Facts About Trucking Accidents

When referring to trucking accidents, the different types of trucks involved can be commercial trucks such as 18 wheelers, tractor trailers, semi trucks or other large freight carriers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, commercial truck accidents account for 98% of traffic fatalities involving auto drivers each year.

Trucks are much larger and heavier than regular cars, and 77% of those injured in truck collisions and 86% of those actually killed are driving smaller vehicles than the truck they collided with. Accidents caused by truck drivers often involve some sort of negligence on the part of the driver, the trucking company or possibly both parties and can result in serious permanent injury or death for the victims.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents:   

Following are some of the more common causes of trucking accidents.                                                 

• Driver stress
• Exhaustion
• DUI (driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
• Driver inattention
• Driving with an improperly loaded truck causing tipping, jack-knifing and so on. (Too much weight can cause problems as well.)
• Driving with an unsecured load (many items or various types wind up falling out of the back or trucks causing serious problems on freeways and highways.)
• Truck not properly maintained (bad brakes, steering, and so on)
• Negligent driving including speeding, unsafe turns, violations of traffic laws
• Bad weather conditions

Some companies have their drivers on strict time lines and drivers make errors trying to meet deadlines but this is no excuse when an accident arises. If you have been involved in a trucking accident, contact a personal injury attorney immediately. At the Doan Law Firm, this is an area of personal injury law that we practice in the Houston area.

One of our experienced trucking accident lawyers can begin gathering evidence and investigating the case to help you get compensation for any injury you may have incurred and file a claim against the responsible party. Seeking competent help is vital to success in a case. Any money you recover may have a direct impact on your being able to move forward again in your life. We will aggressively fight for your rights as a victim and help you through this difficult time.   

Contact a Trucking Accident Attorney at our office today for a free consultation and we will go over the details of your case.