What Are Top Causes of Truck Wrecks, and When Can I Sue?

 Posted on January 28, 2025 in Truck Accidents

At 80,000 pounds, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can cause significant damage. In 2023, there were 19,760 crashes in Texas that involved large trucks, with 1,013 commercial motor vehicle wrecks occurring in El Paso County. Six people were killed in these accidents, with hundreds more suffering injuries.

You may be eligible for compensation if you are injured in a truck collision, but you need to prove fault before you can pursue your claim. Working with an experienced El Paso, TX truck accident lawyer gives you a better chance of receiving as much compensation as you deserve.

Why Are There So Many Truck Wrecks in El Paso County?

El Paso is a major border crossing point for commercial freight going to and from Mexico. The heavy volume of truck traffic in the area may contribute to a higher-than-average number of truck wrecks, but several other factors increase the risks. Many semi-truck accidents are caused by:

• Driver error: Speeding, fatigued or distracted driving, tailgating, and drug or alcohol use

• Cargo issues: Overloaded trucks that exceed the maximum weight, improperly secured cargo, and unbalanced loads

• Poorly maintained trucks: Failing to replace worn tires or brakes, neglecting routine or necessary maintenance

• Trucking companies: Requiring drivers to operate unsafe trucks, negligent hiring practices, forcing drivers to continue working in violation of hours-of-service regulations

• Defective parts: Tire blowouts or brake failure

These are only a few of the reasons truck accidents occur. Other motorists can also contribute. Before you can file a claim for damages, you have to prove negligence and establish liability.

What Are Negligence and Liability in Truck Accident Claims?

Most personal injury cases rest on proving that another party’s negligence caused your accident and related damages. Simply put, negligence is careless behavior, whether that means an action taken or failure to act, that endangers others.

After a truck accident, an investigation should reveal why and how it happened. The evidence obtained is used to establish liability, or responsibility, for causing the crash. For example, if unbalanced cargo causes a truck to roll over, the cargo loader could be liable. Mechanics who fail to properly repair brake lines might be liable if brake failure contributed to a collision.

Investigating crashes and establishing liability can be complicated, but they are a necessary part of a compensation claim. Fortunately, your legal team will handle these matters on your behalf.

Can I Sue for My Damages After a Truck Accident?

If you can establish that another party’s negligence caused your truck crash, you can likely collect compensation. If you share liability, the amount you receive could be reduced. The best way to be sure you can obtain compensation is to contact our office. We have considerable experience winning truck wreck cases and can help you win yours.

Call a Skilled El Paso, TX Truck Accident Attorney

After a truck wreck, you need to focus on recovering from your injuries. You can trust a dedicated Van Horn, TX personal injury lawyer from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. to handle your claim effectively. Call 915-544-5200 or schedule your free case review online today. Se Habla Español.