Commercial trucks and 18-wheelers flood Austin’s roads on a daily basis carrying large loads of cargo and shipments to their destination. Truck driving remains a dangerous profession, as drivers are on a tight deadline to reach their destination, sometimes resulting in reckless or negligent driving in order to do so. This fact alone poses a great threat for passenger vehicles on the road and increases the chance of serious injury and fatality for anyone involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler in Austin, it’s imperative you contact a team of Austin truck injury lawyers from Carabin Shaw to assist you with your case. Not only can we delve into the causes of trucking accidents in Austin to see which is applicable in your case, but we will work hard to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering you have endured.
Causes of Truck Accidents in AustinAustin truck accidents can be caused by a variety of circumstances, from the driver to the road conditions. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Austin for which you should seek the help of an experienced attorney include:
Driver fatigue: Although truck drivers are under specific regulations in regard to how long they should be operating their vehicle over long distances, drivers under tight deadlines and pressure to reach their destinations violate these regulations to achieve their goal. Driving fatigued can be just as detrimental as driving intoxicated, resulting in falling asleep at the wheel and serious accidents. Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of commercial vehicle and 18-wheeler accidents and the most deadly.
Distracted driving: Living in a tech-based world has only increased the number of distractions available to drivers on Austin roads. Distracted driving can involve eating on the road to avoid stops, texting or talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, and even using a GPS system that forces a driver to take hands off the wheel.
Drug and alcohol use: Using drugs or alcohol when operating any motor vehicle can cause serious accidents, but the consequences of a truck driver who is impaired by drugs or alcohol and operating an 80,000 pound vehicle can be outright devastating. Drugs and alcohol can slow the reaction time, perception, and judgement of drivers behind the wheel of a large 18-wheeler or commercial truck.
Weather conditions: Severe weather conditions can play a large role in serious 18-wheeler trucking accidents. Although snow is not prevalent in Austin, rain, sleet, and strong winds can cause truck drivers to easily lose control of their vehicle. Truck drivers should be properly trained prior to driving on how to navigate these extreme weather conditions.
Improperly trained drivers: Driving a truck weighing thousands of pounds is no easy feat; it requires ample training in order to understand how to control a vehicle so large. Although all truck drivers should be trained before taking to Austin roads, that is not always the case. Being unsure of how to operate a large 18-wheeler can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Speeding: Since truck drivers remain under tight deadlines to get shipments delivered, speeding often becomes a common cause of trucking accidents. Speeding in an 18-wheeler can result in losing control of the vehicle and the inability to stop safely if need be.
Improperly loaded cargo: Weight distribution is key to maintaining control of a large commercial truck or 18-wheeler. Should the truck be loaded improperly and weight not distributed evenly, accidents are likely to occur when the contents break free or shift their weight.
Contact Our Team of Experienced Attorneys TodayAt Carabin Shaw, our team of attorneys have seen the serious injuries and fatalities that can come from an Austin 18-wheeler accident. Our team boasts years of experience fighting for victims injured in 18-wheeler accidents caused by negligent truck drivers. We will work around the clock to hold the truck driver and/or trucking company responsible for the pain and suffering you have experienced.
Carabin Shaw’s attorneys work on a contingency basis, and our first consultation is free. If you or someone you know has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact the attorneys of Carabin Shaw today toll free at 800-862-1260 or locally at 512-832-1101.