Posted by : attorney stevelee

Texas Truck Risks Surge After Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey flooded the Houston area for three days, but the impact on area roadways has lasted much longer. In the storm’s aftermath, the demand for consumer goods in Texas has skyrocketed. This has led to even more highway congestion, traffic delays, and a surge in truck collisions.

Increased Demand for Consumer Goods

The destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas has led to a huge spike in the demand for goods, and area trucking companies are responsible for meeting that increased demand. In particular, demand has increased for:

  • Food
  • Bottled water
  • Portable generators
  • Wallboard
  • Plywood

Increased Risk of Truck Collisions

While this increased demand for consumer goods may be beneficial to companies, all of the extra traffic makes life hard for truck drivers. Overworked truck drivers are now on the road more often for even longer periods of time, leading to a higher collision risk statewide. When a heavy truck driver becomes fatigued on the job, everyone else on the road faces a higher risk of injury or death. Excessive fatigue often leads to:

  • Slowed reaction times.
  • Increased lapses in attention span.
  • Decreased alertness to danger.

Traffic Increases Mean Higher Accident Risks

According to the International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, a truck accident study was conducted that evaluated 15 traffic factors, including speed, vehicle size, and the driver’s condition. The study found that overall, the percentage volume of trucks on the road was the primary factor in determining accident severity. An increase of 1 percent in truck volume leads to a disproportionately higher increase in the probability of a severe collision.

Trucking Company Liability

The heavy traffic experienced in the aftermath of hurricane Harvey has resulted in many frustrated and fatigued truck drivers. Unfortunately, some trucking companies don’t follow the proper procedural safeguards intended to reduce driver fatigue and prevent violations of the government’s hours of service regulations. Even low-speed truck collisions that occur in heavy traffic can lead to devastating injuries or death.

If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, you’re entitled to seek compensation. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

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