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With an increase in interstate commerce, it’s not surprising we’re seeing more large trucks on the road.

However, this also means that everyone is at a higher risk of being injured in a truck accident.

At Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, we are more than just a Lubbock trucking accident law firm.

We are dedicated advocates that know how to take on large trucking companies and their insurance companies

Contact us online or call (866) 432-4790 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Lubbock, Texas Truck Accident Statistics

With a high amount of interstate commerce, commercial truck accidents are incredibly common in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 46,181 trucks involved in accidents statewide during 2020. This resulted in a total of 562 fatalities and 11,632 injuries.

While Lubbock saw a small portion of those injuries and fatalities, the ratio of injuries and fatalities to number of crashes was staggering.

In 2020, there were only 336 commercial truck crashes in Lubbock, but 35% of accidents had a reported injury or fatality. That’s a little more than one out of every three crashes. This means that any truck accident in Lubbock is pretty likely to result in an injury or death.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Since large trucks weigh significantly more than other vehicles, they take longer to stop and are less maneuverable.

Unfortunately, this makes them more susceptible to accidents due to poor road conditions or heavy traffic. Combine this with a negligent driver or motor carrier, and the consequences are severe.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Jackknifing. This occurs when the trailer swings around the tractor, forming a 90-degree angle. The truck then skids across the road, putting everything in its path in danger.
  • Brake failure. In mountains or rolling hills, you may see runaway truck ramps. These help stop trucks with brake failure so they don’t crash into other drivers. Unfortunately, brake failure may occur on a road without these safety measures.
  • Improperly loaded cargo. If a load isn’t secured correctly, it may shift when the truck moves. This cargo often ejects from the trailer or makes the truck more difficult to control.
  • Driver fatigue or DUI. Despite federal regulations, some truckers may drive while drunk or drowsy. In either case, their reaction time is severely impaired.
  • Poor maintenance. Sometimes, a good driver may crash due to a broken part on their truck. In this situation, the company responsible for the truck repairs may be liable.

These are just a few of the different causes of truck accidents. Even if you don’t see the specific cause of your accident here, our Lubbock trucking accident attorneys can review your case.

An Overview of Federal Trucking Regulations

All motor carriers conducting interstate deliveries must follow the regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Despite these rules, many trucking companies encourage their drivers to break certain laws.

One of the regulations violated frequently concerns hours of service. Essentially, this rule limits the amount of time that a driver may spend driving.

Currently, property-carrying drivers:

  • May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty,
  • Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty,
  • Must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight hours, and
  • May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.

A Lubbock truck accident lawyer knows how to look for violations of these rules. For example, many drivers keep logs of their driving time. In addition, trucks usually include a black box with different usage information. All this evidence helps detect these sorts of violations.

How Our Lubbock Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help with Your Claim

After an accident, a Lubbock, TX commercial truck accident lawyer is an invaluable advocate.

While they mainly handle the legal aspects of your case, such as managing and filing paperwork, they also help build the case by:

  • Investigating the incident,
  • Gathering evidence from multiple sources,
  • Helping you find the care you need during recovery,
  • Evaluating the operations of the trucking company responsible,
  • Negotiating with the defense and their insurance company on your behalf, and
  • Representing you and your case at trial if necessary.

A Lubbock big rig accident lawyer understands the long-lasting effects that your injury may have on your quality of life and will pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law. That’s why the attorneys at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway work directly with clients from day one.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Call Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway Today

Truck accidents are among the most destructive crashes that can happen on the road. They often result in serious injuries that put an immense physical, emotional, and financial strain on the victim.

If you sustain an injury in a truck accident, you need a Lubbock truck accident lawyer with decades of experience and proven results. Since 1984, FCHC has helped hundreds of clients fight for their recovery. For a free consultation, please call us at  (866) 432-4790  or send us a message.