Leading Causes for 18 Wheeler Accidents in Dallas
All over Texas, and especially in Dallas, there has been a marked uptick in the amount of commercial truck traffic on the roadways in the past few years. While this increase of activity is a sign of a good economy and a thriving trade, there is also often a corresponding increase in accidents, and a Dallas 18 wheeler crash can be a particularly devastating event.
In order to remain safe on the road, you need to be aware of the leading causes for 18 wheeler accidents in Dallas so you can make sure to drive cautiously. And keep in mind, the reason an 18 wheeler accident in Dallas can be so destructive is because trucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles — and lead to death and serious injury far more often than standard car accidents.
In this article, the qualified attorneys at Carabin Shaw, who specialize in working with Dallas 18 wheeler accidents, cover some of the most common truck accident causes.
Fatigued DrivingThere can be many reasons for an 18 wheeler accident in Dallas, but fatigue — especially among truck drivers — is often involved. Unfortunately, some trucking companies encourage their drivers to stay on the road longer than they should, in order to meet tight deadlines and save the company a few extra dollars.
But as any attorney will tell you, when you’re tired, your reaction time is slowed and it’s more difficult to pay attention and remain alert. Because large trucks require more time to slow down and avoid accidents, however, driving while fatigued can often result in catastrophe.
Driving While DistractedThe day to day routine of a commercial truck driver is demanding, as it requires long hours at the wheel, and this can sometimes get boring. Unfortunately, though, if a truck driver decides to break the monotony of the day by looking at their phone, or texting — even for a moment — tragedy can ensue. When someone is driving a vehicle of that size, they must give their complete attention to the road at all times.
Reckless DrivingAs mentioned earlier, truck drivers are sometimes under immense pressure to deliver their packages under extremely tight deadlines, and this may, unfortunately, lead them to drive recklessly and aggressively. This includes speeding, which is not only illegal, but also extremely dangerous for a truck that requires more time and space to come to a stop.
This type of reckless driving may also include other forms of not following the rules of the road, such as making illegal U-turns, changing lanes haphazardly, or not using turn signals.
Driving While IntoxicatedDriving while drunk or under the influence of any kind of drugs or alcohol is of course illegal, and extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, it still happens all the time in our country, and can easily cause an 18 wheeler accident in Dallas. If you’ve been in an accident in Dallas and suspect that drugs or alcohol were involved, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
Contacting a Truck Accident Attorney in DallasThe truth is, anything at all can be responsible for a crash on the road, but these are some of the leading causes of 18 wheeler accidents in Dallas that you should be aware of. If you’ve been in a Dallas 18 wheeler crash recently, you may be confused and wondering what to do next. We recommend you call the office of Carabin Shaw and speak to one of our experienced attorneys who specialize in Dallas 18 wheeler accident cases.
We offer a free initial consultation to everyone, and there is absolutely no obligation to hire us. Call us at 1-800-862-1260 to speak with a lawyer today.