The Most Common Contributors to Big Rig Accidents

1. CAUSES OF LARGE TRUCK CRASHES
The Most Common Contributors to Big Rig Accidents

2. When a Large Truck and Smaller
Vehicle Collide…
Crashes involving tractor-trailers are some of the
most serious on our roads. The size and weight of a
large truck make them dangerous to other motorists.
In fact, when large trucks and smaller vehicles collide
in fatal crashes, 97 percent of the deaths are
occupants of the smaller vehicle, compared to only 3
percent of large truck occupants.
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3. More Statistics on Large Truck
Accidents in Texas
 In Dallas County alone, there were nearly 4,000 crashes
involving commercial vehicles in 2016, the most recent year
for which statistics are available.
 Of those crashes in Dallas, there were 32 deaths and 98
incapacitating injuries.
 Every year in Texas, there are around 400 fatal crashes
involving large trucks.
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4. Why Do These Crashes Happen?
There are many different factors at play when looking
at causes of large truck crashes. One crash can have
several contributing factors, so every case is different.
However, most crashes are caused by human error.
Let’s look at a few of the most common reasons why
crashes occur…
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5. Fatigue
One of the biggest concerns among trucking safety
advocates is driver fatigue. Truck drivers travel long
distances and spend many hours behind the wheel,
both of which make a driver more likely to be
involved in a crash. Nearly one-third of all truck
drivers have sleep apnea, which also makes drowsy
driving more likely.
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972-426-2621

6. Distraction
Distraction has become a major concern for all road users. Drivers can
be distracted physically, visually or cognitively. Activities that lead to
distracted driving accidents include:
 Using a smartphone or mobile device
 Eating or drinking
 Looking in mirrors
 Using navigation devices or car stereos.
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7. Impairment
Impairment can take many forms. It is perhaps
most closely associated with alcohol use, but
other substances like marijuana, prescription
drugs and some non-prescription drugs can
also cause a driver to be impaired behind the
wheel.
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972-426-2621

8. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving includes ignoring stop signs and signals,
veering into another lane without signaling and following
another vehicle too closely. The most deadly type of reckless
driving is speeding, which is the most frequent driver-related
crash factor for drivers of both vehicle types. Speeding
includes both exceeding a posted speed limit and driving too
fast for the conditions of the road.
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972-426-2621

9. Inexperience
Truck drivers should receive extensive training before getting
behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer. These trucks weigh 20
to 30 times as much as passenger vehicles and take 20 to 40
percent longer to brake to a full stop. When a driver is less
experienced, they are more prone to drive recklessly and
cause a serious crash.
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972-426-2621

10. Large Truck Crashes Have Serious
Consequences
Crashes involving tractor-trailers are often very serious.
Injuries suffered can be severe, such as brain injuries, spinal
cord injuries, burns, organ damage or multiple fractures. In
the worst of cases, the injuries can be deadly. But a crash can
also lead to other financial challenges. These could include
expensive medical bills, ongoing treatment, property damage,
lost income and loss of work capacity.
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972-426-2621

11. Who is Responsible for a Large
Truck Accident?
No two cases are the same, and it is difficult to know who is
at fault for a crash without an investigation. Either driver
might be responsible. When a truck driver is negligent and
collides with another vehicle or pedestrian, that driver might
also share blame with their employer if the trucking company
was demanding too much from the driver or putting that
driver in a situation where a crash was more likely to occur.
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972-426-2621

12. Legal Options for Crash Victims
If you’ve been injured in a large truck accident, you should
seek legal assistance to learn more about your options. Truck
drivers and trucking companies often have the support of
large legal teams that spring into action after a crash to
mitigate liability. By hiring an experienced truck accident
attorney, you’ll be sure you have an advocate with the track
record and skill to get you the compensation you deserve.
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972-426-2621

13. Contact Guajardo & Marks
to Learn More
At Guajardo & Marks, we have a reputation for handling
cases that involve serious injuries. While many firms take on
high caseloads, we prefer to focus on a smaller set of clients
to make sure we can devote our full resources to their case.
Contact our Dallas truck accident attorneys today to
schedule a free consultation.
Contact us today!
972-426-2621