The trucking industry is an integral part of commerce and life in Texas. It not only supports a significant workforce and transports tons of goods throughout the state, but the trucks that continually make their way across Texas highways are a lifeline transporting cargo throughout the U.S. at an endless pace.
Texas truck accident statistics also paint a grim picture of the dangers drivers face on the highways while traveling with tractor-trailer trucks. Being aware of the potential risks Texas drivers face from truck accidents is vital.
Texas Truck Accident Statistics
Annual statistics of Texas truck accidents indicate the number of truck and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) accidents in Texas continues to climb. As the demand for services and goods continues to increase across the country, a rise in Texas truck crashes may likely follow.
The latest data provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) paints a picture of the changing hazards of annual truck accidents in Texas, including:
- As many as 26,164 annual truck accidents occur in Texas.
- Lubbock County documented 403 commercial motor vehicle accidents, including tractor-trailer trucks.
- Over 480 fatal Texas truck accidents occur annually.
- A total of 950 truck accidents in Texas resulted in suspected serious injury.
How Texas Truck Accidents Compare to Other States
Texas surpasses other states in fatal truck accidents. For over a decade, Texas has also seen the incidence of fatal truck accidents almost double. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 568 deaths occurred in large truck crashes in the most recent reporting year. The state with the second highest fatalities was California, with 364. Florida was third, with 322.
Living in, working in, and visiting our state increases the odds of being involved in an 18-wheeler crash. State and federal guidelines regulate the laws governing Texas truck accidents, making receiving compensation for damages more complex.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas
The causes of truck accidents are similar across state lines, and Texas is not immune to any of these factors that contribute to fatalities and severe injuries from these collisions. According to a 33-month study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the following critical reasons contributed to truck accidents:
- Decision: 38% of truck accidents result from speed-related errors, including driving too fast for conditions, miscalculating the speed of surrounding vehicles, and following too closely, which limits a truck’s ability to stop on time.
- Recognition: 28% of truck accidents are caused by inattention, distractions in and outside the truck, or a lack of observational awareness.
- Non-performance: 12% of truck accidents occur due to a driver becoming impaired either by sleep, heart attack, seizure, or some other physical impairment.
- Vehicle: 10% of truck accidents are associated with a truck’s function. Brake problems, along with cargo weight shift, were cited as contributing factors to big rig crashes.
- Performance: 9% of accidents involving trucks were related to overcompensation, poor directional control, or panicking by the driver.
- Environment: 3% of truck accidents occur from weather-related factors. Wind and blowing dust contribute to hazardous driving conditions in the Texas Panhandle.
Preventing Crashes with Trucks in Texas
Tractor trailers do not handle the same or respond as other passenger vehicles, increasing the risk potential of a Texas truck accident. Each driver owes others a duty of care when operating a motor vehicle on our streets and highways. Follow these tips to share the roads safely with trucks in Texas:
- Do not travel in blind spots: Other drivers should be aware of keeping their vehicles out of blind spots on either side of a truck and at the rear of the truck’s trailer. Truck underride crashes can occur, causing a vehicle to slide under the body of an 18-wheeler.
- Don’t cut in too closely: Trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles, making it challenging for a truck driver to avoid a rear-end collision when forced to stop quickly. A blind spot also exists in front of a truck, leading a driver to lose sight of a vehicle that cuts in closely.
- Pass cautiously: Spot the truck’s driver in their side view mirrors before passing. Signal that you are passing the tractor-trailer, and avoid passing on downgrades.
- Avoid tailgating: Tailgating reduces the ability to stop suddenly, leading to often fatal rear-end underride crashes with trucks.
- Expect wide turns: Tractor-trailer trucks often make wide swings to accommodate the length of a trailer while turning. Trucks turning right can lose sight of vehicles on this side, causing cars to get trapped between a truck’s cab and trailer.
Driving in Texas requires patience. Recognize that truck drivers may be tired due to long hours on the road and be aware of the need for added safety precautions on Texas roadways.
Why You Need a Texas Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents create some of the most complicated personal injury cases in Texas. Following an accident, it is common to point a finger at the truck driver. However, multiple parties influence the safety and operation of tractor-trailers on Texas highways. Determining responsibility for an accident can present significant challenges when documenting the cause of a collision.
Additionally, many trucks are passing through Texas from other states. Holding responsible parties accountable for a Texas truck accident requires a multi-level approach.
Building a solid truck accident case in Texas requires quick work to preserve the evidence supporting negligence in a truck’s operation. Ted Liggett has decades of experience representing Texas truck accident victims.
Don’t Become a Texas Truck Accident Statistic
Safely navigating Texas highways and being aware of the potential of a life-altering truck accident is every driver’s duty. If you or a loved one was injured in a Texas truck accident, let Liggett Law Group shoulder the legal work for you. Whether it involves reaching an insurance settlement, filing a Texas truck accident lawsuit, or filing a wrongful death claim, Liggett Law Group never backs down from the most challenging Texas truck accident cases.