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Truck accidents in Texas can have devastating consequences, often resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. You may wonder what caused the crash if you have been injured in a truck accident in Houston, TX. Understanding these accidents’ common causes is crucial for drivers and victims seeking justice. Many factors can cause truck accidents in Texas, such as its large road network and heavy traffic. The truck accident lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm lists the top causes of truck accidents in the Lone Star State.
![Common causes of truck accidents](https://baumgartnerlawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/What-causes-truck-accidents_-1024x683.jpg)
Determining the Cause of a Truck Accident
For over 35 years, the Baumgartner Law Firm has been protecting the rights of truck accident victims. In your case, one of the first things we will do is determine who is at fault and why. Texas is a fault state, which requires that we prove negligence by the truck driver, trucking company, or some third party. To win a lawsuit against a truck driver, one must prove fault.
After studying truck accidents for 35 years, we found the most common causes of big truck accidents in Texas.
Read More: What does a truck accident lawyer do?
Truck Driver Error
Professional truckers are required to have special training and must follow safety regulations. Yet driver error is the leading cause of injury in truck wrecks. Most car accidents happen because of driver mistakes like following too closely or not paying attention.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often drive tired due to long hours, busy schedules, and tight deadlines, pushing themselves to their limits. Fatigue can impair their judgment, slow their reaction time, and increase the likelihood of accidents. Logbooks are required to keep track of hours for truckers.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers can get distracted by activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. These distractions can increase the likelihood of accidents. With larger vehicles like trucks, the consequences of distracted driving can be catastrophic.
Failing to Keep a Proper Lookout
Because semi-trucks require much longer to stop, keeping a proper lookout is vital to avoiding rear-end crashes. Failing to watch the blind spots and changing lanes also causes many collisions.
Speeding
Excessive speed is a significant factor in many truck accidents. Due to their size and weight, trucks require more time to stop, making high-speed situations especially dangerous. Speeding makes it harder for truck drivers to react to traffic changes and makes crashes more severe. Getting the black box or event data recorder is vital if speeding is suspected after a truck crash.
Improper Maintenance
Neglecting regular maintenance and failing to address mechanical issues can lead to truck accidents. Problems with brakes, tires, lights, or steering can cause accidents. These issues may result in losing control of the vehicle. This can lead to a serious accident. Negligent maintenance is a big problem in Texas. Big rigs that are not in safe operating condition should be placed out-of-service and not driven until safe.
Truck drivers need to check their vehicle for safety problems every day. Trucking companies must make sure the inspections are done and issues fixed.
Inadequate Training
Truck drivers require specialized training to operate these large vehicles safely. Lack of proper training can lead to poor decision-making, improper handling of the truck, and an increased risk of accidents. Our experienced semi truck accident attorney also looks closely at the training the driver has received. We have handled numerous cases in which the trucking company’s negligence in hiring the driver was an issue.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks
Overloading a truck or improperly distributing the cargo’s weight can harm the truck’s stability and maneuverability. This can lead to rollovers, jackknifes, or cargo spilling onto the road, causing accidents. Baumgartner Law Firm has helped many truck drivers injured after a rollover accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous and illegal practice. Impaired judgment, slower reflexes, and decreased coordination can all contribute to truck accidents. Truckers must get drug tested after fatal accidents or if they were cited with a violation for causing the wreck.
Bad Weather Conditions
Texas is known for its unpredictable weather, including heavy rain, fog, and high winds. These adverse weather conditions can make truck driving more challenging, increasing the risk of accidents. The regulations require a driver to stop driving if the conditions require it.
Improperly Parked Trucks
Truck accidents often occur when the driver has vehicle issues and stops on the side of the road to park the truck. The safety regulations specify actions the truck driver must follow to prevent a crash. When the driver does not follow the rules, accidents happen.
Failure to Follow Safety Rules and Traffic Laws
Breaking traffic rules like running red lights or changing lanes improperly can cause truck accidents. Truck drivers must follow all traffic and safety regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Texas, seeking legal representation from a top-rated personal injury attorney in Houston is crucial. A skilled attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and fight for your rights to ensure you receive full damages.
