18-Wheeler Accidents & Commercial Vehicle Accidents

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Accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles are some of the most devastating on Texas roadways. The size and weight of these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, especially when smaller passenger vehicles are involved. In 2023, single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes, which often include large trucks, accounted for 1,368 fatalities, or 31.94% of all traffic deaths in Texas.
Unique Challenges of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Accidents:

• Complex Liability: Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and maintenance providers.
• Federal and State Regulations: Commercial vehicles must comply with strict safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Texas Department of Transportation. Violations of these rules can contribute to accidents.
• Severe Injuries: The massive size of 18-wheelers often leads to more severe injuries compared to regular motor vehicle accidents.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents:

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s cab and trailer fold into a sharp angle, often caused by sudden braking or slippery roads.
• Rollover Accidents: Large trucks can overturn due to improperly secured cargo, speeding, or sharp turns, endangering nearby vehicles.
• Blind Spot Crashes: Trucks have significant blind spots, making it dangerous for smaller vehicles to travel alongside them.
• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck cannot stop in time due to its extended braking distance, often causing severe damage to smaller vehicles.
• Tire Blowouts: A sudden tire failure can cause the driver to lose control, leading to multi-vehicle crashes.
• Underride Collisions: Smaller vehicles can slide under the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often resulting in fatal injuries.

Types of Injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Amputations and crush injuries

Texas Statistics on 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Accidents:

• Rural Crashes: Many 18-wheeler accidents occur in rural areas, which accounted for 52.84% of all traffic fatalities in Texas in 2023.
• Fatalities at Intersections: In 2023, 1,120 fatalities occurred in crashes related to intersections, where commercial vehicles are often involved.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different18-wheeler and commercial vehicle accidents involve more complex investigations compared to standard car accidents. Factors such as driver fatigue, improper maintenance, overloaded cargo, and logbook falsifications often play a role. The size of these vehicles also means that even low-speed collisions can result in significant damage and injuries.

Our ApproachAt DaSean Jones Law Firm, we specialize in handling 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle accident cases. Our approach includes:

• Investigating driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and safety compliance.
• Collaborating with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability.
• Identifying all responsible parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers.
• Advocating for compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.

Contact Us TodayIf you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. Contact DaSean Jones Law Firm today to begin your journey toward justice and rightful compensation.