Call Now Request FREE consultation - 1866-758-4529

Interstate 10 is One of the Deadliest Roads for Truckers

Interstate 10 one of the deadliest roads for truckers

Interstate 10 is one of the most dangerous roads in Texas for many reasons. Interstate 10 is one of the deadliest roadways for truckers in the United States. Here are a few statistics about truck crashes on I-10 outside of Houston, TX.

 

Why is Interstate 10 in Texas so Deadly?

 

Interstate 10 runs almost 900 miles across the state of Texas, passing through Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso. In a six-year period, there were 585 fatal crashes and 675 deaths on Interstate 10. Literally, thousands of big rigs travel Interstate 10 each day. One reason for the tragic statistics is simply the number of truckers using Interstate 10 every day.

The Most Deaths from a Truck Accident in Texas is Near Houston

Houston and Harris County had the highest number of fatal truck accidents on Interstate 10. Also, Harris County has the most fatal truck accidents in Texas. The major metropolitan areas across the state have higher ratios of fatal truck accidents than more rural areas.

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?

There are many reasons why big rig crashes occur. Truck drivers have fewer accidents per mile than passenger cars or pickup trucks. Nevertheless, when a semi-truck is involved in an accident, it usually involves severe injury or a fatality. Because a big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, we find that many, if not most of the accidents at highway speeds involved significant injury. Some of the more common reasons for big rig accidents include:

 

 

Speeding trucks

– or a major problem on interstates. Truckers are usually paid by the mile and not by the hour. Thus, giving a commercial driver incentive to violate the hours-of-service rules or speed to make a living wage

 

Following too closely

Is a major cause of rare round truck accidents. Big rigs take longer to stop than other smaller vehicles. when traffic stops suddenly, big rigs cannot stop as quickly as the cars ahead of them. For this reason, truck drivers must allow a larger cushion of safety between themselves and other drivers.

 

Poorly maintained vehicles

– causes many accidents when the tractor-trailer is not in a safe condition during the trip. Examples would be bad brakes, worn tires, and other defects that cause accidents.

 

Driver error

Without a doubt, the leading cause of 18-wheeler accidents is driver error. Fatigued driving or driving over service hours can exacerbate the driver error problem.

 

Distracted driving

– distracted driving is a leading cause of commercial and otherwise accidents. Distractions can be more than just talking on a cell phone. Adjusting the radio, checking the route, or checking email will all lead to crashes.

 

What to Do if You are in an Accident with a Big Truck on I-10?

Besides seeking the medical care required for your injuries, you must take steps to protect your rights. If the accident is significant, the trucking company will be taking steps to protect their rights and often have lawyers at the crash scene almost immediately. The accident victim must start their claim immediately by hiring the best truck accident lawyer in the area to defend their interests.

Preserve Evidence

Important evidence should be preserved, and it often takes a skilled attorney to know which evidence has to take appropriate steps to save it. Some of the more important evidence that must be preserved includes:

  • Computer crash data from the semi
  • Onboard cameras
  • Traffic cameras and nearby business video
  • Witness identity and statements
  • Vehicle inspections and scene documentation
  • The safety record of the motor carrier and driver
  • Another vital evidence

Do Not Give Recorded Statements

Additionally, accident victims should refrain from giving any recorded statements to the insurance company for the motor carrier. Insurance adjusters are usually looking for defenses and not just for information on how the crash occurred. Hire the best truck accident attorney near you and let them speak for you and your interests.

Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Texas

If the truck driver was negligent, let a skilled Texas truck wreck attorney get the proof you need to win your case. You should know that insurance companies will not treat you the same way without an attorney as they will with one of the best lawyers. When money is often mentioned, the injury victim understands the adjuster never intended to be fair or reasonable. The adjuster will use common defenses to deny or minimize your claim.

About Our Texas Truck Accident Law Firm

We have been helping people injured in truck accidents on I 10 in Texas for over forty years. Our record of success is incredible for both severe injury and fatal crashes. Contact us for a Free Consultation.

(281) 893-0760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post under: blog

About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer 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.