Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

One rule limits when a commercial vehicle driver can be behind the wheel or on the clock. The hours-of-service regulations for commercial drivers specify when a truck driver can drive. The regulations require • 14-hour duty limit (minimum 10 hours of rest after 14 hours on duty) • 11-hour driving limit (minimum 10 hours rest after 11 total driving hours) • 60/70-hour duty limit Proof of violations helps us make the company pay fair compensation to people injured. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we are skilled at finding law violations. Our Texas law firm reviews logbooks, cell phone records, and cross-references load to discover rule violations.

Truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some trucking companies simply turn drivers loose on the highways to deliver the loads. At the Baumgartner Law Firm, we believe that merely having a CDL is insufficient safety training. Extra training is necessary for a commercial driver operating a vehicle weighing 80,000 pounds. Motor carriers must ensure that their drivers are adequately trained and manage the safety of the drivers and vehicles. Ongoing safety training must be a part of all motor carrier operations. We have expertise in evaluating the safety programs of motor carriers and using the evidence to win cases.

Further, the regulations require truck drivers to check the semi-truck before beginning any trip. The truck driver must inspect air lines and compressor brakes, fuel systems, lights, steering, safety equipment, axles coupling devices, wheels and tires, and other equipment. When the trip ends, the commercial vehicle driver must re-examine the truck. And each item is covered in their driver’s daily vehicle inspection reports. Not following safety regulations can cause accidents. All dangerous conditions or defects must be in such reports. The driver must report it to the motor carrier before taking the big rig on another trip. Failure to inspect or act on inspections can be significant evidence of negligence. We have won many lawsuits where we proved a violation of the safety regulations.

Driver fatigue is a serious problem. Fatigue accounts for one-quarter of fatal and severe accidents each year. Most commercial truck drivers work under hectic and tight schedules that put them under immense pressure. Failure to deliver the loads on time can get reprimands from their employers. Unreasonable schedules push most drivers to work longer hours than permitted under regulations. Without adequate sleep, the driver is much more likely to crash. Over the years, we have found many instances of truckers cheating on log books to earn more money.

Speeding causes many severe crashes. Large trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, about 20 times more than an average car. Speeding with such massive weight makes the trucks challenging to control or stop in traffic. A big rig takes one-third longer to stop than a car or pickup. Add in speed, and the stopping problem for 18-wheelers gets worse. Truckers know they must allow more space between their truck and vehicles ahead. We have won lawsuits where the failure to maintain an assured clear distance and control the speed were a cause of a crash.

Truck overloading is not only a safety concern but also a cost concern. Commercial trucks must carry loads up to specific limits. An overloaded vehicle poses a safety risk. Truck overloading is not only a safety concern but also a cost concern. Commercial trucks must carry loads up to specific limits. An overloaded vehicle poses a safety risk. Our law firm has represented both truck drivers and other motorists when an improperly loaded big rig causes an accident.

The main defective condition that our trucking accident firm sees is where the brakes are not properly operating, leading to a rear-end crash. Other things such as defective seat belts and deficient tires can cause injury or an accident.

DWI accounts for up to 28 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. When a truck driver is drunk, the consequences can be devastating. Alcohol or drug use by a CDL holder can lead to punitive damages after a commercial vehicle crash.