Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas
A man was tragically killed after a driver of a semi-truck lost control of the massive vehicle and slammed into the victim’s hotel room, according to a news report released by the El Paso Times. Police report that the driver was on the freeway, driving east on Interstate 10, when he lost control of the semi-truck and exited off the expressway. The truck drove through the parking lot of a funeral home before destroying a brick wall that separated the home from the hotel. The truck collided into the victim’s hotel room, striking the victim who died at the scene. The accident, which is still under investigation, happened in the early morning hours.
Common Reasons for Truck Accidents
It is estimated that as many as 500,000 commercial vehicle and large truck accidents occurred on U.S. roads in 2014 alone. This number is true despite the highly regulated business of truck driving, and the mandatory requirement that drivers who operate large and commercial vehicles receive special driving training. Of course, there are several factors that contribute to why a commercial truck wreck that results in personal injuries may occur. Nevertheless, the top 10 common contributors are:
- Blind spots;
- Driver fatigue;
- Reckless driving;
- Driving under the influence;
- Improper truck maintenance;
- Adverse weather conditions;
- Uneven cargo loading or shifting;
- Driver’s failure to follow traffic rules;
- Excessive speeding or improper braking; and
- Improperly maintained tires on large trucks.
Personal injury lawsuits relating to a commercial truck wreck often result in multiple potential defendants, however, the actual relationship between the truck driver and the employer will essentially determine which party (or parties) can be sued. If an employer-employee relationship can be established between the truck driver and the employer – whether a shipping or trucking company – the employer may be held liable for the driver’s negligence. This is because of the legal theory of respondeat superior. On the other hand, if the driver is found to be an independent contractor, and not an employee, liability is often more difficult to place.
Commercial Truck Wreck Help in Texas
Unfortunately, truck accidents are common and often result in serious injuries or even death. Pursuing these cases in court can be complex as determining and establishing who may be at fault may not be clear. For this reason, a skilled truck accident attorney should be contacted immediately to preserve the rights under state law of anyone injured in a commercial truck wreck in Texas. Do not attempt to navigate this difficult time alone – a victim should focus on recuperation. Call us at (888) 392- 0039 today to speak to one of the skilled and aggressive New Braunfels truck accident attorneys at The Bettersworth Law Firm. Serving the state of Texas for years, our attorneys will advocate on your behalf.
Sources:
http://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2016/05/06/man-killed-west-el-paso-crash-friday-morning/84027352/
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2014