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What are the Most Frequent Types of Truck Crashes in Texas?
In Texas, truck accidents are a common occurrence on our roads. Our state has a lot of commercial trucks and highways. It’s important for drivers to know the common types of truck accidents. This knowledge will help them stay safe while driving.
Rear-end Collisions
A rear-end collision is one of Texas’s most common types of truck accidents. This occurs when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. Due to the large size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the truck cab. This can occur due to sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or driver error. Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous as they can block multiple lanes of traffic and involve multiple vehicles.
Underride Collisions
Underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a truck. These accidents are often catastrophic, as the top of the smaller vehicle can be sheared off upon impact. Underride collisions can occur when a truck suddenly stops or a smaller vehicle fails to maintain a safe distance.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are very dangerous. They can cause serious injuries or deaths for the truck driver and other vehicles involved.
Wide Turn Accidents
Wide turn accidents occur when a truck driver fails to make a correct turn. This causes the truck to swing out and collide with other vehicles or objects. These accidents are often the result of driver error or negligence and can lead to significant damage and injuries.
Left Turn Truck Accidents
A common type of truck accident is a left-turn crash. In this type of accident, a truck driver usually fails to yield the right of way, causing the accident. Left-turn crashes often result in a T-bone collision.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle, leading to an accident. The sudden loss of tire pressure can cause the truck to veer into other lanes or even roll over. Tire blowouts can occur due to improper tire maintenance or manufacturing defects.
Blind Spot Accidents
![Blind Spot Accident Cases](https://baumgartnerlawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/blind-spot-1024x409.png)
Trucks have large blind spots, or “no-zones,” where drivers cannot see other vehicles. Accidents can happen when truck drivers change lanes or merge without checking their blind spots. These accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities for drivers in smaller vehicles.
Load Shift Accidents
When improperly secured or loaded, cargo can shift during transit and cause the truck to become unbalanced. This can lead to the truck tipping over or losing control, resulting in an accident. Load shift accidents can be caused by improper loading techniques or inadequate cargo securing.
If you have been involved in any truck accident in Texas, seeking legal representation from a top-rated personal injury attorney is crucial. They can help you navigate the complex legal process.
Driver Fatigue as a Cause of Truck Accidents?
![How driver fatigue can cause a wreck](https://baumgartnerlawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/How-fatigue-can-casue-a-truck-accident-1024x683.jpg)
Driver fatigue is a significant contributing factor to truck accidents in Texas. Tired truck drivers have slower reactions, focus less, and make worse decisions, making accidents more likely. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, responsible for approximately 13% of all commercial motor vehicle crashes.
Truck drivers may not get enough sleep due to long hours, tight schedules, and demanding delivery deadlines while on the road. Fatigue can be caused by various factors, including lack of sleep, untreated sleep disorders, working long hours without breaks, and irregular sleep patterns.
Tired truck drivers cause many crashes each year. These crashes result in property damage, medical expenses, and lost productivity in the industry. Preventing truck accidents in Texas starts with holding drivers and motor carriers accountable for breaking the rules.
Federal Safety Regulations Limit the Hours of a Commercial Driver
![How many hours can a truck driver drive?](https://baumgartnerlawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-many-hours-can-a-truck-driver-drive_-1024x706.jpg)
To prevent tired drivers, the FMCSA made rules limiting how long truck drivers can drive without resting. HOS rules make sure truck drivers get enough rest and sleep to drive safely.
However, despite these regulations, driver fatigue continues to cause truck accidents in Texas. The impact of driver fatigue cannot be underestimated, as it impairs a truck driver’s ability to react quickly and make sound judgments while on the road. This can lead to devastating consequences for the truck driver and other motorists sharing the road.
Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines and cover long distances within a limited timeframe. As a result, many drivers compromise on sleep and rest, leading to fatigue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for thousands of accidents and fatalities each year.
One of the first issues we investigate after a truck crash is the driver’s working hours. We have found many instances of drivers cheating on the hours and driving when they were legally prohibited from operating a big rig.
Read More: Why are Settlements Larger for Truck Crashes?
