In 2008, 380,000 large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds) were involved in traffic crashes in the United States; 4,066 were involved in fatal crashes. A total of 4,229 people died (11% of all the traffic fatalities reported in 2008) and an additional 90,000 were injured in those crashes. One out of nine traffic fatalities in 2008 resulted from a collision involving a large truck. Extremely dangerous and often fatal trucking accidents occur when large 18 wheelers have a collision with other vehicles and or pedestrians. Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents are:
- Exhaustion or fatigue on the part of the driver
- Brake failure
- Debris or articles in the road
- Large blind spots
- Driver tailgating and/or changing lanes unsafely
- Tire failure or separation
- Driver operates under the influence (drugs/alcohol)
- Unsecured cargo or freight shifting in the payload section
- Unsafe driving practices
- Improperly secured loads
The state of Texas had more fatal accidents involving tractor trailers, large trucks and semi-trucks in the year 2008 than any other state. Despite federal regulation to limit the amount of time truck drivers drive on a daily basis; these same drivers exceed the limit in order to deliver the products on schedule or to earn extra compensation for an early delivery. Even more often, the driver is pressured by his company to exceed the federal limit on driving hours in order to meet overly-tight schedules. Another factor that leads to a high number of accidents is driving under the influence. In 2008, 2 percent of the drivers of large trucks involved in fatal crashes had BAC levels of .08 or higher.
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Our attorney offers free initial consultations to truck accident victims in Houston and surrounding areas such as the Clear Lake Area, League City, Pasadena, Baytown, Beaumont, Galveston, Texas City, Alvin, Friendswood, Pearland, Webster, Dickinson, Angleton, Deer Park, La Porte, Channelview, La Marque, South Houston, Spring, Katy as well as the counties of Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Liberty, Chambers, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Jefferson, as well as across the country. We charge you no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Call us 24 hours a day to let us know how we can help you: 281-333-8959. Reach us through our Web site by completing the brief contact a lawyer form.
