Were You Injured in a Crash in the Permian Basin?
Large commercial trucks are appearing on Texas highways in increasing numbers. Lubbock is a growing city that has seen more trucks and truck accidents in recent years. In the most recent year for which statistics are available, there were two fatalities, 116 possible injuries, and 202 non-injury crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Lubbock County alone, as reported by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
When passenger cars collide with tractor-trailers, passenger vehicle occupants are more likely to suffer serious injuries or death. If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a Lubbock truck accident, our personal injury lawyers at Sorey & Gilliland, LLP can help.
Factors That Contribute to Truck Accidents
Commercial truck drivers are required to undergo special training, obtain commercial driver’s licenses, and follow specific regulations that establish safe conduct for both the driver and the trucking company. However, trucking companies make money by getting shipments delivered on time. The speed of delivery is also a factor in how much money truck drivers earn. Both drivers and companies may be tempted to cut corners to increase their profits, which can put the lives of others on the roadways at risk:
Violations of HOS Regulations
Truck drivers are subject to hours of service regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For example, they are only allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. When truckers continue to drive beyond the allowed limits, it can lead to fatigued driving and increased risk of a crash.
Speeding
Truck drivers may be inclined to exceed the speed limit to reach their destinations sooner. Large commercial trucks require more time and distance to stop than smaller, lighter vehicles. They run differently than passenger vehicles and are more difficult to control, particularly at higher speeds. Traveling at excessive speeds is illegal for any driver, and particularly dangerous for truck drivers.
Prescription and Non-Prescription Drug Use
Truck drivers are required to drive for many hours over long distances. They may rely on prescription or over-the-counter medications, or even illegal drugs, to weather the trip. Drugs can cause impaired driving and lead to accidents. Prescription drug use and over-the-counter drug use were two of the top ten factors associated with large trucks crashes in FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, as stated in its Analysis Brief.
Equipment Failure Due to Poor Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance are required by FMCSA for large commercial trucks. When trucking companies and drivers cut corners in these areas, it can lead to equipment failure and potentially fatal crashes. Common causes of truck accidents involving equipment failure include:
Driver Inexperience
Driving an 18-wheeler requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skill, and physical ability than driving a passenger vehicle, which is why a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required for truck drivers, and CDL holders are held to a higher standard. Trucking companies in the oil-and-gas-rich fields are desperate for drivers, but when they allow inexperienced drivers behind the wheel of a big rig, it can lead to deadly trucking accidents.
Holding Negligent Trucking Companies and Drivers Accountable
Whether the truck accident you were involved in was caused by fatigue, impairment, distraction, speeding, following too closely, or another serious driving error, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced Lubbock truck accident attorney as soon as possible. At Sorey & Gilliland, LLP, we have years of experience representing truck accident victims. We can thoroughly investigate your accident, negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court, if necessary. Call us at (903) 230-5600 for skilled and dedicated legal representation in a truck accident case.
