Trucks play an integral role in our nation’s economy, transporting goods across the continental United States. However, due to the immense size of these vehicles, many drivers are wary of traveling next to or behind these trucks. Unfortunately, these fears are not unfounded, as collisions involving commercial vehicles have a higher fatality rate than collisions between standard cars and passenger vehicles. As such, if you or a loved one were involved in a collision with a truck due to the negligence of the driver, and you have incurred damages as a result, working with an experienced Odessa, Texas truck accident lawyer with The Mathis Law Firm is in your best interest. Contact our team today to learn how we can represent you.

Odessa, Texas Truck Accident Lawyer | Fighting for Injured Individuals

A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 40 tons, meaning collisions involving these vehicles are often catastrophic. That is why the team at The Mathis Law Firm is here to fight for you. When you are injured, our team can help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and recovery.

How Truck Crashes Happen

Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why a truck collision can happen in West Texas. While driver negligence is often to blame, dangerous road conditions and vehicle malfunctions can also result in a collision.

In many instances, trucking companies look to cut corners, often prioritizing meeting deadlines over the safety of those on the road. As such, drivers may be pressured to skip routine, pre-trip maintenance, speed, and disregard the federal Hours of Service limitations.

However, trucking companies are not the only party that can assume liability in these collisions. Truck drivers who act negligently when operating a commercial vehicle, like those who text and drive, speed, ignore traffic signs, or drive under the influence, ultimately resulting in a collision, may also face liability for damages caused by their negligent actions.

Finally, trucking companies may face liability if their failure to conduct routine and regular inspections of the vehicle contributes to a collision. Unfortunately, if maintenance issues are overlooked or ignored, drivers may be involved in serious collisions.

Other potentially negligent actions that may result in a collision include:

Takin turns too sharply
Failing to account for considerable blind spots
Making unsafe lane changes
Falsifying log books
Improperly loading cargo
Driving while fatigued

What Trucking Regulations Can Impact a Truck Collision Case?

Those who operate commercial vehicles must adhere to a number of Texas State and federal regulations to ensure the safety of those on the road. As such, some of the most important regulations include:

Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License: Drivers must be at least 21 years old to drive a vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials. Additionally, drivers must undergo routine physicals and carry a valid certification from the examining physician.
Hours of Service Limits: Though driving a truck may not seem physically demanding, trucking can be exhausting. As such, to prevent accidents caused by fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has implemented Hours of Service limitations. As such, drivers:
- Must take a 30-minute break after 8 consecutive hours of driving
- Can only drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours
- Cannot drive more than 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty, even if you still have available driving hours left
- Cannot drive after 60 hours on duty over 7 days or 70 hours over 8 days without first taking a 34-hour off-duty period
Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers are required to conduct both pre- and post-trip inspections of their vehicles. This includes following a comprehensive checklist and documenting any issues or defects with the vehicle.

If violations of trucking regulations contributed to your collision, ensuring you connect with an experienced attorney is critical, as intentional violations of these rules can have a considerable impact on your claim.

Contact an Experienced Odessa, Texas Truck Accident Attorney

Trucking collisions can have a serious impact on your life, not only leaving you with serious, if not permanent, injuries, but also astronomical medical bills. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced Odessa, Texas truck accident attorney to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve when you are injured at the hands of a negligent party. Contact our firm today to learn how we can assist you.

Odessa, Texas Truck Accident Lawyer