Commercial vehicles like work trucks, 18-wheelers, and delivery trucks are essential for our economy, moving goods and ensuring timely deliveries. However, they also pose unique risks on the road due to their size, weight, and frequent presence in high-traffic areas. Accidents involving commercial vehicles often lead to devastating outcomes, making it critical to understand the most common causes behind them.
If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Houston, TX, Big Tex Injury Lawyers are here to support you. Whether you’re dealing with an Amazon truck accident or need a UPS accident attorney, understanding these causes can also aid in building a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of accidents across all types of vehicles, and commercial trucks are no exception. Texting, eating, using a GPS, or any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road can lead to catastrophic accidents. This issue is amplified with commercial vehicles like FedEx or work trucks, as their size and slower reaction times leave even less room for error.
What you can do
Ensuring proper driver training and enforcing strict policies against distractions can help reduce distracted driving incidents. If you are a victim, consult with experienced UPS accident and construction truck attorneys for legal help.
Fatigue and Driver Exhaustion
Commercial drivers often work long hours, particularly those driving 18-wheelers or delivery trucks for companies like Amazon and UPS. Tight deadlines and prolonged shifts can result in driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making skills. Fatigue-related truck accidents can be particularly severe due to the reduced ability of drivers to respond to sudden changes on the road.
What you can do
Federal standards, like hours-of-service regulations, are in place to limit driver fatigue, but these are not always followed. If you believe driver exhaustion played a role in your accident, an experienced Houston 18-wheeler and construction truck accident lawyer can investigate these violations and strengthen your case.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Failure to properly maintain commercial vehicles is another significant factor contributing to accidents. Worn-out brakes, tire blowouts, malfunctioning lights, or engine failures drastically increase the likelihood of crashes, especially for large vehicles carrying heavy loads.
What you can do
Regular maintenance checks are essential for trucking companies and independent drivers alike. Victims of accidents caused by poor maintenance may have grounds to pursue compensation not just from the driver but also the trucking company or maintenance team.
Overloading and Improper Loading
Commercial trucks often carry heavy cargo, and overloading or improper distribution of this weight can lead to dangerous situations. Overloaded trucks are harder to control, take longer to stop, and are at greater risk of rolling over, particularly on sharp turns or in unfavorable weather conditions.
Improperly secured cargo can also shift or fall, causing hazards for the driver and other vehicles on the road. Companies like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon have a responsibility to ensure proper loading practices.
What you can do
If you suspect improper loading caused your accident, an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer can investigate and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
The pressure to meet tight deadlines leads many commercial drivers to speed or drive aggressively. However, speeding commercial vehicles pose significant risks, as they require longer stopping distances and can cause massive damage when colliding with smaller vehicles. Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating or frequent lane changes, further increase the risk of accidents.
What you can do
Employing speed limit monitoring systems and driver behavior tracking can reduce instances of reckless driving. Consulting with a local Amazon and construction truck accident attorney or other specialized lawyers can help hold reckless drivers and their employers accountable.
Weather and Road Conditions
Bad weather conditions, like heavy rain or fog, and poorly maintained roads are additional factors that commonly lead to accidents involving commercial vehicles. Houston’s unpredictable weather and busy infrastructure create unique challenges for drivers, especially those controlling 18-wheelers or other large work trucks.
While the weather can’t be controlled, ensuring regular road assessments and equipment (like anti-lock brakes) in trucks can drastically improve safety.
What you can do
If your accident involved external factors like poor road maintenance or weather, your FedEx accident attorney can help identify whether negligence on behalf of a city or state entity played a role.
How Big Tex Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Houston, Big Tex Injury Lawyers are here to help. As trusted advocates for victims, we provide expert legal counsel for those seeking representation in Amazon and construction truck accidents, UPS incidents, or cases involving 18-wheeler collisions.
We’ll investigate your accident thoroughly, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable so you can focus on recovery. Get in touch with us today for a free case evaluation tailored to your unique circumstances.
