In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported more than 5 million injury accidents and over 36,000 traffic fatalities throughout the United States. More than 1 in 10 fatal injuries occurred in a collision involving at least one commercial motor vehicle (CMV)—a large vehicle such as a truck or bus designed to carry passengers or cargo for profit. Nearly 300,000 people suffered injuries in accidents involving CMVs that year, as well.
In most cases, drivers can prevent motor vehicle accidents from occurring. Unfortunately, some fail to follow the rules of the road and use safety measures to protect themselves and those around them from suffering an injury. When a CMV driver acts with negligence, those in other vehicles bear the brunt of the accident.
If you or someone you love suffered severe or fatal injuries in a CMV collision, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Friendswood, TX can help you seek financial recovery for your losses. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to speak with our legal team about your case.
CMV Accidents in Texas
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more large truck accidents occur in Texas each year than in any other state. Texas beats its closest competitor, California, by a landslide. Oilfields, agriculture, tourism, and heavily populated metropolitan areas all contribute to a heavy presence of CMVs on the road, which helps sustain the Texas economy. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) notes that trucks move over $1.6 trillion in freight across the state annually.
Unfortunately, the more CMVs on the road, the higher the chance of their involvement in accidents, and they often have devastating effects on victims. TxDOT found that in 2019, nearly 40,000 CMV accidents occurred across the state, including more than 6,500 in Harris County and Galveston County combined. More than 15% of all traffic fatalities occurred in a collision involving a CMV, and CMV accidents accounted for approximately 1 in 10 traffic injuries.
Causes of CMV Accidents
CMV drivers have to obtain specific driver’s licenses to operate large vehicles due to their hazardous nature and specialized functions. Because of their size and weight, large trucks and buses present a danger to lighter vehicles on the road. Passenger vehicle occupants have a much higher risk of suffering injuries in a CMV accident than drivers and passengers of the CMV. As such, CMV drivers should exercise caution on the road to protect those around them.
Contributing Factors in Bus Collisions
According to an article in the Transportation Research Record, bus accidents often involve many factors. While drivers have little control over certain factors, like weather and road conditions, how they respond to hazards often determines whether or not an accident will occur. Some driver characteristics that play a role in bus accidents may include:
- Age
- Experience
- Personality
- Physical condition and ability
- Psychological health
If you suffered injuries or lost someone you loved in an accident caused by a negligent bus driver, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Friendswood, TX can help you seek financial awards in your case.
Large Truck Accidents in Texas
In 2018, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) released a study regarding large truck accidents in Texas between 2011 and 2014. The study included data from nearly 2,800 collisions in 20 counties across the state, half of which had high levels of activity from nearby oilfields.
Researchers found that in the majority of at-fault truck accidents, driver error led to the collision. Common driver behaviors present in CMV accidents included failure to brake, failure to yield the right of way, improper lane usage, and speeding. Driver fatigue also had a significant presence, as truck drivers often work for many consecutive hours on end. If they do not take their mandated breaks or stop when they feel too tired to drive, serious consequences can result.
The study emphasizes that feasible measures such as increased awareness and the use of safety technology could minimize large truck accidents in Texas.
Regardless of the circumstances, truck drivers have no excuse for practicing unsafe driving habits that can lead to major accidents. If a negligent driver caused the CMV collision that led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ can help. Contact our legal team today at (713) 850-8600 for information about your case.
How a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Serving Friendswood, TX Can Help You
In Texas, the driver who causes an accident must provide coverage for the victims’ property damage and injuries. Unfortunately, the process does not often go as smoothly as it should, and victims may find it difficult to navigate on their own. However, a lawyer can help relieve the burden of managing your claim by:
- Investigating the details of your case
- Gathering evidence from the scene of the accident and those involved to help prove the negligence of the other driver
- Establishing liability for the collision
- Evaluating and calculating your damages
- Handling all communication and negotiations with the insurance company
- Taking your case to trial to pursue fair financial recovery, if necessary
An attorney can provide you with legal assistance from start to finish and keep you updated on the progress of your case as it moves forward.
Texas Statutes of Limitations on CMV Accident Claims
Victims of CMV accidents and their families can file suit against the liable party, but they have a limited amount of time to do so before the statute of limitations, which determines how long you have to file your claim, runs out. In Texas, most victims have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for their own injuries. Families of victims typically have up to two years from the date of their loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death suit. Lawyers recommend starting the process as soon as possible to avoid potential delays and deadlines.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Today
Accidents happen, but when they occur as the result of someone else’s negligence, victims have a right to hold them responsible for the harm they caused. If you or a loved one suffered severe or fatal injuries in a commercial vehicle accident in Friendswood, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ can help you build your case. Contact our legal team today at (713) 850-8600 to get started.
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