18-Wheeler Accidents

With more than two million 18-wheelers sharing U.S. roads and highways today, these enormous vehicles are involved in more than 500,000 preventable truck wreck accidents every year. In addition, more than 5,000 people die every year as a result of truck crash accidents, and many, many more suffer severe, life-changing injuries.

The lawyers at Farrar & Ball in Houston have the experience and resources to hold reckless and negligent transportation companies accountable for the injuries and property damage they’ve caused.

Because of the sheer size and complexity of today’s semi trucks and tractor-trailers, trucking and transportation companies have a responsibility to ensure that trucks are properly maintained, drivers are properly trained and all rules are followed in order to prevent 18 wheeler accidents. When a large 18-wheeler truck is involved in a fatal crash, the motorist in the other vehicle suffers fatal injuries in 98 percent of the cases.

Truck crash injuries are caused by a number of preventable factors, including driver error, distraction, substance abuse, and fatigue. Transportation companies are bound by law to properly screen truck drivers and provide necessary safety training before drivers get behind the wheel. Federal law requires that truck drivers limit the amount of time spent behind the wheel each day. However, unscrupulous transportation companies place unrealistic demands on drivers, who are pressured to cut corners and falsify driver logs in order to make a living. Studies have confirmed that driver fatigue is the number one cause of 18-wheeler truck accidents. In short, fatigued, sleep-deprived commercial truck drivers are a danger on our roads.

Semi truck drivers are increasingly distracted by cockpit technology, including digital driver logs, smart phones, communication systems and mobile computers. Transportation companies are duty bound to properly train drivers about the dangers of these cockpit distractions. Inadequately maintained and overloaded 18-wheelers create another risk factor that plays a role in truck crash injuries. Studies show that faulty maintenance – including bad brakes, suspension systems and tandem axles – play a role in nearly 40 percent of truck crash accidents today. Overloaded trailers add even more dangers by making 18-wheelers unstable and reducing stopping power.

The truck accident injury lawyers at Houston’s Farrar & Ball have expertise to take on transportation companies and prevail. This requires an aggressive approach that involves swift independent investigation, reconstruction, and graphics. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.