While you may be quick to blame one of the drivers for negligence in a truck accident, this may not make sense in a single-vehicle accident. That is, such an accident may have been due to a maintenance issue. Read on to discover how often maintenance issues lead to truck accidents and how a seasoned Kaufman County, Texas truck accident lawyer at Harrell & Paulson, LLP can help you determine fault.
How Frequently Do Maintenance Issues Cause Truck Accidents?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, maintenance issues are the cause of nearly 40 percent of truck accidents per year. In a situation like this, the blame for an accident may be placed on a trucking company, as they exhibit a disregard for following the necessary or recommend maintenance routines on their trucks. That said, the most common examples of truck maintenance issues are as follows:
Failed brakes prevent a truck driver from slowing down, and they ultimately crash into another vehicle.
Damaged tires prevent a truck driver from maintaining control, and they ultimately crash into another vehicle.
An improperly loaded trailer prevents a truck driver from maintaining control, and they ultimately roll over.
What Else Can Lead to A Truck Accident?
While maintenance issues are one common cause of truck accidents, truck driver negligence is another. In a situation like this, the blame for an accident may be placed on a truck driver. But it may also be placed on a trucking company if they failed to conduct a former background check on a driver before employing them. That said, the most common examples of truck driver negligence are as follows:
A truck driver fails to check large blind spots before merging or changing lanes.
A truck driver fails to give themselves ample time and distance to come to a complete stop.
A truck driver fails to abide by traffic rules and regulations while on the Texas roads.
A truck driver is on the Texas roads for well over their hours of service limitations.
A truck driver is on the Texas roads while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What is the statute of limitations for a claim?
If you are looking to recover the damages you incurred in your truck accident, you must keep in mind the established statute of limitations. That is, the state of Texas holds that you must bring your personal injury claim forward within two years of your accident. Otherwise, you may be indefinitely barred from your right to seek financial compensation.
As you may likely conclude yourself, you may have an important claim on your hands that requires immediate action. So you should not hesitate in reaching out to a competent Kaufman, Texas personal injury attorney at Harrell & Paulson, LLP.
