Truck crashes can happen for many reasons, and the cause is not always clear at the scene. Some accidents result from a truck driver’s actions, while others may stem from problems with the truck’s maintenance or functionality. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Houston could help you identify what went wrong and who may be liable.
If you sustained an injury, our truck accident lawyers could investigate the crash and preserve important evidence. An attorney from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris could also handle communications with the trucking company and its insurer while you focus on your recovery.
Driver Error Is a Frequent Factor in Truck Crashes
Commercial truck drivers operate vehicles that need significant time and distance to stop. They must remain alert and leave enough room to respond safely as road conditions change. Driver behaviors that can contribute to truck crashes include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue or drowsy driving
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving while impaired
- Failing to yield or obey traffic signals
Evidence may help show whether the driver’s conduct contributed to the collision or explain why they failed to react safely before the crash. This information may help identify common factors in Houston truck wrecks and determine whether negligence contributed to the crash.
Texas Transportation Code § 545.351 requires drivers to travel at a reasonable and prudent speed and control their speed as necessary to avoid a collision. This may be relevant when excessive or unsafe speed contributes to a crash.
Why Might Someone Other Than the Driver Be Responsible?
The investigation may need to look beyond the truck driver. Different parties, including truck owners, may maintain, load, and operate commercial trucks. A problem at any stage of that process could contribute to an accident. For example, worn tires or poorly maintained brakes can make it difficult for a driver to stop safely. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo may shift during travel and affect the truck’s balance. A trucking company could also face questions about how it hired, trained, supervised, or scheduled a driver.
Maintenance reports, inspection reports, and cargo documents may help show whether another business shares responsibility for the crash. These records, along with employment information and other company communications, may also reveal factors that often contribute to trucking accidents in Houston but are not obvious from the scene alone.
Disputes Over Fault Require Careful Evidence
Even when you believe the truck driver caused the collision, the trucking company or its insurer may give a different account. They might argue that another motorist caused the crash or that your own actions contributed to it.
The division of fault determines whether you can recover damages. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 prevents recovery when the court assigns more than half of the responsibility to the claimant. An investigation could help address these arguments with evidence rather than assumptions. Several factors may help establish how the collision occurred, including:
- Photographs
- Vehicle damage
- Electronic data
- Witness accounts
- Driver logs
- Other records
Disagreements over what caused a Houston truck crash are common, so preserving this information is especially important. It may help clarify each party’s actions before the crash and whether they contributed to your injuries.
Contact Our Houston Team To Discuss the Frequent Causes of Truck Wrecks
The common causes of truck accidents in Houston are not always easy to identify after a crash. The evidence may suggest the driver caused the collision, but responsibility may also extend to the company responsible for the truck or its operation. Determining the cause may help establish liability for the harm you suffered. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we could investigate the crash, review the evidence, and explain your options for pursuing a personal injury claim. Contact us to discuss your situation.
