18 Wheeler Accident Investigations

Houston Truck Driving Negligence Attorney

In a 2002 study carried out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), roughly 37% of all truck accidents were attributable to driver error. Speeding was the most common cause of 18 wheeler accidents, followed by running off the road and drifting between lanes. While safety experts and industry advocates disagree, consumer groups have expressed concern that increased pressure to deliver freight faster and cheaper is likely to result in more truckers speeding to meet deadlines. Additionally, new regulations that allow truck drivers to drive longer hours may lead to more driver fatigue and an increased risk for truck accidents.

At the law office of Stephen Boutros, I understand changes in the trucking industry and how they impact driver behavior and company decisions. I have the resources needed to investigate the cause of a 18 wheeler accident and hold negligent truck drivers and negligent trucking companies financially liable for the injuries and fatalities they case.

If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, contact truck accident attorney Stephen Boutros today and schedule an appointment.

Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents

The law office of Stephen Boutros represents clients in cases involving accidents caused by the following:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Driver fatigue
  • Lane drift
  • Improperly pulled off onto shoulder of road
  • Drinking and driving
  • Lack of reflective markings
  • Absence of a under-riding guard
  • Faulty or defective equipment

Excessive Speeding and 18 Wheeler Accidents

Speeding is a constant issue in the trucking industry. In 2004, statistics collected by the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 26% of all fatal truck accidents involved a truck driver who had one or more tickets for speeding. Additionally, another study conducted by the NHTSA found that 31% of all truck drivers killed in accidents involved accidents caused by driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel.

18 Wheeler Accidents and Under-riding

“Under-riding” refers to accidents involving rear end collisions that result in a car riding up under the back of the truck. Typically, the roof is shorn off and serious, if not fatal, injuries occur. In 1967, actress Jayne Mansfield was killed on a Louisiana highway in an under-riding accident. Afterwards, the NHTSA started requiring trucks to install a rear guard – also known as a “Mansfield bar” – to prevent under-riding. However, each year, roughly 1000 people die in under-riding accidents.

Contact Truck Accidents Attorney Stephen Boutros Today

As a personal injury attorney who has represented numerous truck accident victims, Stephen Boutros understands how to investigate 18 wheeler truck accidents and hold negligent truck drivers and negligent trucking companies financially liable for the injuries they cause. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact personal injury lawyer Stephen Boutros today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.

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