A single truck has the potential to cause dozens of fatalities and serious injuries in Texas. While some of the hazards presented by semi-trucks may be obvious, others are more subtle. If you have experienced a truck accident in Texas firsthand, you may be aware of just how dangerous these incidents can be. However, you may be less interested in understanding the details – and more interested in recovering compensation. The average truck accident victim in Texas struggles with unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and psychological trauma.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact Hernandez Law Firm today at 936-256-3115 to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accident Statistics in Texas
Statistics show just how dangerous truck accidents can be in Texas. According to the National Safety Council, the Lone Star State saw over 800 deaths related to large trucks in 2022 alone. In 2023, the Texas Department of Transportation reported almost 1,000 serious injuries caused by semi-trucks. On a national scale, there are many thousands of fatal truck accidents each year.
Why are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Truck accidents are particularly dangerous for a number of reasons, including the features of the vehicle, the attributes of human drivers, and the nature of the trucking industry itself. Here are a number of key hazards associated with semi-trucks in Texas:
- Size of Trucks: Perhaps the most obvious hazard is the size and weight of semi-trucks. Even new drivers inherently understand the danger posed by these vehicles. Smaller vehicles suffer severe damage after slight contact with semi-trucks. Even when a truck is rear-ended by a smaller vehicle, the damage is negligible. On the other hand, a driver might suffer catastrophic injuries after rear-ending a trailer.
- Braking Distances: A semi-truck generally suffers from extremely poor braking distances. While a smaller vehicle might be able to stop within a hundred feet or less, a truck might take several times that distance to finally halt its momentum. This means that by the time a trucker notices a hazard and slams on the brakes, it might already be too late.
- Poor Maneuverability: A truck also struggles with poor maneuverability. While a smaller sedan might weave between traffic with relative ease, these movements are downright impossible for semi-trucks.
- Excessive Blind Spots: In addition, trucks tend to have numerous blind spots. Trailers block off entire sections of the road, and truckers cannot rely on rear-view mirrors. Instead, they must rely solely on their side mirrors. It is all too easy for a smaller vehicle to get caught in a truck’s blind spot. This is especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
- Dangerous Cargo: A truck might carry all kinds of dangerous cargo. This cargo might fall off the back of trucks and cause serious crashes. Examples include logs and scrap metal. Trucks may also carry flammable fluids, explosive materials, or even nuclear waste. This may pose secondary hazards after initial hazards.
- Explosive Gas Tanks: A semi-truck’s gas tank may explode after an initial impact. These gas tanks tend to carry more fuel than the average passenger vehicle, increasing the potential for serious explosions.
- Unbalanced Cargo: Even if cargo is relatively innocuous, it may be loaded improperly. Trucking companies must be very careful to distribute weight evenly. Even a slight disbalance can increase the risk of rollover crashes.
- Bobcat Mode: A truck operating in bobcat mode is particularly hazardous. This is when a truck lacks a rear trailer, instead driving with only the front wheels and cab. Although you might assume that this smaller variant is more agile, the opposite is true. Trucks are designed to operate with rear trailers, and the lack of these rear wheels only increases instability.
- Trucker Distraction: Human error causes many truck accidents. A trucker might become distracted by their phone, food, drink, and many other pastimes.
- Trucker Fatigue: Trucker fatigue is a serious issue in the industry, especially when drivers near the end of their 12-hour shifts.
- Trucker Intoxication: Many truckers choose to abuse drugs behind the wheel. Some use drugs to stay awake, while others become intoxicated to distract from the monotony of their jobs.
After becoming injured in a truck accident, you can seek compensation alongside a truck accident lawyer in Spring. Choose Hernandez Law Firm to hold negligent truckers and trucking companies accountable for their actions. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs navigate the legal process. Our staff offers Spanish and English services for additional convenience. Contact us today at (936) 256-3115 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your truck accident case.
