Texas Truck Wreck Attorney Blog

There is no argument that the trucking industry is VITAL to the economy of the United States. Be that as it may - that does not give them license to adhere to professional and personal standards of safety that extend to all drivers on the road. Smart technologies for commercial motor vehicles are constantly being envisioned and prototyped for future safety developments in the industry. The ultimate goal is the secure and efficient delivery of goods from one point to another.

Some of the more recent semi-truck safety devices currently on the 'drawing board'.

*Driver fatigue alertness technology - this is a monitoring device that will work 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. It is intended to monitor and warn as well as educate drive3rs when they have become too fatigued to continue driving their semi-truck safely.

*Safety belt technology to increase comfort and safety. Research shows that while seat belt use is over 90% in drivers and passengers of automobiles and personal vehicles but only about 55% of semi-truck drivers use their seat belts. This is an alarming discrepancy that has caught the attention of researchers who have taken up the cause by taking the time to figure out the reasons for this - and finding solutions.

The intention is to design a seatbelt exclusive to the needs of over the road truckers - although at this point there are no known patents pending.

For more information visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Continue reading "New Tech for Truckers" »

Long overdue the new fuel economy rules for tractor-trailers was announced today in Washington DC. The new standards were authorized under a bill signed into law by Pres. George W. Bush way back in 2007. It is taken until today to develop the standards, which have been described, as fairly complex.

While the new rules are going to cover new trucks in the year 2018 and designed to save 20% in fuel efficiency the standards are long overdue. On balance, trucking companies will see the price of the new truck increase, which will be offset in no time by reduced fuel consumption, which is the major expenditure for trucking companies.

The net effect for commercial carriers will be increase profit from the new standards. There will be some who criticize the move toward more fuel-efficient vehicles but there is no doubt that the new regulations will increase profit for trucking companies and small owner operators.

Generally the larger the truck the more savings for the trucking company under the new rules. Not only will profits for trucking companies be increased but we will be that much less dependent upon foreign oil to meet our needs.

The technology exists to have rapid and substantial increases in miles per gallon for almost all vehicles on the roadway. Heavy resistance from both consumers and manufacturers has slowed the progress toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. No credible expert has opined that the new standards will do anything but increase profits for small businesses and trucking companies.

The less it costs you to haul your goods the better your bottom line.

Continue reading "New Fuel Economy Rules for Big Rigs" »

One of the most valuable government organizations is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I stay abreast of current research related to all things 'driving' and particularly things related to accident prevention and safety.

What follows are a few of the most recent findings and cautions from this group as shown on the NHTSA web site.

*If you have children then you can register your car seat on the NHTSA website. If the car seat becomes subject to a recall for any reason - you will be notified with all relevant information.

*In light of the recent increase in gasoline at stations around the country - the NHTSA has created a lengthy list of suggestions to help save on fuel economy and get the most out of your fuel dollars.

*The NHTSA website provides a lengthy discourse on the results of the most recent crash studies - and names the safest vehicles in all categories.

*There are special sections devoted to the various driving hazards mentioned on a regular basis in this blog - including senior and teen driving, impaired and distracted driving as well as the most recent safety devices that come standard in new vehicles.

Their findings tend to be academic and unbiased - trustworthy.

Finally, they offer the user access to an image library, budget, regional offices and organizational chart. The site is easy to navigate - and may be one of the most educational uses of your time. Click to view the NHTSA site.

Continue reading " National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Website" »

Truck accidents while backing up big rigs to loading docks, and narrow alleyways is a pretty common occurrence, but that is changing as it has become affordable to have all tractor trailer combinations fitted with backup monitors for trucks.

This technology has been around for quite a while, but was mostly seen on high-end Sport Utility vehicles, and particular motor homes. These camera monitor combinations have particularly been invaluable when it comes to preventing backing up over small children that cannot be seen from the review mirrors, or through the vehicle windows.

Now commercial 18-wheelers, delivery vans, and the various other commercial vehicles can implement this technology in each vehicle for added safety. Generally, an aftermarket video backup system will cost three to four hundred dollars plus tax, and shipping, and are easily installed by someone with general knowledge of installing electronic gear. You will want to make sure and look for key features that will give you the most benefit for your purchase.

Buying your first unit should probably not be done online as you will want to inspect the unit to make sure it has heavy duty installation brackets for the camera and the monitor, plus a must have is night vision, as trucks do not only backup during they daylight hours. The monitor should be wireless, this will prevent having to deal with extra cabling when hooking and unhooking from a trailer. The antenna must be sturdy enough to hold up to all type of weather, and provide excellent signal strength between the monitor and camera.

Camera angle is very important, and if the unit that is being inspected does not adjust to varying angles, then keep looking as all trailers are not created equally and their must be an option in regards to how the unit is mounted. An extra wide angle lens should offer no less than a one hundred and forty degree view area, and picture quality should be good for up to about 50 feet away.

