Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Texas

We expect trucking companies and their drivers to be responsible and professional as they ship goods throughout Texas and beyond. Yet, hundreds of people are injured in accidents involving large trucks in Texas every year. Our state also had the highest number of deaths from large truck crashes in 2023.

While not all truck accidents are the fault of the driver or trucking company, many are. Below, we explore some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents in Texas.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers can legally drive up to 11 hours a day in a 14-hour work window and work up to 70 hours a week. Such long hours can take their toll, and it’s not uncommon for truck drivers to feel fatigued as they transport goods from A to B for hours on end.

The sad reality is that fatigue doesn’t just affect the driver; it can also impact other drivers on the road when it leads to accidents. Out of the thousands of reported collisions involving semi trucks every year, fatigue is believed to be a factor in up to 20% of them.

Driver fatigue can play a key role in accidents because it affects a truck driver’s ability to react fast and make sound judgments. It can even lead to microsleep episodes, with the potential for drivers to miss signals, delay breaking, and fall asleep at the wheel entirely.

Distractions

While truck drivers are required to keep their eyes on the road, that doesn’t always happen. Thousands of fatal accidents involving the drivers of large trucks have been caused by distractions and inattention.

In the 2018-2020 period, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 95 fatal accidents caused by inattention, 16 due to distraction by an outside person, object, or event, 32 by distraction/inattention, and 15 by talking or listening on a mobile phone.

Another 10 accidents were cellphone-related, and a further 11 were related to using or reaching for a device or object brought into the vehicle. Eating, drinking, dialing on a mobile phone, and being lost in thought were some of the many other distraction-related causes.

Speeding

Semi-truck drivers in Texas often face considerable pressure to meet deadlines for picking up or delivering goods on time. With strict delivery schedules and orders from trucking companies, they can sometimes feel as though the only way to meet their targets is to speed. Unfortunately, speeding and engaging in aggressive driving behaviors can result in accidents.

Semi-trucks already take 40% longer than standard cars to come to a complete stop. As a result, higher speeds mean an even longer stopping distance. Therefore, speeding semi-truck drivers have less time to react and a potentially greater chance of losing control and causing or being involved in collisions.

Improper Cargo Loading

Truck drivers transport tens of thousands of tons of cargo across Texas every year. However, driving the cargo to their destinations safely is just one part of the process. It must also be loaded onto the trucks safely to ensure safe journeys. If cargo loads aren’t tied down correctly or appropriately balanced, they can shift and cause devastating accidents.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Semi-trucks are on the road for thousands of miles every week. Eventually, even the most well-made components wear out. That’s what makes regular maintenance so important. Failure to regularly inspect and maintain semi-trucks can result in serious accidents.

According to the FMCA, brake failure or degraded braking capability was the most frequently cited mechanical failure in truck accidents. Worn-out components and inadequate air pressure were significant contributing factors.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Parks Law Firm in Texas

We all deserve to drive safely without fear of being involved in an accident with a semi-truck due to driver or company negligence. If you or your loved one has been a victim of a semi-truck accident, schedule a free consultation with Parks Law Firm in Texas for clear legal guidance at no cost.

We are proud to provide experienced legal representation with no upfront fees – we only get paid if we win for you.