Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas

Every day, hundreds of thousands of 18-wheelers travel across Texas, ensuring goods are delivered where needed. However, this sheer number of trucks means a high number of truck accidents, with common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Texas being fatigue, speeding, and even mechanical failure. These can come with devastating consequences.

Frequent Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The most recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation reports that 38,909 commercial motor vehicle crashes occurred in 2023. Large commercial trucks like 18-wheelers can cause devastating accidents due to their size and weight. While some accidents are caused by the driver, others are caused by other factors.

Truck Driver

• Fatigue from long work hours
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
• Reckless driving, such as speeding and aggressive driving
• Distracted driving from cell phone use, adjusting the radio, etc.
• Failing to check blind spots
• Poor maintenance if they own their truck

Trucking Company

• Hiring unqualified drivers or failing to conduct background checks
• Insufficiently training employees
• Setting tight deadlines or encouraging long hours
• Neglecting maintenance or failing to inspect vehicles
• Ignoring safety violations
• Falsifying logs
• Overloading trucks
• Improperly securing cargo

Truck Manufacturer

• Manufacturing defective parts
• Overlooking known issues with parts

Other Parties

• Maintenance companies that cause mechanical failure due to negligent maintenance or repair work
• Government entities responsible for designing or maintaining roads might have missed putting in traffic signs or not maintaining the road surface

Poor Road Conditions and Bad Weather

• Potholes or uneven surfaces
• Unclear or missing road signs
• Narrow or poorly designed roads
• Construction zones
• Debris on the road
• Reduced visibility from rain, fog, snow, or dust
• Slippery roads from snow or ice
• High winds

What Precautions Should I Take to Protect Myself While Driving?

Driving around large trucks can be intimidating due to their size and how they operate. There are some precautions you can take to protect yourself and drive more safely around 18-wheelers.

One of the safest things you can do is maintain a safe following distance. Trucks need significantly more room to stop, so provide them with ample space. You should also stay out of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirrors, they most likely can’t see you either. When you are passing them, pass on the left so the driver is more likely to see you, and do not move in front of them unless you can see the truck’s entire front end in your rearview mirror.

Be patient and understanding because trucks require more space when making turns and are slower to start from a stop. Avoid tailgating them in these situations because driving too closely behind a truck will restrict your view and reduce your reaction time.

Also, avoid distractions and do not drive defensively. This will make the roads safer for everyone, including you and other motorists.

How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help

A serious truck accident can be a life-altering event that impacts both your health and finances. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Texas, making the right choices in the aftermath can be frightening and stressful.

Our team at Renick Law Firm, PLLC, is dedicated to helping those impacted by truck accidents. We have the experience and resources to pursue justice and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

We can:

• Explain your legal rights and avenues available to you
• Conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the accident
• Calculate the full value of your claim
• Ensure all paperwork is done accurately and on time
• Negotiate with insurance companies to fight for a fair and just settlement for you
• File a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve

FAQs

What Causes Most 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas?

The causes of most 18-wheeler accidents in Texas are driver fatigue, distracted driving such as using a cell phone or eating, speeding, improper lane changes, mechanical failures like tire blowouts or brake issues, and bad weather conditions like rain, fog, ice, or high winds that create hazardous road conditions.

What Should I Do if I’m Involved in an Accident With an 18-Wheeler?

If you have been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you first must ensure that everyone involved is safe or receiving medical attention. Even if the accident seems minor and nobody is hurt, you should call 911 to create an official record of the accident. It is recommended that you consult an attorney experienced in truck accidents to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for any damages.

Are There Legal Regulations to Prevent 18-Wheeler Accidents?

Yes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations for hours of service, driver licensing, training and medical certifications, maintenance requirements, cargo securement mandates, and drug and alcohol testing. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets weight limits and size restrictions and regulates safety equipment like lights, brakes, and reflectors.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Truck Accident?

In Texas, multiple parties could be held liable for a truck accident, depending on the specifics. The most common party held liable is the truck driver, but trucking companies, the cargo company, truck mechanics, truck manufacturers, government entities, and other parties could be held liable. Determining liability can be complex, so consulting with a truck accident attorney can help with pinpointing liability and pursuing legal action.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

What compensation you can recover after a truck accident will depend on the specifics of the case. There are economic damages that are intended to cover your financial losses, such as medical expenses, wages, and property damage. There are also non-economic damages that compensate for non-financial impacts, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Reach Out to Renick Law Firm, PLLC, After an 18-Wheeler Accident

The seasoned legal team at Renick Law Firm, PLLC, recognizes the severe impact of 18-wheeler accidents, both physically and emotionally. We know that these accidents create a complex situation of medical, financial, and legal challenges. If you have been affected by a truck accident, contact us today so we can discuss your case.