Dallas motorists have long encountered extremely congested traffic on interstates 20, 30, and 35. Much of this is due to the high volume of trucks that travel along these roads. Accidents and construction often make these stretches dangerous, but with Dallas News recently reporting that traffic on Texas highways rose by 23% between 2000 and 2016, it’s becoming increasingly clear that commercial trucking is a hazard to drivers across the states.
Texas’s traffic rates are 7 points higher than the national average. This, combined with the number of big rigs traveling on interstates and local roads in the state, has had alarming consequences. The Federal Carrier Motor Safety Administration cites 16,124 large-truck crashes in Texas in 2017 alone. This is 7% higher than the amount of truck crashes the state experienced in 2016.
Lobbyists have argued to Congress in recent years to allow major shipping companies to manufacture trucks that are bigger and bigger. Currently, trucking companies are attempting to increase vehicle size from 80,000 to 91,000 pounds, and to make trailer trucks longer by 10 feet.
Police Chief Robert Jones argues that heavier and longer trucks should not be allowed to drive on Texas roads. In conjunction with the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the North Texas Police Chiefs Association, Jones states that deregulating truck size will lead to additional devastating accidents, especially given that these vehicles tend to wreak havoc in rain storms, take longer to stop, and wear out their brakes and other safety equipment sooner than most vehicles.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Trucking Accident
Unfortunately, tuck accidents are a far too common occurrence on Texas Roads. Injured parties are entitled to seek compensation for many different kinds of truck accidents, while fatal truck accidents allow for victims’ families to pursue wrongful death claims.
It is possible to bring a lawsuit following truck accidents resulting from:
- Lack of driver training
- Faulty equipment
- Speeding
- Blowouts
- Driver fatigue
- Driver intoxication
Truck accidents are unique, because depending on the factors that influenced the accident, you may also be able to hold multiple parties accountable. Truck drivers are the most obvious candidates to be found liable for negligence. However, trucking companies can be found liable as well, if they put a driver on the road without proper training or with an unsafe vehicle. Truck manufacturers can also be found liable in court if they put their equipment on the market without proper inspection or with defective mechanical parts.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers, our Dallas personal injury attorneys refuse to let corporate interests get away with irresponsible trucking practices. If you or someone you know has recently been injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler or big rig, we may be able to help. From catastrophic injuries to product liability, our firm will identify the responsible party, and attempt to make them pay maximum compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation, and let Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers start fighting for you today.
Call 24/7 at (214) 739-0100, or reach out online for more information.