Examples of injuries and fatalities when drinking and motoring can even include boating accidents. The main killer on the roadway is the drunk driver of a passenger car or pickup truck.

But the most likely to be deadly is the truck driver who consumes alcohol before climbing behind the wheel of his or her rig to hit the open road. Fortunately, it is not that common of an event.

According to studies done by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety truck drivers are the least likely among all types of drivers to drink and drive. In a recent year they found that only 4% of all semi truck driver deaths had a blood alcohol content level that registered high enough to be considered legally intoxicated.

In statistics compiled by police forces around the country - random stops of drivers over the course of a year revealed that only 0.2% of truck drivers tested positive for alcohol (not necessarily to the point of intoxication) while 5% tested positive for illicit drugs including (but not limited to) marijuana and cocaine.

Undoubtedly, strict federal regulations regarding alcohol consumption and truck driving play a role in reducing the dangers to the public.

For instance, federal law calls for drug testing of drivers before an offer of employment. It is mandatory to get a blood alcohol content level of any 18-wheeler driver who is involved in a crash as well as random testing in general.

Drivers found with ANY alcohol content in their blood systems are taken out of service immediately. A BAC of 0.4 or higher causes the driver to be disqualified from applying for a CDL.

At up to 80,000 pounds one moment of indecision by an impaired driver can wipeout whole families.

The standard of proof in the United States is typically based on a preponderence of the evidence as opposed to clear and convincing or beyond a reasonable doubt.

When a family member or loved one is killed due to the negligence or deliberate act of a person or persons, the family may pursue a civil suit; but the perpetrator may also be criminally prosecuted as well for murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide or another appropriate statute.

Wrongful death suits can also be brought if the cause of death was related to hazardous conditions or an accident.

In the case of the death of a loved one - it is common to want to assign blame and pursue justice through legal means. In order to do so one must first be assured that the circumstances of a wrongful death are present. That means that the death certificate indicates the person died of an accident or negligence (deliberate or otherwise).

Too, there may be witnesses or other evidence to support a wrongful death claim.
No amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one - nor dampen the emotional trauma that results from death. A wrongful death lawsuit isn't really even about vengeance -it's about civil justice.

Our society requires that a person or company answer for their mistakes in a court of law.

For instance, in Tampa a speeding driver drove straight into and under the back wheels of a semi truck. The semi truck driver was uninjured but the other motorist was airlifted in critical condition to a nearby hospital.

In another case in Indiana multiple calls were made to the State Highway Patrol concerning a semi truck that had been driving recklessly for over ten miles. The semi crashed - destroying its goods - by the time the time patrolmen caught up with the driver. He was cited for reckless driving.

And...just last week two reported semi truck accidents resulted in multiple death on Chicago roadways on the same day and only several hours apart.

Serious semi truck accidents usually result in litigation. The Texas truck accident attorneys in this firm bring (25) years of 18 wheeler accident experience to the courtroom on behalf of victims families and truck accident survivors.

We have an expertise in the most recent trucking regulations and laws and the applicability of it to truck accident litigation.

In addition, we have developed a wide network of experts in such concerns that include (but are not limited to) intoxicated driving, driver fatigue, and trucking business and driver negligence, speeding and vehicle defects.

Sadly, semi truck accidents do not seem to be a phenomenon that will be disappearing anytime soon. Therefore, sometimes the only comfort afforded to victims is through the civil justice system.

Professional engineers who are trained to forecast driving hazards have all concluded that the public should be alarmed by the dangers presented by those who talk on a cell phone and drive or text.

Shockingly, some even claim the NHTSA has suppressed veritable mountains of data that prove talking on a cell phone while driving is deadly.

"Two consumer groups, the Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen, unearthed evidence that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) withheld "hundreds of pages of research and warnings about the use of phones by drivers," the New York Times first reported. The highway agency also decided not to pursue its own researchers' recommendation for a massive study to nail down the risks" (Philadelphia Enquirer, 2009).

