Top Five Causes of Truck Accidents in Southeast Texas
Hurt in a semi-truck accident in Texas? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for any non-economic losses. Tractor trailer wrecks can happen for a wide variety of different reasons. Though, most of these wrecks could have been avoidable with the proper safety precautions. At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, we handle all types of eighteen wheeler accident cases. Here, our Houston semi-truck accident attorney provides an overview of the top five causes of crashes in Texas.
- Undertrained Drivers
Operating a commercial truck requires skill and training. It is by no means an easy thing to do. Truck companies that operate in Southeast Texas have a legal responsibility to ensure that their drivers are licensed (they need a CDL) and are properly trained. Commercial truck driving requires specialized knowledge and skills. In Southeast Texas, companies sometimes put undertrained drivers on the road due to labor shortages or cost-cutting measures. Drivers without proper training may struggle with wide turns, braking distances, or handling hazardous weather.
- Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of catastrophic truck accidents. Tractor-trailers require far more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for weather and traffic conditions, the risks rise dramatically. Notably, speeding increases both the risk of a crash and the resulting severity of an accident that happened.
- Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is dangerous driving. Fatigue remains one of the deadliest risks in the trucking industry. Long-haul drivers often face pressure to meet strict delivery schedules, which can lead to violations of federal hours-of-service rules. A fatigued trucker’s reaction time and decision-making abilities are greatly impaired, similar to drunk driving.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of serious truck crashes in Southeast Texas. Truck drivers may be tempted to use cell phones, adjust GPS devices, or eat while behind the wheel. Even a few seconds of inattention at highway speeds can result in disaster. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous. A distracted trucker can and should be held liable for a crash in Texas.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies and drivers have a legal duty to inspect and maintain their vehicles. Unfortunately, poor maintenance is a widespread issue in the industry. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and defective lights often contribute to deadly accidents in Southeast Texas. Cutting corners on upkeep to save money can create major risks for everyone on the road. Truck companies should never put profits before people.
Contact Our Houston, TX Semi-Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Houston semi-truck accident attorney is a strong advocate for justice. Hurt in a commercial truck crash? You do not have to take on the legal claim process alone. Give us a call now or contact us online for your free, no obligation initial consultation. With a law office in Houston, we fight for truck accident victims throughout all of Southeast Texas.
