Trucking accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries to motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were more than 38,600 commercial vehicle accidents in the state of Texas in 2022, resulting in over 700 fatalities and 1,600 suspected injuries. These accidents occur for a myriad of reasons, but many of them are caused by driver error. Here are a few of the most common reasons for trucking accidents in Texas.
Distracted driving
Truck drivers are often expected to spend many continuous hours on the roadway to make sure goods are transported to their destinations on time. Drivers on these long trips may be more likely to engage in distracted driving behaviors such as texting, surfing the web, eating, and reading.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in general, but it can have an even more significant impact on truck accidents. Speeding can make it more difficult for trucks to stop in time to avoid an accident or cause the truck to jackknife, due to its size and weight.
Failure to secure cargo
Truckers and trucking companies are required to properly load and secure cargo prior to beginning a trip. Failure to do so may cause cargo to move out of place during transit, causing the truck to become imbalanced.
Drowsy driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) has hours-of-service regulations that drivers are expected to follow. Driving too many continuous hours, exceeding the limit of trips allowed per week, or failing to take adequate breaks may cause driver fatigue. Drowsy driving may result in critical driving mistakes that could cause accidents.
Truck accidents are rarely caused by any one factor. Generally, a combination of factors will contribute to the accident. Truck drivers, trucking companies, truck owners, manufacturers, and maintenance companies are potentially liable for any accidents that occur. If you are injured in a trucking accident, you may have the option of filing a personal injury claim for damages against any of these parties.