Unfortunately, thanks to lobbying groups for cell providers and others and other foot-dragging maneuvers of those in Washington and in several states, the data failed to reach the public - and in its wake thousands of deaths and injuries can arguably be attributed to cell phone usage while driving.

While numbers vary on the incidence of distracted driving as a cause of car accidents, it is fairly clear that at leat 1/3 of accidents involves some form of distracted driving.

Recently, truck drivers were banned from cell phone use or texting while driving but the rest of the motoring public needs comprehensive state wide regulation of cell us while driving.

What can the average person do?

Contact your local, state and federal representatives and let them know you support regulations on the use of cell phones when driving.

Semi trucks have separate parking brakes, which must be used only during parking and are operated by a series of heavy-duty springs. A third type of brake is the emergency braking system, which actually relies on a combination of parts from both the service brake and parking brake systems. In addition, each of the braking systems comes with its own nuances.

Air brakes are self explanatory. When attempting to stop the braking system uses pressurized air to activate the braking mechanism - pushing pressurized air against the lining of the drum and disc when the driver steps on the brake pedal.

Since 1998 semi trucks also come with anti-locking brake systems which keeps the wheels from locking up and causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Spring brakes are used as parking brakes - and are actually the reverse of air brakes. Spring brakes are set when there is a lack of air pressure. The emergency brake system is a bit more complicated in its set up and use.

If semi truck air brakes lose air pressure then the emergency brake system allows the spring brake to engage as a means of stopping the vehicle. A driver is able to use these brakes manually in the event of total brake failure in the semi. These sophisticated braking systems should offer a modicum of comfort to other drivers on the road.

This means that trucking companies must do criminal and civil background checks on prospective employees and many do drug tests as well. The employer must do a review of the employee's past three years of work history, and determine the cause of any suspension or revocation of driver's license uncovered in their investigation.

In addition, they must administer a road test and certify that the driver is physically fit to perform the duties of the job. The goal is to determine if the drivers have had previous accidents, and/or drug or other convictions which may indicate that they pose a danger to the public.

If you are involved in an accident involving a truck the attorney who handles the case will check into the background of both the trucking company and driver to decide if any procedures or policies were circumvented to allow the driver to get behind the wheel of his rig unlawfully.

More than one lawsuit has resulted in victory for the victims because of a trucking company's negligence. Often the funds go to cover catastrophic injuries and crushing medical bills.

Property damages are also a concern in a semi truck accident because the victim's vehicle may be beyond repair and must be fully replaced. Unfortunately, no amount of compensation can erase the memory or tragic results of an accident. The more trucking companies and drivers are held to their responsibilities - the safer we'll all be.

Several of the more common factors include barriers and guardrails, exit and entrance ramps, road markings and road surfaces, signage problems, roadway shoulder designs, traffic control mechanisms, visibility, and the flow of traffic patterns.

Many times the failure to recognize traffic slowing in construction areas can play a part in an 18-wheeler accident.

Guardrails and barriers such as those that separate the flow of traffic in opposite directions are safety devices whose inadequate design or implementation leaves drivers vulnerable to accidents. In addition, exit and entrance ramps that cause traffic back-ups or an inability to enter and leave the highway safely without endangering drivers around you can also be traced to poor road design.

In addition, when construction takes place many times the warnings and work itself can cause motorists to "rubber neck" which leads to a dangerous situation due to the disparity of speeds.

Road markings such as 'do not cross' yellow lines or highway reflectors play an integral role in keeping motorists safe. These must receive regular maintenance to ensure driver safety - Some locations the huge number of accidents should cause authorities to reevaluate what is not working.

In addition, poorly maintained road surfaces are a recipe for driver disaster. Potholes and grooves in the highway surface should indicate to the driver that the road may not be well maintained and to pay close attention. An absence of these two important safety features can lead to accidents.

