Drowsy driving is a serious problem among truckers, and it can have devastating consequences. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue contributes to an estimated 13 percent of fatal and injury truck crashes.
According to the Star-Telegram, a police chase involving an allegedly stolen 18-wheeler ended in a fiery crash on I-30, leaving a dozen individuals injured in its wake. The tractor-trailer reached speeds of up to 100 mph and hit several vehicles while evading police. It caused at least five other collisions before crashing near the Cooper Street Bridge in Arlington.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, large trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than passenger cars, and most fatalities that occur in truck collisions are occupants of passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, even if fatalities do not occur, debilitating injuries often do.
In 2014, there were 3,978 buses and large trucks involved in fatal collisions, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The vast majority of these accidents were caused by driver errors such as speeding, tailgating, or drunk driving.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas is home to more than 180,000 truck drivers, which means our state has a higher rate of employment in the trucking industry than anywhere else in the country. Unfortunately, with more 18-wheelers on the road comes a higher risk of being involved in a semi-truck accident.
Commercial truckers tend to be far more experienced behind the wheel than other drivers. They also undergo extensive training to avoid accidents and drive defensively. Unfortunately, CMV collisions still happen; in fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 342,000 large trucks were involved in accidents in 2013.
Commercial truckers spend copious amounts of time behind the wheel. Despite their experience, they are not immune to accidents. Fatigue, distractions, unfamiliar roads and countless other factors contribute to truck crashes.
In the past, auto manufacturers developed new safety features exclusively for passenger vehicles. Put simply, this is where the money was. Safety was a much higher priority for passenger-vehicle drivers than for companies, which tended to focus more on fuel efficiency, longevity, and other economic factors.
A commercial truck can cleave a path of destruction, causing devastating injuries and property damage. If you were injured in a truck crash, then you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
Spinal injuries can significantly diminish victims’ quality of life. They can affect relationships and careers while confining people to wheelchairs. Some patients require lifelong medical support.
Due to the confidential nature of many settlements, no further information can be shared.
Disclaimer: The following are representative verdicts and settlements obtained by The Cooper Law Firm for its clients. The value of a personal injury claim is highly dependent on the facts of each individual case and the severity of the injuries sustained. As such, the following should not be considered a guarantee of a particular result in any potential case or claim.
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT
Death
18-WHEELER WRECK
Death
18-WHEELER WRECK
Brain/Neck Injury
18-WHEELER WRECK
Neck Injury
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT
Scaffold Collapse
Cooper Law Firm handles cases throughout the state of Texas and Oklahoma.
