A fiery semi-truck crash in Fort Worth on May 11 injured nine people. The accident occurred in the northern part of the city and shut down traffic on I-35W for several hours. While the cause of the accident was still under investigation at the time of this writing, it appeared that the tractor-trailer overturned before catching fire.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Crash Injuries
There are many reasons why a semi-truck crash can occur. In many instances, long-haul drivers ignore federal regulations that they take regular rest breaks due to unreasonable deadlines set by their employer. They often have to make a choice between getting the rest they need and pushing on because they are afraid of losing their jobs.
Other times, drivers are distracted in some way due to texting or talking on their smartphones or using another type of device. They can sometimes be impaired due to drinking or using illegal drugs.
In many instances, however, the trucking company commits negligence that leads to a semi-truck crash. For example, they fail to conduct routine maintenance checks, leading to the failure of a tire or another vital component such as the brakes. They will sometimes overload a truck in order to try and reduce the amount of trips it must take. This can lead to a dangerous situation where a load will suddenly shift and cause the truck to overturn.
The manufacturer of a negligently designed part can also share the blame. If a component fails at just the wrong time, that can lead to an accident that can cause life-altering injuries as well as fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck crash, attorney Joe Lucé may be able to help you obtain compensation from those responsible. Call (972) 632-1300 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