Traffic control devices including traffic lights, appropriate signage (yield, slow down, etc.), pedestrian crosswalks and more are also meant to keep drivers, passengers and walkers safe. Many times like after a hurricane, signals are largely out for a good part of Texas.

Visibility is an important factor in road design and plays a big part in many construction accidents on the roadway.

Finally, although not impossible, road defect litigation is extremely difficult and many legal hurtles exist in Texas to bringing such a case.

The better course of action is to be extra cautious in construction areas and road conditions when driving.

An average of 33 vehicle fires is reported each hour - or one every 96 seconds - with over 500 deaths. Across the country 20% of all fires are vehicle related. In addition, nearly 20% of these fires take place on the highway.

In real terms, a quarter of a million vehicle fires were reported in a recent year! Other facts of interest include the fact that 75% of highway vehicle fires can be traced to mechanical failures or systems malfunctions of some sort. In some cases the vehicles have a design defect or a manufacturing and the manufacturer may be responsible for the fire.

Finally, of all the subpopulations across the country - teenage boys are more likely than any other demographic to experience a vehicle fire and about three quarters of all fires are related to poor vehicle maintenance.

Most drivers do not take the time to realize that there are no less than six flammable liquids underneath the hood of a car, and when the engine heats up any leaks are a potential fire hazard.

Routine maintenance -such as checking that all hoses, caps and filters are in good working order - is the first defense in vehicle fires. Also, having all liquid levels - oil, water, transmission fluid, etc. - checked regularly is also.

If you are driving a vehicle that begins to smoke or flames become visible pull off the road as quickly as possible. All passengers should exit the vehicle and move to at least 100 feet away because of the potential for an explosion.

Most important of all - DO NOT try to put the fire out by yourself but call 911 and wait for emergency responders to step in and help.

First, some truck accidents are particularly heinous and it is very difficult to prevent family members from envisioning and carrying memories of a loved one's final moments when the accident was so bad.

In addition, the immediacy of a truck accident fatality can place a family in immediate financial pressure as well. This may be because of the loss of income from the family breadwinner or the need to cover costly funeral expenses and the uncertainly of finding a way forward.

It is recommended that those who have experienced the wrongful death of a family member turn to a support system that includes family and friends but seek professional counseling as needed to help cope with the feelings as well.

There is a well-documented grief process that counselors have been trained to monitor and help you deal with. Professionals are also trained in recognizing and treating signs of long-term depression and even potentially thoughts of suicide that may appear as victims go through the stages of grief.

These include shock and denial, pain and guilt, anger and bargaining, depression (reflection and loneliness), an upward turn, reconstruction and working through, and, finally, acceptance and hope.
In the first, people often deny the reality of the loss of their loved one. Shock may further insulate their emotions. The stage may last for weeks.

Shock is replaced with excruciating emotional pain and one is often wracked with guilt, remorse and helplessness.
Anger and bargaining follow. This is a particularly dangerous stage because one may place blame on another loved one causing irreparable damage.

With proper support the sufferer can come out on the other side of depression to acceptance and renewed hope and focus on a way forward for themselves and the family.

The death of a loved one will remain with you always but it important to grieve and find a way forward through it for the sake of those who care about you. If your loss was caused by the negligence of another seek the help of a wrongful death lawyer for civil justice.

Total revenue estimates produced by the trucking industry are 255.5 billion a year. Of this figure 'for hire' or 'common carriers trucking' companies generated revenue estimated at 97.9 billion. They outdid air transportation by 18 billion.

Private fleets generated revenue estimated at 121 billion. Their operating ratio is 95.2, which means for every dollar in revenue the trucking company has a cost of 95.2 cents leaving them with a meager profit of only 4.8 cents.

The employee driver makes about 30.3 cents per mile with an income estimate of 32-50k.

It costs about 41.73 cents per mile to operate a semi or $83.68 per hour according to reliable estimates.

