Truck Driver Negligence: Understanding the Causes and Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
Truck accidents can result in catastrophic consequences, causing severe injuries and death. In many cases, truck driver negligence is a primary factor leading to these crashes. Understanding the causes of truck driver negligence is crucial for victims seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
In this article, we will explore the common forms of truck driver negligence, discuss the potential consequences of such negligence, and provide guidance on pursuing personal injury claims in cases involving truck accidents. By shedding light on truck driver negligence, we aim to empower victims to protect their rights and seek the justice they deserve.
Trucker Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers often face demanding schedules, which can result in fatigue and reduced alertness. This is especially true when traveling long stretches of highway, like those found throughout South Texas.
Fatigue-related accidents become a greater risk when a driver fails to adhere to federal regulations regarding hours of service. By law, truck drivers are limited to how many consecutive hours they can drive without a break. Choosing to ignore these regulations puts everybody on the road at risk.
Victims of accidents caused by fatigued truck drivers can hold the driver and their employer liable for negligence.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes, and truck accidents are no exception. It is also important to remember that distracted driving is not limited to cell phone use.
In fact, truck drivers may engage in a variety of distractions, including using mobile devices, eating, or adjusting in-cab technology. These distractions divert the trucker’s attention from the road, compromising their ability to react to potential hazards.
Victims injured in accidents involving distracted truck drivers can pursue personal injury claims based on the trucker’s negligent behavior. The attorneys at Thomas J. Henry Law can help investigate and prove your claim.
Impaired Driving and Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can impair a truck driver’s judgment, reaction time, and overall driving ability. When behind the wheel of a 40-ton tractor and trailer, impaired truck drivers pose a catastrophic risk to other road users.
This is one of the reasons commercial truck drivers are subject to stricter drunk driving laws than regular motorists. Under Texas law, for example, truck drivers are considered to be intoxicated if they have a BAC of .04 percent. That is half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers.
Victims injured in accidents caused by impaired truck drivers have strong grounds for personal injury claims, as impaired driving is considered negligent and illegal. Further, depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be determined the truck driver or their employer acted with gross negligence, allowing you to pursue punitive damages.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Truck drivers who exceed speed limits or engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive lane changes or tailgating, jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road.
Speeding and reckless driving increase the likelihood of accidents and reduce a driver’s ability to control their vehicle. Speeding also increases the amount of force involved in a collision and increased the risk of fatality.
Victims injured in accidents caused by speeding or reckless truck drivers should hire a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Improper Loading and Cargo Issues
Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for properly loading and securing cargo. Failure to adhere to industry standards and regulations can result in cargo shifting or falling off the truck, causing accidents and significant injuries.
How to Seek Compensation for Truck Driver Negligence
If you have been injured in a truck accident due to the negligence of a truck driver, it is essential to take appropriate legal action to protect your rights. San Antonio truck accident attorney Thomas J. Henry can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process.
Thomas J. Henry will work with expert witnesses familiar with the Texas trucking industry to build your case and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Call now for your FREE Case Consultation. Attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
