Every time you turn on the news, it seems like there is some sort of terrible accident involving an 18-wheeler on Texas roads. Without a doubt, truck accidents are an all too common occurrence on our roads and freeways. These types of accidents are a major concern to public safety. They have a high chance of causing more injuries to other motor vehicles.
Texas has the highest number of fatalities in the country for truck accidents, most of which are preventable. Someone loses their lives in a car or truck accident on Texas’ roads at least once per day. Thus, it’s up to all of us to ensure that tractor-trailers operate safely while traveling on public streets.
Truck Drivers Are Held to a Higher Standard
Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) requires a special type of license known as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). These special standards apply because driving CMVs involves unique skills and physical abilities. This ensures that the person driving these vehicles knows how to operate them safely. Although truck drivers are held to a higher safety standard and more rules and regulations than other vehicles, they are not immune from accidents. And when accidents do occur, they are often the result of questionable judgment on behalf of a truck driver.
Truck drivers, their employers, operating companies, loaders and shippers, and repair facilities can be held accountable if an accident occurred due to negligence. A Truck driver’s negligence can be seen in a number of situations. Such as operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding while operating the vehicle. Or less obvious public safety breaches like improper load balance and inadequate training or experience. The companies can even be liable for injuries from an accident, such as failing to maintain the truck in good working order. Thus, failing to properly maintain brakes, tires, lights, and other vehicle parts could hold them responsible for the accident.
Keeping Houston’s Highways Safe
With the vast network of roads and highways, it is difficult for law enforcement officers to make sure every truck and passenger vehicle follows traffic laws. If you suffered injuries in an accident with a truck, and you have reason to believe that the vehicle was being operated recklessly. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries as well as punitive damages. Punitive damages are levied against defendants to deter such unsafe behavior from occurring in the future. They are an important means of maintaining public safety.
If these circumstances apply to you, call Williams Hart & Boundas for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
