18-Wheeler Accident

Every day on Texas highways, large trucks hauling cargo significantly increase the chance of catastrophic accidents, causing serious injuries or even death.

Due to the massive difference in vehicle size and weight, these collisions are fundamentally catastrophic.¹ While truck accidents are typically avoidable, the commercial trucking industry often violates safety protocols for profit. Texas alone experienced 730 deaths from large truck crashes in 2023, the highest in the nation.² If you are a victim, you need an experienced attorney immediately, as the carrier starts building its defense right away. Delaying legal action can result in the legal destruction of critical electronic evidence.³ Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

With over 11 million large trucks on US roads, the chance of an accident grows. Many companies circumvent federal and state safety laws, leading to serious roadway accidents. Immediate legal action is necessary to prevent the loss of data, such as black box information and electronic logs, which are often the only way to prove these failures.⁴

The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:

• Driver Fatigue & Hours-of-Service Violations: Truck drivers are often pushed to drive beyond legal limits, leading to dangerous fatigue, which is comparable to impaired driving. The violation of these FMCSA Hours-of-Service rules is proven by forensically securing the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data that tracks the driver’s work and rest hours.¹
• Distracted Driving: Truckers using handheld devices, such as texting or using apps, are much more likely to cause serious crashes. Federal regulations strictly ban the use of handheld mobile devices for commercial drivers. If suspected, your attorney can immediately request cell phone records to prove the violation and establish negligence.⁵
• Drug and Alcohol Use: Operating an 18-wheeler while impaired slows reaction times and causes loss of control. Many companies fail to comply with comprehensive FMCSA testing requirements. Investigating these crashes requires securing the mandatory post-accident drug and alcohol test results and driver qualification files.⁶
• Lack of Vehicle Maintenance: Semi-trucks require rigorous inspections. Failures like brake issues or tire blowouts result from corporate negligence. Securing and analyzing vehicle maintenance logs and the damaged truck components is necessary to hold the motor carrier liable and dispute defense claims of unavoidable mechanical issues.⁶

Common Injuries Sustained in a Truck Accident

Passenger vehicles take the brunt of the force during a truck accident. Occupants are often seriously injured or killed, while the truck driver is unharmed. The sheer size and speed of a CMV cause life-altering, catastrophic injuries.¹

The following are the most common injuries sustained in a truck accident:

• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Neck and spine injuries
• Torn muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons
• Broken and fractured bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Bruising
• Burns
• Lacerations, cuts, and/or penetration wounds
• Crushing injuries
• Paralysis
• Emotional distress
• Death

Why Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

There are many factors involved in a truck accident that are not present in a collision between two passenger vehicles. The complexity begins with crucial vehicle evidence, like the Event Data Recorder (EDR) or “black box,” which records speed and braking activity before impact.¹ Liability often extends beyond the driver to the trucking company, cargo loader, or maintenance provider.⁷ Critically, the carrier is liable for violations if they “should have had the means” to detect them, meaning corporate responsibility is paramount.⁸ Your lawyer’s first step is issuing a Spoliation Letter to prevent the destruction of this vital evidence.³

There are many types of trucking accidents that our team handles including:

• 18-wheeler accidents
• Semi-truck accidents
• Delivery truck accidents
• Tractor trailer jackknife crashes
• Semi-truck rollovers
• Commercial truck accidents
• Fire truck accidents

We Are Here to Help Fight for Your Rights

When facing an accident with an 18-wheeler, know you have the right to seek financial compensation for damages, medical bills, and pain and suffering if injured due to negligence. A team with specialized legal experience is needed to navigate complex claims involving multiple defendants and secure full compensation.⁷ Don’t delay—contact us today for a free consultation. There is limited time to act and protect your claim.