Do I Need an Attorney to File a Lawsuit After a Crash Involving a Semi-Truck Trailer?
Yes, hiring a lawyer when filing a lawsuit after a crash involving a semi-truck is highly recommended. Dealing with personal injury cases resulting from truck accidents can be complex, and having a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer on your side can greatly increase your chances of success. Hire an expert truck accident attorney ASAP to improve your chances of winning.
Although the laws governing truck accident claims may share similarities with those about car accidents, the legal process for truck accidents is notably different. One key aspect is that commercial trucking companies often have their adjustors and may self-insure for a substantial amount. This means that a significant portion of the damages awarded in a lawsuit may come directly from the company’s funds. As a result, these companies diligently scrutinize lawsuits for weaknesses, aiming to avoid payouts whenever possible.
Additionally, an attorney will play a crucial role in establishing the truck driver’s employment status involved in the accident. It’s important to show that the driver worked for the trucking company and not as a contractor. Also, check if extra insurance can cover the claims.
It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer who knows about truck accidents. They can help you navigate the legal system and deal with any difficulties or problems that may arise. Truck accident lawyers with experience can help you get the compensation you deserve by building a strong case for you.
Why Choose Baumgartner Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Case?
Our truck accident attorney has handled lawsuits against truck drivers and trucking companies for over 35 years. We have represented hundreds of victims of collisions with semi-trucks and other commercial vehicle accidents. Throughout all that time, we have remained UNDEFEATED in truck accident cases.
Put your trust in a peer-reviewed, preeminent-rated trucking accident attorney who will treat you like family.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, We Also Focus on these Practice Areas
Since 1985, Baumgartner Law Firm has limited our law practice to serious personal injury cases. Our lawyers have helped many accident victims get the most money possible. They have recovered millions for people like you. The practice areas we focus on are the following:
· Auto & Car Accidents
· Catastrophic and Severe Injuries
· Construction Site Accidents
· Daycare Negligence & Child Injury
· Dram Shop Lawsuits
· Drunk Driving Accidents
· Lyft Accidents
· Motorcycle Accidents
· Personal Injury
· Uber Accidents
· Work Injury
· Wrongful Death
Get an Expert Truck Accident Lawyer with Decades of Experience
Baumgartner Law Firm has won truck accident injury and wrongful death cases for over 35 years. We know how to win truck accident lawsuits and are undefeated in truck wreck cases. Don’t delay; you should immediately hire a truck accident lawyer.
Put Baumgartner Law Firm’s expertise in trucking accident cases to work on your injury case.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
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Related FAQs
Do you make house calls or hospital visits?
What kind of cases do you accept?
We are very selective in the cases that we agree to handle to provide the best possible service to our clients. By limiting the number of cases that we accept, we can provide the time attention, and resources required to maximize compensation for our clients.
Accordingly, our practice is limited to cases involving substantial injury or a family who has lost a loved one. We have gained a reputation for handling 18-wheeler truck accidents, car and drunk driving crashes, daycare injury cases, and other serious injury and wrongful death matters. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page.
Do I have to pay money out of my pocket to hire you?
Do you handle all types of personal injury cases?
No, we are very selective in the cases that we agree to accept. We intentionally limit the number of cases that we handle and the practice areas for the cases we take to provide the best possible personal service for our clients. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page or you can contact us for individual consultation about your case. (281) 587-1111.
What is the best way to contact you?
We prefer to be contacted by telephone and also respond to our online consultation requests. You can call us 24/7 at (281) 587-1111. We offer Zoom consultations as well.
How successful have you been with your cases?
We are a personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience and are extremely proud of our winning track record of success. Our founder is nationally recognized as among the best personal injury lawyers in the USA. We are undefeated in truck accident cases, wrongful death cases, and daycare negligence and invite you to check out our results page for recent results in cases we won.
For the last 35 years, we have concentrated on maximizing our client’s compensation in serious injury and wrongful death cases. If you are looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Houston – Call us! (281) 587-1111.
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"I can never express how grateful me and my family are to Greg Baumgartner and his team of truck accident lawyers in Houston. He took care of our injury case and got us a great settlement. Thank you for a job well done!"
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