Concerning the range between the camera antenna and the cab, there should be a minimum of forty feet to ensure getting a crystal clear image on the remote monitor. Spending a little extra for a unit that will perform at the levels previously mentioned will be a good investment for the safety of your equipment, and any pedestrians or vehicles nearby. Prevention never costs as much damage, and saving a life with this technology is priceless.

Continue reading "Backup Monitors are Commercially Available for Trucks" »

Cars and trains are a deadly combination - yet the number of collisions between the two does not appear to be receding. According to experts there were nearly 10,000 vehicle (cars and trucks) and train collisions in a recent year.

That averages out to an accident at a railroad crossing about every 12 minutes in the United States. These accidents resulted in 650 deaths. Surprisingly it is not always the car or truck driver who is at fault. In fact, train conductors and/or the train companies themselves have been cited for all of the following problems.

Defects with the trains are the cause of up to one-third of all train-vehicle collisions and human error accounts for the other third. Granted - sometimes this means that the driver (or even pedestrian) makes a judgment in error that results in the collision but it is just as likely that the train operator is at fault for everything from drowsy to distracted 'conducting.

By 'defects' we are referring to problems with the railroad tracks, train couplings or other parts that could cause the train to malfunction. Unfortunately, it has been proved on numerous occasions that train and vehicle accidents could have been avoided if the railroad companies would have been more proactive in maintaining their property rather than waiting until there has been an injury or fatality to review safety measures and equipment.

As a driver it behooves you to motor cautiously around railroad tracks. Even if there are no warning lights or gates indicating that there is a train in route you are advised to stop and look both ways before crossing tracks.

This simple precaution could save your life.

Continue reading "Train Accidents " »

There are a number of interesting things going on in the world of cars and trucks. For the purposes of this blog we will simply offer a recap of what's relevant and interesting.

No doubt higher gas prices are here to stay. 'They've' been threatening it for years and all of the signs have aligned to allow for what can pass as legitimate excuses to raise the prices at the pump. After all, there's unrest across all of the Middle East and besides, the economy has held in inflation for as long as possible so look out.

Therefore, if there ever was a time to consider buying a vehicle that gets good gas mileage there's no time like the present and according to one news source there are a variety of quality vehicles that offer the consumer up to 40 miles to a gallon - and all for a fair cost. If you're in the market for a new vehicle give this some serious consideration.

Other 'oil' news? Well, two things of note - in some remote areas of Alaska gasoline is supposedly ten dollars a gallon and there is talk that our US leaders will consider dipping into our own oil reserves to help temper the rising costs of oil. They do that mainly when they feel the price of oil is artificially high and they can later replace the oil at a lower cost. In other words in speculation driven markets.

Now, one more story of interest. Our current president predicted a revolution in the automobile industry - suggesting that there might be up to a million electric vehicles on the road within the next few years.

It appears this declaration will fall far short - but it is helpful to recognize that presidents for the last 25 years have all denounced our "addiction to oil" but none have done anything meaningful to move us in a new direction.

Continue reading "The US Addiction to Oil" »

Walking on the footpath is no longer safe for the pedestrians. Heavy vehicles on the road are becoming one of the major reasons for such accidents. Due to big and heavy body of these vehicles, it becomes difficult for the drivers to analyze whole situation and traffic on the road.

One such proof is the death of a lady who was crushed by a garbage truck in Texas. The press is narrating the incident as 'the lady was crossing the street in North East EI Paso, while the truck was reversing and ran over her'. Though the truck driver is not ready to discuss what exactly happened. Police is conducting the investigation and results of the investigation are unknown.

Involvements of trucks and trailers are very common in pedestrian accidents. In many cases the trucks backed over the victims. In Houston 6 months ago the police were looking for a driver of a tractor-trailer than killed a man at a brewery distribution center.

As many truck drivers are not able to get clearance from all the sides due to lack of visibility, they reverse the vehicle without any confirmation and clarity of the sight. It can be said that pedestrians have to be more cautious when trucks are backing up and need to maintain an adequate distance from the trucks.

Pedestrians should never walk behind a big rig when its backing up because the odds are pretty good the truck driver can not see them.

There are many safety gadgets that are invented so as to help the driver backing up to get full visibility of the road behind and nearby people. Video monitoring is one such solution; it helps in giving clear information about the traffic and objects behind the truck. In fact the devices are very affordable (as low as $150.00) and there is need to install such safety systems in big rigs. Many other devises exist such as "radar" which is a cost effective way to prevent truck accidents.

I am hopeful that the DOT will make video monitors mandatory in new trucks.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed by a Garbage Truck Due to Lack of Visibility" »

*The average semi truck and trailer is 70 to 80 feet long - 4 of them end to end make a football field.

*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.

Continue reading "Things You Wanted to Know About Big Rigs- But Were Afraid to Ask" »

One piece of evidence that sometimes is available is what is known as the "black box" data. The black box is essentially an electronic data recorder which is a computer that monitors and reports information when certain things happen.

Typically, in the event of a sudden change in velocity or impact a black box will record some or all of the following information: brake application, RPM, truck speed, gear, and other important accident reconstruction information.