18-wheelers consume over 50 billion gallons of fuel for business each year.

These stats further confirm the contention that the trucking industry is completely entwined in the American economy and I offer that were it to falter or meet its demise would be to strike a catastrophic blow. For the time being semis and other big trucks will be around into the near future.

However, while I attempt with each blog to inform the reader about a topic related to the act of driving I will take a moment to opine. Our firm is deeply entrenched in all things truck accident related and it is our unfortunate lot to see the results of 18-wheeler collisions up close and personal. Semis account for anywhere from 9% to 12% of traffic deaths annually across the country.

These scenes and their aftermath are heart wrenching and haunting. But it will not prevent truckers from hitting the road so what must be done is to continue our quest to prevent accidents instead.

*Depending on road conditions, weight of the load and several other factors, the length of time to stop an eighteen wheeler is 40% greater than that of an automobile. To be sure, it takes a much greater time to stop than an automobile... period.

*Trucks only have 10 brakes NOT eighteen as some have told me they thought. Trucks made now are required to have anti-lock brakes.

*The most common amount of gears in an 18 wheeler today is 10 forward and 2 reverse gears. Although they can range from 9, 10, 13, 15, and 18 gears!

*The flaps underneath the semi truck trailer are actually there to improve performance. Wind skirts under the trailer significantly reduce wind resistance and reduce airflow around the trailer. This is a big fuel economy benefit.

*According to the Department of Transportation, freight tonnage is expected to increase 70 percent between 1998 and 2020.

*In 1919 C.L. Cummins invented the first semi-truck diesel engine. In the 1930s Peterbilt designed the semi-truck body.

*While the cost of semi-truck insurance will vary by insurance provider, drivers can expect the monthly cost of insurance for a semi-truck to be an average of 10 to 30 times higher than the monthly cost of insurance for a personal vehicle (due to the increased injury potential of a truck accident).

*Most semi tractors have powerful engines and a manual transmission with between 12 and 18 gears. These rigs are typically configured with three axles and 10 wheels--two on the front axle and dual tires on both sides of the rear axles.

*Many semi tractors feature sleeping quarters behind the cab. These accommodations may range from a sleeping a bunk to miniature efficiencies decked out with microwave ovens and refrigerators and even TVs. CB radios and thunderously loud air horns are other common semi tractor accessories.

*Since fuel economy has become a crucial factor in freight transportation, the designers of Freightliner's new Cascadia semi tractor used the results from 2,500 hours of aerodynamic tests in a wind tunnel to improve its mileage capabilities. In addition to a lightweight aluminum cab that is both wider and quieter than other semi tractors, the Cascadia features ergonomic controls designed specifically for driver comfort. But these innovations are not cheap--the Cascadia is priced at more than $120,000.

While my law practice focuses on 18-wheeler accidents in Texas- and particularly the Houston area- a truck accident last year in neighboring Oklahoma bears review.

Last year, a truck driver who was 76 years old at the time was in his 10th straight hour of driving when he ran over a line of cars stopped ahead of him. The 76-year-old driver ran right through 5 cars crushing the cars and victims inside.

The aftermath from this truck accident- 10 people dead and multiple families ripped apart.

Reports indicate the trucker never even slowed down - he didn't recognize or see the cars stopped in front of him. There are no words to adequately describe the injustice this tragic accident.

As usual, when an accident of this magnitude takes place, much is talked about; everyone wants action - looking for ways to prevent this from happening again. Unfortunately, no one has adequately addressed the question not one wants to ask. Was age a factor in the truck accident?

The driver was short of eighty years old- is that to old to be behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound truck?

Some have suggested an age limitation for professional drivers of 65. Perhaps that would have some effect but there is little doubt that a 65 year old may be one of the safest age groups for driving statistically.

In this truck accident the 18-wheeler driver - who admits he didn't see the cars stopped in front of him -was tired from driving the long hours on the road and just not paying proper attention.

