We rely on freight companies and their commercial truck drivers to move tremendous amounts of products around the country. Without 18-wheelers and their drivers, our grocery shelves and product aisles would be empty, and other consumer and commercial goods would never reach their destinations.

However, these large vehicles do present a serious and ever-present threat to smaller vehicles on our roadways. Semi-trucks are much larger and heavier than even the largest SUVs or passenger trucks. This disparity makes them extremely dangerous when they collide with another motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. In fact, statistics gathered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show that in one recent year, there were 102,000 large truck crashes in which someone was injured and 4,200 in which someone died.

These numbers are unacceptable. Driver error causes many of these crashes, and trucking companies can be held responsible for their driver’s actions. Since large business interests are invested in every truck’s shipment, there can be multiple parties, insurance companies, and lawyers involved in any legal action. That is why it is so important to have a skilled attorney on your side after any crash involving a large commercial truck.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you should speak with a respected lawyer from The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™ immediately. You may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of your medical treatment, missed time from work, pain and suffering, and future losses. Call the Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Driver Errors

Driving a truck is a difficult job, and the pressure of the job can make some drivers behave irresponsibly. Negligent or reckless truckers cause accidents, and they can be held responsible for the damages victims suffer. Some common forms of driver error include:

• Driver fatigue: Drivers are often under strict timetables to deliver their cargo, so they keep driving even when they should stop for rest. Fatigue dulls response times and slows down cognitive processes, making an accident much more likely.
• Drivers operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving while impaired is extremely dangerous for anyone. However, the truck’s additional size and weight make it a deadly weapon when truckers are under the influence.
• Speeding: The faster and bigger a vehicle is, the greater the force of impact when it strikes a person or another vehicle. Unrealistic deadlines can encourage truckers to speed, and speeding semi-trucks are a greater threat to the vehicles around them.
• Running a stop sign or red light: Truck drivers who are fatigued or impaired may not notice a red light or stop sign, putting themselves and others at extreme risk.
• Aggressive driving: Speeding, improper lane changes, tailgating, and other risky behaviors are much more dangerous when large trucks are involved.
• Lack of proper training or qualifications: Driving a semi-truck requires much more care and training than operating other vehicles. Operators must know how to handle the truck’s size and limited maneuverability. Drivers who aren’t properly trained put themselves and others at risk, and their employers may be held liable for it.
• Driver distraction: All dangerous behaviors are magnified by the truck’s size. Driving while texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted can cause collisions.
• Failure to signal when switching lanes or making dangerous lane changes: Failing to signal or otherwise improperly changing lanes leaves other drivers vulnerable to being sideswiped. If a truck driver isn’t paying attention, especially when merging, the trucker may be boxed in or faced with another obstacle. The driver may swerve into another lane or run off the road.
• Failure to judge turns: Tractor-trailers are less stable than other cars because of their size, weight, and high center of gravity. This means they can easily roll over if a driver misjudges a turn.
• Unbalanced or unsecured tractor-trailer cargo: If a driver or loader doesn’t take the time to make sure the cargo is secure and properly balanced, the load can become unstable in transit. This is extremely dangerous. Drivers behind the truck may find themselves dealing with loose debris or a swerving, jackknifing truck.

Liability for Truck Driver Errors

Liability in cases of truck driver errors can be tricky sort out. Under Texas law, drivers can be held liable for negligence if they fail to take reasonable care while operating their vehicles. For example, a distracted truck driver could be liable for a crash.

Sometimes, the driver’s employer may also be held responsible if they hired an unqualified or unlicensed driver. If the driver had a history of documented concerning behavior, the trucking company might be responsible for the driver’s behavior on the job. Logistics or shipping companies may be liable if they improperly loaded the trailer, leading to a crash. If the truck was not properly maintained, and that was a contributing factor in the crash, the company responsible for the truck’s maintenance could also be held responsible.

At the Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian, we’ll thoroughly investigate who may be liable for your injuries. We have the experience and the resources to take on these complex cases, and we will fight for the full compensation you deserve.

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in An Accident with A Truck Driver?

• Call 911 to report the accident. Request an ambulance if anyone has been injured, including yourself.
• Get the name, insurance information, employer information, and contact details for the truck driver. Also get the names and contact information for any witnesses to the crash.
• Take photographs of the accident scene, the truck, your vehicle, and your injuries, if possible. (Or ask someone else to take photos for you.) This will help document the extent of the damage.
• See a doctor immediately for your injuries, and save all paperwork related to your treatment.
• Speak with a truck driver negligence accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

Hurt by a Negligent Truck Driver? Contact Us Now

It’s important to act quickly if you’ve been hurt by a negligent truck driver. There’s a limited time window to file a claim, and trucking companies will act quickly to protect themselves from paying for the injuries they caused.

An experienced, aggressive truck driver accident lawyer will make all the difference. If you are ready to get started, call The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™ today for a free case review.