Tractor Trailer Truck Accident Lawyer in West Houston

Getting into a truck accident with a combination vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, could be disastrous and grind your whole life to a standstill. These big rigs weigh over 70,000 pounds (31.75 t), which is about 65,000 pounds (29.48 t) larger than the average passenger car. A smaller vehicle should weigh about 5,000 pounds (2.27 t). 

If you’ve been in an 18-wheelers collision, as stated by a trucking crash attorney in West Houston, here’s what you need to know. 

Why Are There So Many Tractor-Trailer Truck Accidents in West Houston?

Tractor-trailer trucks transport a significant percentage of domestic freight across the United States. Considering that West Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S, it isn’t a surprise that the number of tractor-trailers and commercial trucks on Texas highways has dramatically increased. With more vehicles on the road, you have a higher risk of collisions.

Causes of Tractor-Trailer Truck Accidents 

Here are the most common causes of tractor-trailer truck accidents:

Safety Violation by Truckers 

Commercial tractor-trailer truck drivers must abide by a different set of rules from passenger vehicles. When they ignore these safety regulations, accidents are likely to occur. In such instances, the tractor-trailer company is liable for any injuries, damages, or fatalities caused by the accident. 

The commercial truck driver must also report the infraction even if the violation occurred in a state other than the one that issues their driving license within thirty days. 

Inadequate Training of Drivers

The size of a tractor-trailer truck means they can be deadly if not driven properly. A tractor-trailer driver must possess the following driving abilities:

• Properly change lanes with the 18-wheeler
• Merge the commercial truck safely into traffic, especially on the busy interstate roads
• Control the big rig and bring it to a sudden safe stop if necessary
• Adhere to all traffic signs and signals while driving the tractor-trailer
• Follow the right-of-way rules

If a tractor-trailer driver isn’t proficient in any of these driving skills, they can cause an accident, and sometimes deaths are involved, contact an experienced negligent death lawyers in West Houston if that’s been your case.

Inadequate Inspection and Maintenance Culture

Studies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA) and advice from an auto collision law firm in West Houston, indicate that one-third of tractor-trailers involved in truck accidents had several out-of-service infractions. This assessment means the commercial truck should have undergone maintenance and checks, which could have prevented the truck crash. 

Trucking companies sometimes don’t adequately maintain or inspect these 18-wheelers before they hit the road. Some infractions which lead to accidents are: 

• Brake system issues
• Broken or cracked suspension
• Underinflated tires, worn tires with tread separation
• Loose bolts on the steering column or improperly secured steering wheel

West Houston Tractor Trailer Truck Accident Attorney

Call an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in West Houston

Trucking companies will have legal defense teams who do everything possible to obscure liability and avoid giving you the settlement you deserve. As such, it’s advisable to book a consultation with a West Houston lawyer.

Joe Stephens can help you investigate and file for all insurance claims and compensation. Our law firm puts your interests first, not the trucking company. 

Schedule a free consultation with the experienced attorneys at The Stephens Law Firm, so we can start building your case.