In all, truck driving is a business and vital to our country. The regulation of truckers is a fine line between safety on our highways and economically moving the goods we use across the nation.

They are often responsible for loading and unloading their cargo, keeping accurate logs or account of their activities and ensuring their equipment is in safe and good working condition. Reports indicate the average truck driver makes anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000 a year minus traveling expenses and insurance.

The government mandates maximum driving hours and rest periods between shifts. This is to help ensure the public's safety so that drivers don't push themselves to work when they are drowsy or tired.

However, this limits the amount of money a driver can make and husband and wife driving teams are more common as a way to compensate for the limitations. Too, companies may employ two drivers to spot each other as another way to minimize the downtime.

Interestingly enough, although the country itself has been in an economic downturn over the last couple years - the trucking industry has been all but immune to it. However, truck drivers pay (like a lot of us) has not kept pace with the higher costs of living, which results in truckers wanting to drive more miles to just keep up.

Overall job opportunities for the trucking industry are favorable -especially for long haulers. Employment of truck drivers and driver/sales workers is expected to grow 9 percent over the 2008-18 decade, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

As the economy grows, the demand for goods will increase, which will lead to more job opportunities. Because it is such a large occupation, 291,900 new jobs will be created over the 2008-18 period.

Finally, the number of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is expected to grow 13 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Lets hope that as part of that growth trucking companies add competent safety personnel to keep the drivers and the equipment up to par.

Next the person must take and pass the Texas Commercial Driver's License Examination that applies to the type of commercial vehicle a person will be driving. There are numerous training courses available for those who wish to pursue this career path - and none will be touted in favor of another.

The course work often covers the nature of specific concerns related to passenger vehicle driving (such as school buses), and separately tank and hazardous vehicle driving.

In addition, the CDL also covers pre-trip inspection of vehicles, basic vehicle control or maneuvering and the actual road trip itself. Want step by step directions? Follow the advice below and you will be on your way to commercial driving before you know it.

1. Visit your Texas driver's license office. Take your driver's license, social security card and qualification certification form. Also take proof of insurance.

2. Get the appropriate form for the CDL - ensuring you have the form for the class of driving you intend to do. (And be prepared for the appropriate certifications).

3. Take the written exam and vision test. Pass it.

4. Take the driving test. You must provide your own commercial vehicle.

5. Pay the fee - get photographed and fingerprinted.

Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics (also spelled orthopaedics) is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

The list of the types of injuries resulting from a vehicle collision that may require orthopedic services include but are not limited to: spinal injuries, clavicle fractures (shoulder), scapular fractures (shoulder blade), Shoulder (glenoid, humeral head or humeral neck) fractures, humerus (upper arm) fractures, radius and/or urina (lower arm) fractures, scaphoid (wrist) fractures, pelvic and acetabulum fractures, hip and leg fractures, femur (thighbone) fractures, patella (kneecap) fractures, tibial and/or fibular (lower leg) fractures, ankle fractures and calcaneus (heel) fractures.

Of course, each time the word fracture appears it can be replaced with the word 'broken' - because bones either fracture or break. These types of injuries are traumatic and can send a person into shock -further complicating the injury.

The cost to treat these types of injuries- it is hard to say - beyond saying it's expensive it's difficult to pin down costs. One authority proclaimed that a broken arm cost $20,000 to fix! But actual costs vary by location, doctor and specific injury.

I regularly see medical bills from a back or neck surgery that exceed a hundred thousands of dollars when its all said and done.

The best advice is to see an orthopedic as early as possible if your injury warrants it.

Those of us who get behind the wheel of a car fully aware of its potential to maim and kill - and the accompanying costs (minus the emotional trauma) may look twice before entering an intersection - may slow down cresting the top of a hill -let the big rig pass us or may simply drive defensive - and after all, that is my ultimate goal.