Commercial truck crash lawyers across the Dallas Metroplex are concerned with the disturbingly sudden increase in 18-wheeler and commercial truck injury cases.

In the past year alone, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes increased by 10 percent nationwide, with the most significant increase being in rear-end collisions.

Among the various types of big truck crashes, rear-end collisions are some of the most devastating and perhaps the easiest to avoid by implementing new safety technology. Despite continuous requests to enforce collision prevention technology from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ignored their pleas.

STATISTICS

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there was a reported 4 percent increase in large truck and bus injury crashes nationwide. That same year, the United States saw a 9 percent increase in fatalities caused by large truck and bus crashes. Measuring rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by all motor vehicles, deaths that were caused by bus or large trucks accidents increased by 6.8 percent.

John Lannen of the Truck Safety Coalition says those should be eye-opening numbers. “If air carriers or railroads reported similar numbers, there would be national outrage.”

CAUSES OF LARGE TRUCK WRECKS 

A study conducted by the FMCSA found that the most common reason behind commercial truck crashes is rig brake failure. The second highest cause on the report was excessive speeding, followed by mistakes made by the driver due to unfamiliarity with the roadway. Fourth on the list was attributed to environmental hazards and/or issues with the roadway’s construction or upkeep.

By analyzing the report as a whole, accidents due to errors or negligence by the driver far surpassed those caused by external reasons, such as vehicle malfunction or driving conditions.

DISTRACTED DRIVING 

With the rise of smartphones and hand-held devices, new laws needed to be passed to hold drivers accountable and their eyes on the road. In 2010, the FMCSA put two new trucking regulations into place. Below is a summary of some of the new regulations:

“Using a Hand-Held Mobile Telephone” – Title 49 (Code of Federal Regulations), Section 392.82:

• No driver shall use a hand-held mobile telephone while driving a CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle); and
• No motor carrier shall allow or require its drivers to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV.

“Prohibition Against Texting” – Title 49 (Code of Federal Regulations), Section 392.80:

• Prohibition. No driver shall engage in texting while driving.
• Motor carriers. No motor carrier shall allow or require its drivers to engage in texting while driving.

The aftermath of a commercial truck wreck can leave you debilitated and overwhelmed. The team at Hamilton Wingo, LLP understands the severity of your situation and are here to help. If you have been hurt in a crash involving an 18-wheeler or large truck, it is crucial that you seek legal advice from a professional trucking attorney as soon as possible.

 

Professional Truck Crash Attorneys of Hamilton Wingo, LLP

With years of experience and a focus on truck and bus crash cases, Hamilton Wingo, LLP has the skill set, expertise, resources, and track record needed to tackle the complex challenges of your unique truck accident case.

How much will this cost? We handle cases on a contingent fee basis, which means you won’t pay for fees or case expenses unless we achieve a financial recovery in your case. We also offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the details of your unique situation. Please contact us at (214) 234-7900 today.