Written and reviewed by Greg Baumgartner, Texas truck accident attorney. Greg has represented seriously injured Texans and families in commercial-vehicle cases since 1985. Quick answer: A commercial truck’s “black box” may record speed, engine activity, braking and other events before a wreck. But no single device records everything. The available data depends on the truck […]
Oversized loads are those that require extra precaution and planning to transport them safely through Texas. Yet, oversized loads caused many accidents for various reasons. In this post, we will explore the transportation of oversized loads and related matters. Understanding Oversized Loads Oversized loads refer to cargo that exceeds the standard legal size […]
Understanding the Importance of Semi-Truck Brakes Semi-trucks are a common sight on our highways, carrying goods across vast distances. Their size and weight make them a force to be reckoned with on the road. Brakes are an integral part of semi trucks, ensuring their safe operation. A key component that ensures the safety of these […]
Texas, the Lone Star State, is facing a driver shortage, which can be critical to its growing economy since they are needed on highways throughout the state and beyond. The complicated causes of this lack of drivers will be discussed in more depth here, as well as solutions such as getting younger people involved […]
As Houston area drivers, we share our roads with hundreds, if not thousands, of trucks each day. Large commercial trucks, also called big rigs or semi-trucks, can carry a large number of goods across the country. Semi-trucks typically have 18 wheels, which are necessary to handle the weight and stress of the mighty cargo they […]
We share our Houston roadways with millions of trucks. According to the United States Department of Transportation, there are over 12.5 million commercial trucks registered in the U.S. While trucks are essential for transporting goods across the country, they can also pose significant safety risks. Big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded, […]
Who is responsible for cargo falling off a semi? Houston has some of the most commercial trucks on the roads. Our area is a hub for transportation, and many trucks need to travel through our city to get to other parts of the country. Trucks can pose a threat to safety on our roads. One […]
When you see a large semi-truck on the road, you notice that it has many more tires than passenger vehicles. You likely assume that the extra tires will prevent problems in case one of the tires fails. While the extra tires support the truck and keep it on the road, a tire blowout is still […]
The transportation of goods across the country is essential to our economy. Yet, with all those trucks on the roads, it can make for a dangerous commute. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were almost 300,000 big rigs on the nation’s roadways in 2016. Accidents with 18-wheelers can cause serious injuries […]
Stopping distance is a major factor in big rig rear-end collisions, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that about 20% of all trucking accidents are rear-end related crashes. Rear-end collisions with big rigs are incredibly hazardous to the occupants in the vehicles they hit. Some of the reasons for the severity of injury […]
Being safe on a highway is always an important matter. When driving around a semi-truck, it becomes even more important. Here are 9 steps to reduce the odds of an accident with a semi-truck. 1. Never tailgate a semi-truck – again, they may not be able to see you (for that matter, never tailgate at […]
Accidents with big rigs are dangerous and terrifying. Those involved in truck crashes are often seriously hurt. After a crash, all aspects of the situation need to be analyzed. An experienced Houston truck accident attorney will work to gather information and details about the crash. One factor that often comes into play is whether the […]
Texas has more highways than any other state, and it keeps building more. Every new lane and every new mile carries more freight, which means more 18-wheelers sharing the road with families in passenger cars. The pattern over the years has been hard to miss: as the miles go up, so do the crashes. If […]
Professional truck drivers must perform a pre-trip inspection each day before operating their tractor-trailer on the highway. Tire safety for 18-wheelers begins with the pre-trip inspection, where making sure that the tires on the tractor and trailer are correctly inflated and in safe operating condition is an integral part. Trucking companies know of downtime for […]
The United States faces the dilemma of a massive commercial truck driver shortage. The situation has gotten so acute that Congress is now looking at legislation aimed at increasing the number of drivers available for interstate routes. This article addresses the scope of the problem, some proposed solutions and the dangers of some solutions. Driver […]
When a loaded 18-wheeler carrying toxic, flammable, or explosive cargo crashes, the consequences extend far beyond the collision itself — threatening lives, health, and property for miles around. Hazardous Materials Make Big Rig Accidents More Dangerous, as the risks increase dramatically with the involvement of such substances. Greg Baumgartner, Texas Truck Accident Lawyer · […]
Quick answer: A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 65 mph may need about 525 feet under favorable conditions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration warns that a large truck or bus may need up to two football fields to stop. Rain, speed, a downhill grade, delayed reaction time, worn brakes, and other conditions can increase […]
After a truck accident, the focus is usually on the driver of the big rig and whether that driver was responsible for the collision. Sometimes, however, the trucking company or “motor carrier” holds responsibility independently of its driver’s actions. This situation can arise when trucking companies drop the ball on safety, leading to severe consequences. […]
For decades, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has had rules for drug and alcohol testing for commercial truck and bus drivers. Having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) requires compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing requirements, which is critical for driver safety and motor carrier legitimacy. Why Drug Testing is Required for Truckers […]
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 […]
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 […]
