Avoiding an 18-Wheeler Accident in Houston

Houston is the largest city in the state of Texas and the fourth-largest city in the United States. When it comes to avoiding an 18-wheeler accident in Houston, being aware of the busy roads is key. The greater Houston area is estimated to have a population of over 7.5 million and spans an area of more than 600 square miles.

Houston has been rated as one of the most congested cities in Texas and also ranks nationally in this category. Particularly congested are the major highways, including Interstate 10, US 290, Interstate 45, and Interstate 59.

Heavy Traffic Means More Accidents

It’s no surprise that the larger numbers of motorists on the highway have a direct correlation to the number of truck accidents that occur. Today, there are an estimated 17 million commercial trucks licensed in America.

Because the greater Houston area has the highest percentage of truck accidents in Texas, Harris County residents should be aware of how to minimize the chances of being involved in a crash with a large truck.

The Texas Department of Transportation confirms that 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and take approximately one-third longer to stop at highway speeds than a passenger car or pickup truck. Harris County motorists can’t completely avoid driving around big rigs.

The following are some safety recommendations for traveling around 18-wheelers.

1. Avoid allowing an 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer to tailgate. A tailgating truck may lead you to change lanes when you can safely do so or allow the truck to get ahead of you. Speeding up to the extent you can do so legally and safely is also an option to keep a big rig off your tail.

Big trucks take up to 40 percent longer to come to a complete stop. If a big rig is following you closely and you have to make a sudden braking maneuver, the odds of you getting hit by the big rig are significant.

2. Give turning trucks plenty of room. One major cause of truck accidents is the wide-turning truck not accommodating other traffic. Be careful not to get caught on a squeeze play by running out of the roadway around a big rig that is turning.
3. Avoid truck blind spots. Big rigs are notorious for their blind spots on either side of the big truck, as well as immediately in front and behind the vehicles. When you are in these blind spots, the truck driver will not be aware of your presence, and the odds of an accident increase.
4. Careful passing– If you pass a tractor-trailer on the highway, do not move back over into its Lane until you are a safe distance in front of the truck. As set forth above, there is a blind spot in the front of the truck, and these big rigs take much longer to stop.

What should I do if I am involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer?

If you or a family member has been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or garbage truck, please contact our truck accident team as soon as possible by calling Toll-Free at 1-866-758-4529.

We fight for maximum compensation for your injuries, and your damages can include such things as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and disfigurement. For those who have lost a loved one in a wrongful death truck accident, damages differ depending on whether the victim died instantly or survived for a time after the crash.

To discuss your rights and options after a commercial vehicle crash, call us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Call the Truck Accident Attorneys in Texas at – 281-893-0760 – 24/7

We have been helping truck accident victims for over four decades and have a record of success unmatched.

Related Resources:

How to Avoid Blind Spot Accidents

Blind spot accidents with 18-wheelers

What can be obtained in an Early Investigation of a Tractor-Trailer Accident?

How To Avoid Accidents With 18-Wheelers

Wide Right Turn Truck Accidents: A Comprehensive Guide

About Greg Baumgartner

Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.