Euless, TX Truck Accident Attorney

Commercial trucks transport goods across the country and through local communities like Euless, Texas. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles make them capable of causing devastating accidents. These accidents may occur when trucking companies do not maintain safety standards or when drivers act unsafely. Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and significant property damage, and victims may be unsure about who can be held responsible.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we have extensive experience representing people who have been injured in accidents involving commercial trucks. Our attorney understands the complex issues that may play a role in these cases, and our team can investigate these situations, preserve critical evidence, and build compelling cases for our clients. Through our compassionate approach, we focus on securing the full compensation our clients deserve for the harm they have suffered.

The Dangers of Commercial Trucks on Roads and Highways in Euless

Euless is located near major transportation corridors, including State Highway 360 and State Highway 183. Commercial trucks carrying goods throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond travel through this area on a constant basis. Because Euless is close to DFW International Airport, it experiences additional heavy truck traffic as cargo is transported to and from one of the busiest hubs in the nation.

Large commercial trucks are massive, weighing tens of thousands of pounds. When a truck collides with a car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle will usually bear the brunt of the impact. The height of commercial trucks also creates additional risks, including the possibility of underride accidents where passenger vehicles may slide beneath trailers. Drivers and passengers in other vehicles are likely to suffer serious or catastrophic injuries in collisions with large trucks.

Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Truck wrecks may be caused by many factors, including:

Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance

Commercial trucks travel hundreds of thousands of miles, and their parts can break down due to constant use. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that trucks will remain safe. Trucking companies are required to inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under their control. When they fail to meet these maintenance obligations, critical systems can fail.

Brake failures are some of the most dangerous maintenance-related issues affecting large trucks. When brakes are not properly maintained, inspected, and adjusted, trucks may be unable to stop when necessary. Tire defects and blowouts can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Regular inspections should identify worn, damaged, or improperly inflated tires before they fail on the highway. Other maintenance issues that can contribute to truck accidents include steering system failures, suspension problems, defective lighting, and trailer coupling failures that can cause trailers to detach from cabs.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

The way cargo is loaded and secured on a truck will affect its handling and stability. Cargo that is unsecured can shift during transport, causing weight distribution problems that may make a truck difficult to control. Overloaded trucks can also affect a driver's level of control, and longer stopping distances will be required.

When cargo is not properly secured with tie-downs, chains, or straps, it may shift or fall from a truck. Unsecured loads that fall into the road can strike other vehicles, create obstacles, or cause the truck itself to become unstable and roll over. Trucking companies and cargo loaders must ensure that weight is distributed correctly, that loads do not exceed weight limits, and that all cargo is properly secured before trucks enter public roadways. Failure to meet these requirements may make them liable for cargo-related truck wrecks.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is an ongoing problem in the trucking industry. Drivers are subject to limits on the number of hours they can remain behind the wheel, and they are also required to take regular breaks. Despite these rules, violations can occur, and drivers may continue driving even if they are exhausted. Drowsy driving can impair a driver's judgment, slow their reaction times, or cause them to fall asleep while driving.

Intoxicated Driving

Operating a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited, and truck drivers are held to stricter standards than other drivers. A commercial driver is considered to be legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher, which is half the limit that applies to non-commercial drivers in most states.

Drug use, including illegal substances like cocaine or methamphetamine or certain types of prescription medications, can also impair a truck driver's ability to control their vehicle. Trucking companies are required to conduct drug and alcohol testing of drivers. However, they may fail to meet these requirements, or drivers may drive while intoxicated after passing tests. When truck drivers cause accidents due to drug or alcohol impairment, both the driver and the trucking company may be held liable.

Inadequate Training and Supervision

Trucking companies are required to ensure that truck drivers are properly trained and qualified to operate commercial vehicles. They will need to verify that drivers have valid commercial driver's licenses, conduct background checks, review driving records, and provide training on company policies and procedures.

Companies that fail to adequately screen drivers may hire people with poor driving records or insufficient experience. Inadequate supervision can allow dangerous driving practices to continue. When trucking companies cut corners on training or oversight, and this leads to accidents, they may be held liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.