Sometimes large commercial trucks and passenger vehicles collide while sharing the road. Not surprisingly, accidents involving large commercial trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds and passenger vehicles can result in serious injuries or death. In fact, wrecks involving trucks have become a serious concern. In 2000, this concern prompted the creation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is the mission of the FMCSA to help decrease fatalities and injuries resulting from truck wrecks by conducting research, enforcing regulations, and offering safety assistance to states.
Why Houston Truck Wrecks Happen
According to a 2005 report by the FMCSA, wrecks involving large trucks and passenger vehicles resulted in 114,000 injuries and 5,212 deaths. The drivers of the trucks sustained injuries in 15 percent of the accidents and died in 24 percent of the wrecks. There are many different causes of truck accidents, but most involve the truck driver. The top reasons reported by the FMCSA include the use of prescription drugs (26.3 percent), driving too fast (22.9 percent), unfamiliarity with the roadway (21.6 percent), the use of over-the-counter drugs (17.3 percent), and fatigue (13 percent). Other factors include traffic-flow interruption from a previous wreck or congestion (28 percent), brake failure (29.4 percent), and weather conditions (14.1 percent).
Who Is At Fault?
The occupants of a vehicle usually sustain the most injuries. When a truck driver’s actions cause the wreck, several parties may be legally liable for the damages sustained by the occupants of the passenger vehicle. The truck driver, the truck owner, the trailer owner, the lessee of the truck or trailer, the company that loaded the truck, or the manufacturer of a defective truck or truck part may all have legal responsibility for the accident.
Where to Find Help
A Houston truck-accident attorney at the offices of Denena & Points may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries or compensation for the death of a loved one. The attorneys at Denena & Points have many years of litigation experience. The firm will use the latest investigative techniques available to determine the cause of the truck accident. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, call a Texas truck-wreck attorney at Denena & Points for a free consultation at 713-807-9500 or at 877-307-9500.