A Texas truck accident lawyer understands that unsafe trucking practices lead to approximately 100,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. These numbers represent a sobering reality about the cost of modern commerce. Large commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, semis, big-rigs, and other types of commercial vehicles can cause immense damage when even a small error occurs. Trucking accidents in Texas can be caused by any number of unsafe practices, and victims of these collisions often need experienced legal representation to recover damages.
When someone is injured in a truck accident, consulting with a Texas truck accident attorney becomes critical. Unsafe trucking practices are often at the root of these catastrophic collisions. The financial and physical toll on victims can be severe, which is why understanding the causes of truck accidents matters. Carabin Shaw’s attorneys have worked with numerous clients harmed by negligent trucking operations, and they recognize the patterns of behavior that lead to preventable crashes.
Drivers Falling Asleep at the Wheel
Truckers earn their wages by spending time on the road and by quickly delivering their goods. This creates a powerful incentive that can lead to disaster when drivers push themselves beyond safe limits. Some truck drivers overextend themselves and drive too long under poor personal physical conditions, which often results in a driver falling asleep at the wheel. The consequences can be devastating for both the driver and others sharing the road.
Congress recently chose to extend the number of possible hours a truck driver is allowed to legally drive from ten hours to eleven hours. Adding that extra hour may not seem significant, but in practice it has created additional opportunities for unsafe trucking practices. Federal regulations exist to address this exact concern. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, has established rules and regulations that define the necessary limits of fatigue and other factors relating to commercial truck drivers. More here
Article 392.3: Ill or Fatigued Operator
The FMCSA regulation states: “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.”
This regulation exists because the dangers of fatigued driving are well-documented and severe. Yet despite these clear rules, truck companies and their employees frequently bend or break them in pursuit of greater profits. When a fatigued driver causes an accident, victims may have grounds for a personal injury claim against both the driver and the trucking company.
Excessive Speed and Delivery Schedules
Because truck drivers can earn more the more quickly they deliver their products, many are incentivized to exceed safe speeds. The FMCSA has also addressed this issue through specific regulations:
Article 392.6: Schedules to Conform with Speed Limits
The regulation states: “No motor carrier shall schedule a run nor permit nor require the operation of any commercial motor vehicle between points in such period of time as would necessitate the commercial vehicle being operated at speeds greater than those prescribed by the jurisdictions in or through which the commercial vehicle is being operated.”
Despite these prudent regulations, truck companies and their employees tend to bend the rules in favor of earning more money. Drivers want to cover the most amount of miles possible in the least amount of time because it results in better pay rates for themselves and more time off. Even though they are mostly paid by the mile, truck drivers can increase their hourly wages by driving faster. Their employers also stand to make more money if their drivers cover long distances in a short amount of time.
Unfortunately, this drive for more dollars often leads to fatal or injurious truck-related car wrecks. Victims of these collisions may face years of medical treatment, lost wages, and permanent disability. The financial burden extends beyond the injured person to their families and loved ones.
Why Legal Representation Matters
When unsafe trucking practices result in an accident, the investigation process is complex. Trucking companies maintain detailed records of driver hours, maintenance schedules, and delivery routes. Carabin Shaw’s attorneys know how to obtain and analyze these records to establish negligence. They understand the regulations that govern the trucking industry and can demonstrate when companies or drivers violated those rules.
Insurance companies representing trucking companies will aggressively defend against claims. They employ their own investigators and experts to minimize liability. Victims need equally dedicated representation to ensure their rights are protected and they receive fair compensation for their injuries.
The Bottom Line
The tension between profit and safety creates an environment where unsafe trucking practices flourish. While federal regulations establish clear standards for driver fatigue and speed limits, enforcement remains challenging. Truck drivers face pressure from employers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. Companies prioritize speed over safety because faster deliveries mean higher profits. Drivers, often paid by the mile, have personal financial incentives to drive longer hours and faster speeds.
When this system fails and innocent people are injured, they deserve compensation. Carabin Shaw’s team of experienced attorneys stands ready to help victims of truck accidents seek the justice and financial recovery they need. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, reaching out to an experienced legal team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
