Tired truckers pose an enormous risk to other vehicles on Texas roads. Attorney Steve Lee discusses the link between tired truck drivers and large truck accidents. Contact us at 800-232-3711 or 713-921-4171 if have been injured in a Texas truck crash.

Tired Truckers and 18-Wheelers Don’t Mix

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As 18-wheelers travel across the country, many of these large trucks use the interstates and highways in Texas. With all of the semi-trucks on Texas roads, accidents are bound to happen. In 2007, there were over 17,000 large truck crashes in Texas, which resulted in over 10,000 injuries. Tired truckers are to blame for many of these crashes.

There has been conflicting information regarding how many tractor trailer accidents are caused by tired truckers. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, as many as 30 to 40 percent of large truck accidents are caused by fatigued truckers. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said that only 5.5 percent of all large truck crashes are caused by tired truckers. No matter what the percentage, tired truckers pose a serious danger to other vehicles on the road. Not only are they operating massive vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, but they may be operating these trucks while being extremely drowsy, which could slow down their reflexes and increase the chances of tragic truck wrecks.

The Federal Carrier Safety Administration has rules regarding Hours of Services (HOS), meaning the amount of hours a trucker is allowed to drive. Under the Hours of Services Rule, a trucker can drive for a maximum of 11 hours following a 10 hour break. Research has shown that a significant number of truck collisions occur after the driver has been behind the wheel for 10 hours. That means that once a trucker hits the 10th hour behind the wheel, the chances of serious truck accident, one that could cause severe injuries or death, increases.

Truck drivers are on tight deadlines and often are pressured to drive as far as possible. They feel obligated to get the delivery to its destination on time, no matter what unforeseen delays, including traffic jams or poor weather conditions. This pressure pushes them to drive, even when they are tired. Some believe that delays can prompt truck drivers to falsify logbooks so they can make up for mileage and time, as they are usually paid by the mile.

A trucker’s lack of sleep can lead to a serious truck accident and if the truck driver violated HOS Rules, he or she can be held liable, along with the trucking company.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash in Texas, you need to contact an experienced large truck accident attorney to review your case. Attorney Steve Lee can help you determine who was at fault and will help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call 800-232-3711 or 713-921-4171 today.


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Steven M. Lee, PC
5823 Gulf Freeway
Suite 300
Houston, TX 77023
Phone: 713-921-4171
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