Modern 18-wheelers can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and be over 65 feet long. These giants are seen on roads in and around Texas every day, and while they are an essential part of the U.S. economy, they also pose serious risks to other drivers.
While rules and regulations have been established for those in the trucking industry, they aren’t always followed. Drivers often ignore the rules or trucking companies push drivers to move faster and get more done, which increases their bottom line. It’s practices like these that lead to negligence and accidents.
There are several causes of 18-wheeler accidents, but some of the most common are found below:
Speeding
When driving near large trucks, it’s smart to maintain plenty of space. If a truck must slow down or stop, it takes them much longer to do this than an average passenger vehicle. If a truck collides with another vehicle while speeding, serious injuries and fatalities may occur.
Distracted drivers
No one should do anything but focus on the road ahead when behind the wheel. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a serious problem in Texas and throughout the country. Truckers can be distracted by electronics, communications from their base of operations, passengers and more.
Aggressive driving
Aggressive driving in an 18-wheeler is a deadly combination. The driver may cause serious accidents, injuries and fatalities if this happens.
You have rights if you are involved in an accident with a large truck. If it is possible to prove their negligence, then you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.