Texas is the number one state for truck accidents, with close to 20,000 collisions involving commercial trucks on average each year. Tragically, hundreds of these incidents end in fatalities. Rear-end collisions are amongst the most common- especially in accidents where large commercial trucks and smaller vehicles crash.
The large vehicles frequently spotted on Texas highways face additional challenges and have driving restrictions that other vehicles don't- but other drivers need to be aware of them to safely share the road.
Knowing the key risk factors and essential steps to avoid a rear-end accident with a large truck can help keep road users alive. Here are some helpful tips and useful insights from Dallas truck accident lawyers that could reduce the number of truck accidents in Texas.
What Is a Rear-End Truck Accident?
Rear-end collisions involve two or more motor vehicles, where one drives into the back of another. In accidents involving truck drivers, it is smaller passenger vehicles that hit the back of a truck, but it can also be the other way around.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Truck Collisions
Broken bones
Lacerations
Crushing injuries
Neck and back injuries
Head and brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
What Are Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Collisions?
Many risk factors contribute to rear-end truck collisions, but it usually comes down to blind spots, lack of attention, and insufficient experience.
By far the most dangerous thing about driving directly in front of or behind large trucks is the fact that they simply cannot see small vehicles in those positions. Unless the driver is paying attention to people dipping in and out, they could easily get into a rear-end collision.
Here are some of the contributing risk factors that are often linked to Texas rear-end truck crashes.
Driver fatigue: Drowsy driving is more of a risk amongst truckers since drivers often make long journeys at unusual hours. A tired truck driver may be less aware of what is going on around them and could even drift across lanes.
Speeding: Large commercial trucks are very heavy and need longer to come to a full stop. Truck drivers who drive too fast are more likely to lose control of their vehicle and run into the back of someone else.
Distracted driving: Just like fatigue, boredom plays a factor. Large truck drivers who are texting, daydreaming, talking on the phone, eating, or doing anything else that takes their attention away from the road can miss things happening around them and collide with other motorists.
Lack of driver training or experience: Many truck rear-end collisions could be avoided if the driver had more experience or preparation for handling such a large vehicle. Companies may hire people too easily or not spend long enough training them before sending them onto the road. As a result, they fail to handle the truck correctly and are unable to respond correctly when risks unfold.
Maintenance problems: If a trucking company fails to properly maintain the vehicle or the driver does not perform thorough checks before driving, the risk of tire blowouts, brake problems, and unsecured loads is higher. These can all lead to rear-end collisions
Who Is Responsible for a Rear-End Truck Accident?
Fault in a rear-end truck collision can lie with several parties. It depends on the circumstances of the accident.
The general rule is that the rear vehicle is at fault since they should have had enough space and stopping distance to react to a sudden stop in front of them. In truck accidents, this is not always true.
Sometimes, the truck driver is still at least partially responsible for someone crashing into them from behind- either because they were lane crossing, did not have working brake lights, or did not drive safely in some way.
On the other hand, a car driver could be held responsible for a truck rear-ending them if they cut off the truck driver in a dangerous move.
In other instances, it can be the trucking company or the people responsible for maintaining safe road conditions.
How to Avoid a Rear-End Collision with a Truck in Texas
Here are five top tips for avoiding rear-end truck collisions on Texas roadways.
Know the Blind Spots and No Zones
The most dangerous thing about large trucks is the no-zone factor. There are blind spots on every side- including front and back. Familiarising themselves with the no-zones on large trucks is the best way for drivers to avoid drifting into one and being involved in a collision.
Never Tailgate or Cut Off Large Commercial Trucks
Nobody should tailgate or cut off any other drivers, but it is even more important with large trucks. The Texas Department of Transportation recommends giving far more space than usual when driving behind or in front of a commercial vehicle.
Tailgating is when someone drives too closely behind another vehicle, and cutting someone off means suddenly pulling in right in front of them. Either of these actions can have disastrous consequences for both people.
Be Wary of Road and Weather Conditions
Poor road conditions and bad weather conditions such as ice, heavy rain, or snow make driving situations more dangerous. Trucks are heavier and can lose control more easily- so other vehicles should be wary when driving near large vehicles under these circumstances. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also help with how to avoid truck tire blowouts in Texas.
Always Signal
Drivers can reduce their chances of a rear-end collision by clearly signaling in plenty of time before switching lanes in front of or behind a large truck. This gives the truck driver more time to register the movement and be prepared for extra care and attention.
Keep a Safe Distance
Take wide turns and leave plenty of free space between cars and large trucks. Avoid making maneuvers in heavy traffic when there is not much room to move, and always have an exit route just in case. Stay away from aggressive driving. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are able to explain how to avoid head-on truck accidents in Texas as well.
Get Expert Legal Advice after Rear End Truck Collisions in Dallas
Arrange a free consultation with the elite legal minds at Schuerger Schunnarah Trial Attorneys. They go to war for 214, negotiating fair settlements with the at-fault insurance company to bring justice to accident victims.