Posted by: Kemmy Law Firm
Semi-trucks are essential in many industries in Texas, including oil and gas, cattle production, and more. Those big rigs clog up Texas highways and increase the risk of trucking accidents. In fact, in 2021, there were 38,149 total commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas. It is important to know the leading causes of truck accidents to help prevent future cases.
Between May 2021 and April 2022, more than 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 10.8 trillion cubic feet of gas were produced in Texas. It takes a lot of big trucks to haul those products. This booming industry has increased the frequency of trucking accidents throughout Texas.
Many counties with the most oil production see a high rate of commercial truck crashes. The top 10 crude oil-producing counties include:
Many counties surrounding these locations also have a high crash rate because trucks travel through them.
Like all motor vehicle accidents, the most common cause of trucking accidents can be attributed to human error. However, other factors could be at play.
One of the primary causes of trucking accidents includes equipment failure due to improper maintenance and inspection. Equipment may also be defective and cause a big truck crash. It’s vital that drivers inspect their trucks before and after every trip. Companies must properly maintain their fleet. If any dangerous equipment is noticed, it should be replaced or fixed right away.
Most maintenance failure includes:
Trucking companies, manufacturers, and drivers can all be held accountable when equipment failure causes a crash.
The cargo must be properly loaded on a truck bed, including strapping it down and evenly distributing the weight. Improper loading can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle or jackknife on the road, all of which may lead to a severe truck accident. Truck drivers, contractors, and shippers may be held responsible for improper cargo loading.
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers receive proper training. Drivers who own their own companies may also be accountable for their knowledge of regulations. However, many truck driving courses push drivers through quickly, and those individuals do not have enough understanding of the challenges they will face on the road. Novice truck drivers often cause accidents, and multiple parties may be at fault.
Federal trucking regulations keep drivers from going long hours without breaks, and employers should enforce those laws. However, trucking companies often force drivers to push themselves to work more hours and sleep as little as possible. Some drivers resort to taking drugs to stay awake. The combination of fatigue and intoxication can result in slower response times, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
Many trucking accidents are caused by distracted driving. Truckers must pay attention to many things while on the road, including their radio and GPS device. They may also be distracted by illegal cell phone use or eating and drinking while driving. Driving a truck is demanding, and any distraction can lead to a higher risk of a crash.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, Kemmy Law Firm is here. We have a compassionate team of legal professionals dedicated to helping you move forward with life. Call us today at 844-334–4388 to learn your options.
Get a free consultation. We do not charge up-front fees, and you owe nothing unless you recover compensation.
When you work with us at Kemmy Law Firm, you are working with a family run firm with more than 50 years of combined experience. We are dedicated and successful trial attorneys practicing in West TX, Hobbs, NM, Midland-Odessa, and across the Permian Basin. Our team handles everything from catastrophic injury claims to complex business matters. We are here to fight for you. We dedicate our time and attention to your case and use every resource available to maximize your claim and obtain the best possible outcome.
