Personal Injury caused by a truck accident can be devastating. Interstate commerce is still thriving across the U.S. and throughout Texas. Semi-trucks, or 18-wheelers, are seen on surface streets, as well as highways. No matter where they are, they are a potential danger to themselves and the vehicles around them.
Many tractor-trailer drivers are paid by the delivery and frequently get a bonus for arriving ahead of schedule. Therefore, some drivers may take risks such as driving longer than acceptable shifts, speeding or being more aggressive in their driving. Big rig drivers can suffer fatigue from the monotonous aspect of their job and may fall asleep at the wheel. They also can be distracted easily by talking on cell phones or CB radios. If they are in a hurry, they may not accurately complete a safety check of the semi-trailer. This can lead to faulty tires, lights or brakes.
These factors account for the high percentage of serious injuries and death resulting from an 18-wheeler accident – even if it is a single vehicle accident. According to the NHTSA in 2003, Texas reported more than 3,000 fatal vehicle accidents. More than 475 of those involved large trucks. Nationally, in the United States there are approximately 5,000 people killed on our nation’s roadways due to truck accidents every year. A little over 150,000 people are injured in truck accidents each year: 1 in 4 passenger vehicle deaths in multiple-vehicle crashes involves a large truck. Large trucks are involved in multiple vehicle fatal accidents twice as often as passenger vehicles. Obviously, due to their massive size and weight, truck accidents are usually catastrophic, resulting in death and serious personal injuries.
Accidents involving large trucks are often more complicated than auto accidents, and the injuries are often more severe. Drivers of large trucks are responsible for maintaining their vehicles properly on the road, obeying traffic laws, and respecting the space of other automobiles. But when mistakes are made, victims are physically and financially devastated.
Our ebook is designed to give you guidance in pursuing your legal rights if you have been in a car or truck accident. Whether you choose to hire Marc Whitehead & Associates or not, we hope that this ebook prevents you from becoming a victim twice! Call us at 713-228-8888 or visit us on the web at www.personal-injurylawyer.com.
