What CDL drivers need to know about drug and alcohol testing
By Greg Baumgartner, Texas truck accident lawyer Federal rules require drug and alcohol testing for a covered truck driver who survives a fatal crash, even if police issue no ticket. After a nonfatal crash, testing depends on the injuries or vehicle damage and when the truck driver receives a moving violation citation. These rules generally […]
The investigation of an 18-wheeler accident in Texas happens every day. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the incident and gather crucial evidence. Yet, victims need representation during this crucial time. Every day across Texas, there is a commercial vehicle accident. In fact, Texas has more fatal big truck collisions than any other […]
Texas has more fatal truck accidents than any other state in the United States, according to a recent report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In 2024, Texas had 608 fatalities in large truck accidents. The margin was significant, as the next closest state was California, followed by Florida. Perhaps […]
The aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident leaves many questions for those who may have been injured or have lost a loved one. This article provides a brief overview of the steps individuals who have been hit by a semi-truck should take. At the Scene of the Crash Most people who have been hit by […]
Anyone who has driven on the highway has probably seen debris from a truck tire. Chunks of tire can be seen littering the roadway and are often in the middle of the lane. When a big rig truck tire blows out, it can cause a dangerous situation for both the big rig and other […]
Just in time for family summer vacations, the governors Highway safety Association and Uber announce an initiative called “Make it Click: Every seat. Every ride”. The purpose is to bring awareness to the need for wearing seatbelts and the dangers for those who choose not to buckle up. Uber is to be commended […]
By Greg Baumgartner | Updated August 2026 CASE UPDATE: A Texas jury returned a verdict of more than $89 million against Werner Enterprises and its driver. The Texas Supreme Court later reversed that judgment and rendered judgment in favor of the defendants. This article explains the final result and why proof of causation matters […]
In an accident involving a tractor-trailer or other commercial truck, gathering the right evidence is crucial to winning a truck accident case. Finding Violations of Safety Rules Professional truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license and are employed by a “motor carrier” that must comply with safety laws designed to protect us. These safety […]
The Department of Transportation routinely conducts studies to evaluate opportunities to improve safety on our roadways by 18-wheeler drivers and trucking companies. One such study evaluated large truck crash cases and provided an overview of the truck accidents. Every year, thousands of people die and tens of thousands of people are injured in 18-wheeler […]
We have been holding trucking companies accountable for accidents involving their drivers for over three decades with incredible success. Trucking companies and their insurers are always looking for ways to avoid paying fair value for injuries caused by their drivers. One of the tactics they attempt to employ is to suggest that the truck […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). MCMIS contains information relating to the safety of commercial motor carriers who are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The information reported in the MCMIS is invaluable to monitor the safety of truck drivers and trucking companies. The information […]
Texas 18-wheeler accident cases are worth significantly more than standard vehicle collisions, with average settlements ranging from $500,000 to over $3 million, depending on injury severity and liability. The disparity exists for concrete reasons: commercial trucks can weigh 20-30 times more than passenger vehicles, federal regulations impose higher duty-of-care standards on professional drivers, and trucking […]
If you were asked ten years ago to imagine an activity we as a society could invent that would cause more motor vehicle accidents and more fatalities than drunk driving, it would be hard to believe what it would be. Yet, the dangers of cell phone use while driving have emerged as a significant concern […]
Provide First Aid and Call 911 A person should know what to do after being in an accident with a commercial vehicle, especially in the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle accident involving a big truck. Big trucks can be large box package delivery trucks, tankers carrying liquids, garbage trucks, and big rigs, sometimes called […]
Updated 2021 A person need only turn on a cable news channel and view for a reasonable period before seeing a report about electric vehicles. From hybrids to all-electric derivations, the age of the electric motor vehicle is upon us. One area in which electric vehicles are almost nonexistent is in the semi-truck arena. Industry […]
In the state of Texas and elsewhere in the United States, distracted driving is a major underlying cause of accidents. Indeed, thousands of people are injured annually across the country in distracted driver commercial truck accidents. There are some specific strategies that can be employed to eliminate distracted driving by big rig operators. Do Not […]
Texas has the highest number of trucking accident injuries in the nation. More people are injured or killed in a truck accident in the Houston area than in any other place in Texas. The truth of the matter is that trucking companies carry commercial insurance policies that protect them against personal injury claims. Many of […]
A variety of factors have contributed to increased competition in the trucking industry in recent years. Deregulation has a significant impact on the industry, resulting in increased competition. Additionally, the implementation of NAFTA has increased the use of big rigs to transport cargo in the United States and across North America. The impact of competition […]
In the state of Texas, approximately 39,000 accidents involving commercial trucks, also known as semis, occur each year. Among the various factors contributing to these incidents, truck accidents and roadway lighting play a significant role. About 1800 of these accidents result in serious injuries. Additionally, between 550 and 650 people die in traffic collisions involving […]
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is defined medically as a decrease in airflow due to recurring partial or complete obstruction of a person’s upper airway. The body initially reacts to this through responses such as pronounced snoring. Ultimately, a person stops breathing for fairly brief periods of time. OSA occurs during sleep, and there has […]
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 […]
