firm today.
Michael Francis
Michael Francis is the founding partner of the Francis Firm and Flynn & Francis, LLP and has spent more than twenty-five years litigating personal injury and commercial litigation cases throughout the state of Texas and across the country. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Michael focuses his legal practice on personal injury and business litigation cases, with a particular emphasis on trucking, motor vehicle and complex commercial litigation matters. Michael has more than twenty-five years of experience litigating cases throughout the State of Texas, against many of the largest corporations and insurance companies. He has secured verdicts and settlements for clients in excess of $20,000,000.