Corpus Christi Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck Driver Negligence

Truck drivers shoulder a tremendous responsibility when operating their vehicles. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences. 

Common forms of driver negligence include:

• Distracted driving: Cell phone use, eating, or even adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s focus from the road, leading to dangerous situations.
• Reckless driving: Speeding, tailgating, and aggressive maneuvers increase the risk of accidents, especially when operating a large truck.
• Failure to maintain records: Accurate record-keeping is essential for monitoring driver fatigue and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Falsifying or neglecting these records can contribute to accidents.

Employer Negligence

Trucking companies must prioritize safety in all their operations. Negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, and poor supervision can all contribute to accidents. 

Specific examples of employer negligence include:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to thoroughly screen applicants, including verifying their qualifications and conducting background checks, can lead to the operation of commercial vehicles by unqualified drivers.
• Negligent supervision: Trucking companies must monitor their drivers’ performance and address any concerns promptly. Failing to do so can put unsafe drivers on the road.
• Negligent training: Drivers must receive comprehensive training on vehicle operation, safety protocols, and cargo securement. Inadequate training can increase the risk of accidents.

Improper Truck Maintenance 

Truck accidents often have devastating consequences. The immense size and weight of commercial trucks, coupled with factors like improper maintenance, significantly increase the risk of severe or even fatal injuries. 

Federal and state regulations mandate strict maintenance schedules and inspections to mitigate these risks. Trucking companies, however, sometimes prioritize profits over safety, leading to neglected maintenance and potentially hazardous conditions on our roads. Defective brakes, worn tires, and malfunctioning steering systems are just a few examples of issues that can arise from inadequate upkeep.

Alcohol or Drug Abuse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations regarding alcohol and drug use for commercial drivers. 

These regulations are in place to protect the public and foster road safety. 

Key regulations include, but are not limited to:

• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) Limit: A commercial driver’s BAC must be below 0.04%, which is half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers in most states.
• Pre-employment drug testing: All commercial drivers must undergo pre-employment drug testing to screen for prohibited substances.
• Random drug testing: Trucking companies are required to conduct random drug tests on their drivers throughout their employment.
• Post-accident drug testing: Drug testing is mandatory after any accident involving a commercial vehicle to determine if drug use was a contributing factor to your accident.

Despite these regulations, alcohol and drug use among truck drivers remains a persistent concern. Substances like alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines can significantly impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and overall ability to operate a vehicle safely. This impairment can lead to devastating accidents, causing serious injuries and fatalities.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue remains a persistent problem in the trucking industry despite regulations designed to limit driving hours and ensure adequate rest. The pressure to meet deadlines and deliver goods quickly often leads to drivers pushing themselves beyond their limits, creating a serious hazard for everyone on the road. Studies have shown that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, impairing judgment, reaction time, and decision-making abilities.

Recognizing the signs of driver fatigue is crucial for preventing accidents. 

These signs can include:

• Drifting between lanes
• Inconsistent speeds
• Sudden braking
• Poor gear changes
• Risky maneuvers

If you observe these behaviors in a truck driver, maintain a safe distance and pass cautiously when it’s safe to do so. Avoid cutting them off or lingering in their blind spots.

Improperly Maintained Roads

We all expect safe roads when we travel. Unfortunately, dangerous or poorly maintained roads can lead to serious truck accidents, often resulting in severe injuries. Even a minor defect, like a pothole or uneven pavement, can cause a truck driver to lose control of their massive vehicle.

Common road hazards that contribute to truck accidents include:

• Uneven surfaces (bumps, dips, ridges)
• Potholes
• Water accumulation
• Lack of proper signage or guardrails
• Debris in the roadway

These hazards can cause a truck to swerve, jackknife, or even roll over, endangering everyone in its path. Determining liability in these cases often involves identifying multiple responsible parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the entity responsible for road maintenance.

Improper Packing or Overloading

The risks associated with improperly packed or overloaded trucks are significant and far-reaching. These unsafe practices can turn routine transport into a dangerous situation, jeopardizing the lives of the truck driver and everyone sharing the road with them.

Overloading a truck places excessive strain on its components, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failures such as tire blowouts and brake problems. This can lead to a loss of control, making it difficult or impossible for the driver to avoid a collision. Additionally, overloading can significantly increase the truck’s stopping distance, further elevating the risk of accidents.

Uneven weight distribution can also have dangerous consequences. When cargo is not properly balanced, the truck can become unstable and more difficult to control, especially during turns or sudden maneuvers. This instability increases the risk of rollovers or jackknifing, potentially causing catastrophic damage and injuries. Moreover, unsecured cargo can shift during transit, further compromising the truck’s stability and potentially causing it to spill onto the road, creating hazards for other vehicles.

Here’s a breakdown of the specific dangers:

• Overloading: Tire blowouts, brake failure, increased stopping distance, rollovers.
• Uneven weight distribution: Instability, difficulty controlling the truck, jackknifing.
• Unsecured cargo: Shifting cargo, loss of control, spilled cargo on the road.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by improper loading or overloading, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel to determine liability and pursue compensation.

Truck Malfunctions & Defects

Commercial trucks are complex machines with numerous components that must function correctly for safe operation. Unfortunately, defects and malfunctions can occur, increasing the risk of accidents. These defects can be present from the time of manufacture, or they can develop over time due to wear and tear or improper maintenance.

Examples of common truck defects and malfunctions include:

• Brake failure: Brakes are essential for controlling a truck’s speed and stopping safely. Worn brake pads, faulty brake lines, and air system leaks can all lead to brake failure, making it difficult or impossible for a driver to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Tire blowouts: Truck tires are under immense pressure due to the heavy loads they carry. Over time, this can lead to wear and tear, increasing the risk of a blowout. Improper inflation, worn treads, and manufacturing defects can also contribute to tire failure. A sudden tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control, potentially leading to a rollover or collision.
• Steering system malfunctions: The steering system allows a driver to control the direction and stability of the truck. Worn tie rod ends, ball joints, and steering gears can make it difficult to steer, especially at higher speeds or on curves. This can result in the truck veering off the road or into oncoming traffic.
• Suspension problems: The suspension system helps absorb shocks and keep the tires in contact with the road. Broken springs, worn shock absorbers, and loose U-bolts can compromise the truck’s stability and handling, making it more prone to rollovers or jackknifing.
• Lighting failures: Malfunctioning headlights, taillights, and turn signals reduce visibility, making it difficult for other drivers to see the truck and anticipate its movements. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially at night or in inclement weather.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, it’s crucial to investigate whether any of these defects or malfunctions played a role. Identifying the specific defect and the responsible party that caused your injury can be complex, requiring careful analysis and a thorough review of maintenance records. Luckily, we have decades of experience and access to a vast network of experts that can help us build a compelling case.