Commercial vehicle accidents are a major issue across the nation, but especially in Texas. Each year, Texas leads the nation in the number of eighteen wheeler accidents. But although most people are aware of the dangers of large commercial trucks, people are too often unaware of the leading causes of big rig crashes. That’s why the attorneys serving San Antonio at Carabin Shaw have compiled a list of the causes and effects of commercial trucking accidents in Texas. Read on to learn more from our expert San Antonio trucking injury lawyers, and to find out how to choose an accident attorney in San Antonio if you’ve been involved in a big rig wreck.
Leading Causes of Big Rig Accidents 1. SpeedingThe number one cause of big rig accidents is speeding. Eighteen wheelers have significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, and speeding increases these stopping distances—making the trucks more dangerous for everyone on the road.
2. Driver FatigueAnother leading cause of big rig accidents is driver fatigue. Too often, trucking companies enforce strict schedules and set tight deadlines for their drivers, sometimes imposing penalties for late arrivals or deliveries. Additionally, many truckers are paid by the mile and not by the hour. These factors and others lead many truckers to continue driving even while exhausted in order to stay on schedule—despite the fact that drowsy driving puts everyone on the road at risk.
3. Driving While IntoxicatedTruckers have a greater risk of substance abuse than workers in other professions, and impaired driving is a big problem within the trucking industry. Truck driving can be monotonous, exhausting, and lonely—and all of these things can lead to substance abuse problems. If you’re unsure whether or not driver intoxication factored into your accident with a commercial vehicle, an experienced 18 wheeler accident injury attorney may be able to help.
The Disastrous Effects of Trucking AccidentsOur San Antonio trucking injury lawyers know all too well that trucking accidents are a huge problem facing our society today. According to The New York Times, more people will be killed in crashes involving large trucks this year than have died in all of the domestic commercial airline crashes over the past 45 years combined—and trucking fatalities are on the rise. The same article reports that large trucks are disproportionately involved in fatal crashes compared to other vehicles.
Furthermore, the CDC estimates that truck and bus crashes annually cost the economy $99 billion.
The trucking industry has resisted changes that would improve safety, citing costs and arguing that such changes would hurt consumers by raising shipping rates. But the data is undeniable—commercial vehicles are responsible for hundreds of thousands of accidents every year and thousands of deaths. Something needs to change.
Hurt in a Trucking Accident in Texas? You Need a Lawyer NowKnowing the causes and effects of commercial trucking accidents in Texas is important, but unfortunately it won’t prevent you from being hurt in a crash. If you’ve been hurt in a wreck and need to find a qualified accident attorney in San Antonio, our team is here to help. Here at Carabin Shaw, our 18 wheeler accident injury attorneys have 200 years of combined legal experience and have been helping Texans for more than two decades, and we want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our talented lawyers have recovered more than $500 million in compensation for our clients, and we will do everything we can to maximize the value of your claim so you can pay your medical bills and get your life back on track.
We offer all new clients a no cost, no obligation consultation with an attorney. So call Carabin Shaw’s San Antonio office today at 210-222-2288 to schedule your free consultation, and to learn how our San Antonio trucking injury lawyers can help.