18-Wheeler Causes Messy Morning Commute
18-wheelers are a common sight on Texas highways like I-35 and I-30. In fact, just last week I-35 was shut down outside of Austin because of an 18-wheeler rollover accident downtown [1]. Making an already messy commute even more of a headache, the 18-wheeler had crashed and partially overturned on I-35 downtown. The incident happened around 5 a.m., blocking two northbound lanes that would keep the interstate closed for almost two hours during the wet morning commute. Unfortunately, this type of accident is far more common than many people realize. Sharing the road with large commercial trucks is a necessary part of our lives today, but it can also be quite dangerous. Not only are these vehicles prone to more serious accidents than passenger vehicles, but there are numerous factors that can contribute to 18-wheeler accidents.
Here at Shamieh Law, we have extensive experience representing those involved in 18-wheeler accidents. The trucking industry is thriving, which means large trucks are a staple on the highways in and around Dallas. If you’ve been involved in an accident involving a commercial truck in Dallas, please contact Shamieh Law today and speak to a truck accident lawyer. Our highways are some of the most dangerous in the country, making them ripe for accidents that result in devastating injuries – or worse.
18-Wheeler Accident Statistics
It is incredibly common to see an 18-wheeler while driving on I-35, I-30, or any of the other highways around Dallas. These huge vehicles make many people nervous, and for good reason. 18-wheeler accidents often come with life-changing, devastating injuries, namely due to the sheer size and volume of these trucks. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more commercial truck accidents take place in Texas than any other state. There are numerous reasons for this, including the fact that many interstate highways pass through the Texas borders. Here are a few statistics to show just how common – and serious – 18-wheeler accidents are:
- Texas sees nearly 35,000 accidents involving large trucks every year
- Out of these accidents, more than 6,000 people are injured and nearly 1,000 lost their lives
- There are 400,000 accidents involving 18-wheelers nationwide each year
- There are more than 5,000 deaths and over 150,000 injuries related to 18-wheeler accidents annually
- Three percent of all fatal 18-wheeler accidents involve trucks carrying hazardous materials
If you or someone you love was involved in a large truck accident on a Dallas highway, please give Shamieh Law a call today and schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents
Even the most common car accident can be scary, but when the accident involves an 18-wheeler weighing more than 80,000 pounds (or 40 tons), the stakes are even higher. There are numerous causes of 18-wheeler accidents, including:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driver inexperience
- Improper loading
Give Shamieh Law a call if you have been involved in an 18-wheeler accident or if you have lost a loved one in an accident involving a tractor-trailer. We are here to help you recover the damages you deserve for any medical, physical, or emotional damages.