Each year, people get injured in commercial truck accidents on I-35—but what are the causes? Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Sudden highway interchanges
- Driver fatigue
- Alcohol and drug use
- Environmental factors
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Speeding
- Blind spots
In February 2023, KWTX reported that a semi-truck jackknifed into traffic on Interstate 35 (I-35) and Central 190 just off exit 294 in Belton, Texas. The incident caused major delays in traffic, but no fatalities were reported.
Accidents such as these are all too common. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident on I-35, you may qualify to file a personal injury case. Our legal team can investigate your case and determine what options you have to pursue financial compensation after a truck accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-35 and Other Major Highways
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Sudden highway interchanges: I-35 runs through several major cities in Texas, which means the number of lanes on the highway often increases and decreases. Having to brace for a sudden increase in traffic can be difficult for larger truck drivers, especially if merging lanes do not provide enough room for them to move over to another lane to avoid a collision.
- Driver fatigue: While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets hours-of-service limits to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, many truck drivers ignore federal regulations in order to meet commerce demands. Those who work by the trip and not by the hour may also forgo adequate sleep in an effort to increase their wages. Sleep deprivation is similar to being drunk, in that it affects motor skills, judgment, and alertness.
- Alcohol and drug use: Just as how truck drivers may choose driving over sleeping to meet work demands, other drivers may use substances to keep them “alert” while driving, such as stimulants.
- Environmental factors: Certain environmental conditions can affect a truck driver’s ability to drive safely on the road. For example, ice, rain, and snow can all make the roads more slippery, which means truck drivers will have more difficulty braking at a safe speed and might be prone to hydroplaning. Other weather factors, such as fog or sun glare, might make it more difficult for truck drivers to see others on the road.
- Vehicle malfunctions: Brake failure, faulty engine repair, and tire blowouts are some major examples of vehicle malfunctions that can cause accidents, as these incidences give little time for truck drivers to react and pull off the road safely.
- Speeding: Truck drivers are generally trained to avoid speeding for one simple reason: The weight and size of the truck require longer braking distances at higher speeds. If a truck driver has to suddenly stop but is speeding on the highway, they are more likely to get into a rear-end accident than avoid harm.
- Blind spots: While truck drivers try to keep mindful of vehicles around them, they cannot see vehicles in their blind spot areas, which exist on both sides of the truck and its rear end. Anyone who drives within these zones may be susceptible to injury if the truck driver merges without realizing someone is in the next lane.
For a free legal consultation, call (972) 938-1234
A Personal Injury Lawyer From Our Firm Can Manage Your Truck Accident Case
Our personal injury law firm handles commercial truck accident cases in Texas. If you decide to hire one of our legal representatives to serve your case, we offer to handle the following services for you:
- Investigate your truck accident and gather evidence to support your claims, such as black box information, traffic camera or dashcam footage of the accident, and eyewitness testimony
- Handle communications with all inquiring parties, such as insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, and court officials
- Submit your case within Texas’ statute of limitations, as written in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003
- Calculate an approximate estimate for your damages, which may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and income loss
- Provide legal counsel throughout your case whenever you have questions or concerns
- Represent you in trial or out-of-court negotiation meetings and pursue either a verdict or settlement deal
Call Clay Jenkins & Associates Today to See How Our Legal Team Can Help You
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident on I-35 in Texas, our legal team wants to help you fight for the compensation you need. At Clay Jenkins & Associates, we have been advocating for injured truck accident victims since 1948, and we hope to serve you, too.
Call us to speak with a member of our team about how we can serve your case. The first consultation is free and lets you describe your case in full detail. Start your legal journey by reaching out today.
Call or text (972) 938-1234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
