18 Wheeler
Fort Worth 18 Wheeler Accidents
The injury attorneys of Jose, Henry, Brantley, MacLean and Alvarado, LLP in Fort Worth, Texas present this 18 wheeler accident information as a resource to our clients, present and future.
Why are 18 wheeler accidents so common?
Millions of vehicles are registered in the US today, and the roads in Fort Worth are crowded with traffic. Part of this traffic includes heavy trucks, semi-trailers, and 18 wheeler trucks. Crowded roads, inexperience, fatigue, aggressive drivers, human error, badly maintained vehicles and dangers inherent to 18 wheelers are all contributors to the prevalence of accidents on the roads today.
What are the causes of 18 wheeler accidents?
Although heavy trucks make up just 4% of America’s registered motor vehicles, they are disproportionately involved in 11% of all road fatalities (www.saferoads.org/issues/fs-trucks.htm). Eighteen wheelers account for a tremendous number accident deaths on America’s roads. The fatal crash rate for large trucks is in excess of 50% greater than the rate for all other automobiles sharing the roads, at 2.4 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles (www.saferoads.org/issues/fs-trucks.htm).
Eighteen wheeler operators cover many miles of driving each day and there are enormous pressures put on them to complete their routes as quickly as possible. Although there are federal laws limiting the amount of time an 18 wheeler driver can operate the truck, accidents are caused by drivers who ignore these regulations in order to complete their route as quickly as they can. Additionally, many drivers prefer to drive at night in order to avoid traffic, and this leads to even more accidents.
Some 18 wheeler operators may ignore speed limits to meet unreasonable delivery demands put on them by their employers. Combined with a number of irresponsible drivers who operate their trucks under the influence of alcohol or drugs, inexperienced drivers, and trucks that are ill-maintained all contribute to 18 wheeler accidents.
The total size and breaking mechanics of an 18 wheeler also contribute to traffic accidents. In a crash, the huge weight difference between an 18 wheeler and a passenger vehicle increases the probability that the truck will inflict serious damage.
Additionally, it is difficult for 18 wheelers to stop quickly. This is due not only to size, but also to the use of air pressure brakes. The result is that an 18 wheeler needs more time to come to a stop to avoid an accident. Improper braking on the part of the heavy truck driver can cause the vehicle to jackknife, or fold over, creating an even greater road danger.
The differences in the heights of vehicles can result in a car becoming trapped underneath the truck in an accident, causing catastrophic injuries to the car’s occupants. The weight of the truck and power of its engine often means that if it hits the vehicle in front of it, the force of the collision will send the vehicle crashing into another, setting off a dangerous chain reaction.
At Jose, Henry, Brantley, MacLean and Alvarado, we welcome any concerns or questions you may have about 18 wheelers on our Fort Worth roads and highways. Call us toll free at 866.415.1871, or feel free to contact us via our web form.
