The Texas economy relies on trucks in order to continue to thrive. However, the state leads the U.S. in the number of fatal trucking accidents that happen every year. More than 13% of them occur in the Lone Star State.
Truck accidents tend to be more serious than car accidents
The size of the average commercial truck dramatically impacts the severity of a crash. These vehicles may reach 80 feet in length and weigh thousands of pounds more than the average car. The additional weight makes it harder for the truck to react or stop in time, and the extra weight also results in the complete destruction of smaller vehicles. Paralysis, traumatic brain injury and death commonly occur as a result of truck accidents.
Driver error causes many truck accidents
Truck accidents commonly happen due to driver error. Examples of driver errors that lead to trucking accidents include:
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Failure to use proper signals
- Making wide turns
- Merging too quickly
- Reckless driving
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Substance abuse
- Failure to stay in their lane
Truck driver exhaustion plays a role in accidents
Truckers maintain long hours. Many truckers drive up to 14 hours in a single day in order to reach their destinations on time. The National Transportation Safety Board suggests that fatigue may be responsible for up to 40% of all trucking accidents.
Faulty or poorly maintained equipment contributes to accidents
Sometimes faulty equipment causes truck accidents. Brakes and tire failure can prevent even the best truck drivers from reacting safely.
Trucking accidents may create long-term health problems
If you are the victim of a trucking accident, you may be left with long-term health concerns. You can face large medical bills and an inability to work. If you can prove that the accident occurred due to faulty equipment or driver error, you may be able to be compensation for your losses.