Common Causes of Truck Crashes in Texas

Common causes of truck accidents in Texas include distracted driving, fatigue, traffic violations, mechanical failures, and unsecured cargo. Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles, even a minor collision can cause catastrophic damage.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, determining the root cause is essential for establishing liability and fault. A Houston truck accident lawyer can investigate the accident and trace back causal factors to identify the responsible parties.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Common in Texas?

Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of fatal truck crashes in the nation. According to data from the National Safety Council, Texas experienced over 730 large truck fatalities in 2023 alone—significantly more deaths than the next two highest states, California (392) and Florida (341).

Part of the explanation for the high truck accident rate is that Texas is a transportation and logistics hub for the entire nation. Trucking is a vital component of the state’s economy, employing millions of people and generating billions of dollars in revenue.

Texas also has long stretches of rural interstate highways, where large truck crashes are most likely to occur. The combination of vast roadways and the state’s massive industrial sector contributes to the exceptionally high rate of fatal truck crashes.

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Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Texas

Below are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Texas:

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers must deal with all kinds of distractions on the road, such as other traffic and in-cabin distractions, like consoles, radios, and other information displays. Truck drivers may also perform tasks like eating behind the wheel to save time.

Fatigued Driving

The federal government has strict hours-of-service regulations limiting how many consecutive hours truckers can work. However, some truckers might drive more than they are allowed.

When fatigued, reaction time plummets and decision-making is impaired, so accidents become significantly more likely.

Substance Use

Truck drivers have stressful jobs, and some might turn to substance use to cope with the demands of their employment. Because trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for truckers is 0.04%, lower than the standard 0.08% limit for typical drivers.

Mechanical Failures

Trucks have thousands of parts, and mechanical failures in just one of them can spiral into causing massive accidents. Tires, brakes, steering columns, and trailer connections are among the most common defective truck parts. If a defective truck part caused the accident, you could sue the manufacturer.

Unsecured Cargo

The typical semi-truck carries tens of thousands of pounds of cargo. If this cargo is improperly secured or not balanced correctly, the driver can lose control of the trailer if the weight shifts.

Additionally, unsecured cargo can fall from the back of trucks, colliding with following vehicles or causing them to swerve.

Negligent Hiring or Training

Trucking companies are responsible for vetting their drivers and ensuring they have the proper training and certifications. These companies can be liable in a truck accident if they hire a driver with a history of violations or without the proper qualifications.

Tips to Avoid Truck Accidents

The best way to deal with truck accidents is to avoid them entirely. Here are some useful tips to help you avoid collisions with commercial vehicles:

Give trucks more space. You should give trucks more clearance than you would a typical passenger vehicle. For large trucks at highway speeds, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends a following distance of about seven seconds.
Stay out of blind spots. Trucks have blind spots on all four sides; stay out of them. As a general rule, if you can’t see the truck driver in their mirror, they can’t see you either.
Watch for wide turns. Trucks are long, so they need more space to make turns. Right turns, in particular, are risky as the tuck might have to first swing left to maneuver correctly.
Pass quickly. When passing, you don’t want to linger on the sides of the tractor. Tire blowouts and rollover accidents can cause accidents with vehicles adjacent to the semi-trailer.
Avoid distractions. Always be on your guard when driving near trucks. Stay off your phone, and avoid distractions like talking with passengers, adjusting the radio, or eating/drinking.

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Do You Have Injuries From a Truck Accident in Texas? Contact Haque Law Today

Even if you are aware of the most common causes of truck accidents in Texas, you can still get into an accident due to someone else’s negligence. If you have injuries from a recent truck accident, the attorneys from Haque Law want to hear from you.

We can help you file an insurance claim against the liable entities and recover your losses. You have limited time to file a claim, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Call or text (281) 417-8311 or complete a Case Evaluation form