U.S. Highway 59, I-20, Loop 390, and other busy highways in Texas see heavy commercial truck traffic. While these vehicles play an important role in supporting businesses throughout the state, they can also cause wrecks that leave innocent drivers and passengers contending with unexpected hardships and medical bills. Understanding the most common causes of truck accidents in Texas can help you recognize when someone is responsible for a collision.
Common Causes of Collisions in the Lone Star State
Texas is an at-fault state for truck collisions. This means that the party or parties that cause a wreck are financially liable for vehicle damage, bodily injuries, and other damages. When a truck causes a serious collision, it is often due to some sort of driver error.
There are a few common causes of truck accidents. In 2024, 315,167 people were injured due to distracted driving in the U.S. Truck operators may fail to pay attention to the road when they look at their phones. Driver fatigue is another potential cause of preventable wrecks. Drivers of commercial vehicles put in long hours, and not taking breaks or required overnight stops can leave them less able to react to changing road conditions due to fatigue.
When a truck operator causes a collision, it can lead to devastating injuries for victims caught up in those wrecks. In 2024, Texas recorded 42,146 trailer-involved crashes that resulted in more than 15,000 suspected serious, minor, or possible injuries.
Establishing Fault Following a Wreck
Establishing fault following a truck wreck requires determining what caused the collision and who was responsible. Evidence such as crash reports, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, electronic data, photographs, and witness statements can help establish liability. Depending on the findings of an investigation, a truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, cargo loader, or another party may bear responsibility for the resulting injuries and losses.
Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
In 2024, nearly 268,000 commercial trucks and other qualifying vehicles were registered in Texas, and large trucks can cause catastrophic collisions. Attempting to pursue compensation without the support of a Texas truck accident attorney could lead to unfavorable outcomes. Trucking groups have their own legal teams that are trained to dispute liability.
When you hire a truck accident lawyer, you gain representation from a lawyer who understands the burden of proof they need to meet for your truck accident claim. Their knowledge of truck accident laws can prove decisive for securing the compensation that you are owed.
The Law Office of Josh B. Maness represents people injured in 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle crashes throughout East Texas. When you hire my firm, you work directly with me. I have served as first-chair lead counsel in more than 125 jury trials, experience I draw on when pursuing compensation from trucking companies and insurers.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact The Law Office of Josh B. Maness Today
As an American Board of Trial Advocates member, I have extensive courtroom experience handling serious injury cases. I maintain a selective caseload so I can devote meaningful time and resources to each client, and I prepare every truck accident case knowing that trial may ultimately be necessary.
My firm has also secured large settlements in wrongful death cases that involved 18-wheelers. When additional resources are necessary, I can partner with larger firms rather than compromise my client’s case. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation about your Texas truck accident claim.
