Truck accidents occur at a staggering rate in Texas and New Mexico, and across the nation. Over 4,100 people died in large truck collisions in a recent year, as reported by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). 84% of the fatalities were occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists – not the truck driver. A large percentage of truck accidents are the result of trucking company negligence. Truck drivers may be pressured to drive beyond the federally regulated hours of service, truck maintenance may be neglected, inspections not performed, or inexperienced or untrained drivers put behind the wheel – with innocent people paying the price.
Inexperienced and Poorly Trained Drivers
Truck drivers have a responsibility to ensure their drivers have the experience and training needed to operate commercial trucks safely. Truck drivers must have the skills to immediately respond to changing road, weather, and traffic conditions to avoid accidents, and that experience is gained through intensive training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies are often in a bind, without enough drivers on the road to meet their deadlines – and inexperienced drivers are put behind the wheel. This practice puts all others sharing the highways at risk.
Tired Drivers
Trucking companies make their money by delivering freights on time, and may put heavy pressure on drivers to deliver within a tight time frame – even when the driver needs rest and is required to comply with hours of service regulations, or weather conditions are affecting the ability to deliver on time. A tired truck driver has a slower response time, reduced awareness, and may fall asleep at the wheel.
Background Checks
Background checks are legally required to ensure any driver hired by a trucking company has a record that indicates they will be safe on the road. In some cases, trucking companies will neglect the background check entirely, or will “fail to notice” a red flag on the background check in an effort to get more drivers on the road.
Lack of Truck Maintenance and Repair
Trucks are legally required to have routine maintenance to ensure the vehicle is in good working order at all times. A large number of trucking accidents are due to brake failure, a common indicator that the maintenance was ignored – which is an act of negligence.
Intentional and Unlawful Alteration of Truck Safety Systems
In some cases, trucking companies have altered the braking systems to reduce wear, or other modifications to lower costs. Such modifications are illegal, and when discovered, establish the negligence of the trucking company.
Why You Need an Attorney
Determining who’s liable in a trucking accident can be complicated, as many parties and individuals are responsible for the overall safety and operation of a large truck. Establishing liability is the job of an attorney. Trucking companies are supported by teams of high-powered defense lawyers, tasked with reducing the value injury claims. To protect your right to fair compensation, you must be represented by a Texas truck accident lawyer with an extensive record of success in negotiating the terms of a settlement or presenting a persuasive case to a jury.
Let Us Help You Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, our attorneys at Sorey & Hoover, LLP, are here to help. We have the knowledge and experience needed to pursue the maximum compensation, and we do not back down. Contact us today at (903) 230-5600 to schedule your free consultation.