Some commercial vehicles contain the data recorders and some do not. An experienced truck accident lawyer will know which 18-wheelers have the event recorders and which do not.

Continue reading "The black box can be critical to successful truck accident litigation." »

A long time veteran of the sheriffs department died this week in a car fire after being struck by a tractor-trailer. The officer was 68 years old when the truck accident took his life.

The deputy's pickup truck burst into flames on impact from collision with the 18 wheeler.

The semi truck driver was not injured in the wreck.

The Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the truck wreck; however the initial investigation found witnesses who said the deputy pulled out in front of the semi truck.

According to reports, the truck driver did apply his brakes and I am sure that the condition of the brakes and the truck driver's reactions will be examined by authorities to see if the accident could have been avoided.

Computer models are used in conjunction with reconstruction formulas to determine the speed of the 18 wheeler at the time of the crash. Some 18 wheelers also carry what is sometimes called a "black box" or an onboard computer or 'trip master' devise which is capable of printing out the speed, braking activity and other accident information, provided you have the proper software to download the information.

In the investigation of an 18 wheeler accident obtaining any available computer data is mandatory. Also inspection of the brakes on the tractor-trailer as soon as possible after the crash by a qualified truck accident expert is critical in evaluating a truck accident case.
http://www.news-press.com/section/videonetwork?bctid=71010760001

Most serious injury and death cases involving an 18 wheeler are investigated at the scene by the Highway Patrol or other police officer as well as insurance company for the truck driver and trucking company. Typically hundreds of photographs are taken; the scene is surveyed digitally to show important pieces of evidence such as skid marks and vehicle parts. It is very important that the victim's family secure an attorney with a track record of successfully prosecuting truck accident cases as early as possible before critical evidence disappears or is "lost".

Many trucks now have GPS devises or "trip master" computers onboard that record important information such as speed, braking and hours of operation and the victims family needs an attorney who is knowledgeable about such matters and prepared to act quickly to preserve important evidence and also one who has a quick response team ready to get to the scene of the wreck.

Many times issues such as the condition of the tractor-trailer, including brakes, loaded weight and non compliance with the safety regulations like hours of operation are very important in establishing the proper responsibility for the accident. 

Investigation of 18 wheeler accidents should be handled by attorneys well versed in the regulation of trucks and drivers and experienced in reconstruction of truck wrecks. 

A lawyer investigating an 18 wheeler accident where braking is an issue should have a through knowledge of the air brake systems of both tractor and trailer, proper slack adjuster settings, and be well versed in the application of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations applicable to brakes.

On the ground evidence such a braking, yaw or skid marks and marks showing the point of impact can be very important as the insurance companies for the truck driver always try to shift responsibility to others, and primarily the victim for the accident. 

Most folks assume the because a ticket was issued that the matter of liability is settled-that is not the case. Very seldom do tickets come in to evidence in a Texas wrongful death case involving an 18 wheeler or a car accident.

 Gathering irrefutable facts from the scene as soon as possible is the proper course of action for defeating the insurance companies blame shifting defenses.

Most serious injury and wrongful death cases involving an 18 wheeler are investigated at the scene by the Highway Patrol or other police officer as well as insurance company for the truck driver and trucking company. 

Typically hundreds of photographs are taken; the scene is surveyed digitally to show important pieces of evidence such as skid marks and vehicle parts.

 It is very important that the victim's family secure a real truck accident attorney (one with a long track record of success with truck accidents) and not just an attorney who wants to handle the case or claims to be a truck accident lawyer.  The earlier the family retains a truck accident lawyer the better for the truck accident lawsuit. If an attorney can not quote sections of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, by heart- you have the wrong person. 

Many trucks now have GPS devises or "trip master" computers onboard that record important information such as speed, braking and hours of operation and the victims family needs an attorney who is knowledgeable about such matters and prepared to act quickly to preserve important evidence and also one who has a quick response team ready to get to the scene of the wreck.

Many times issues such as the condition of the tractor-trailer, including brakes, loaded weight and non compliance with the safety regulations like hours of operation are very important in establishing the proper responsibility for the accident. 

Investigation of 18 wheeler accidents should be handled by attorneys well versed in the regulation of trucks and drivers and experienced in reconstruction of 18 wheeler accident cases. 

A lawyer investigating an 18 wheeler accident where braking is an issue should have a through knowledge of the air brake systems of both tractor and trailer, proper slack adjuster settings, and be well versed in the application of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations applicable to brakes.

On the ground evidence such a braking, yaw or skid marks and marks showing the point of impact can be very important as the insurance companies for the truck driver always try to shift responsibility to others, and primarily the victim for the accident.

Most folks assume the because a ticket was issued that the matter of liability is settled-that is the case, very seldom do tickets do not come in to evidence in a wrongful death case with an 18 wheeler. 

Gathering irrefutable facts from the scene as soon as possible is the proper course of action for defeating the insurance companies blame shifting defenses.