February 02, 2019
Texas Statistics About Tragic Semi Truck Accidents
Due to an increase in demand for shipping, we see a significant rise in semi trucks on our roadways during the holiday season. In the state of Texas, this is on top of the semi trucks we’re already using for oil drilling throughout the region. Throughout the United States, crashes involving a semi-truck and another vehicle are occurring too often. Across the country each year, thousands of fatal accidents occur involving semi trucks. These wrecks also result in traumatic injuries that change the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals for the remainder of their life.
About Texas Statistics
In the United States, Texas is ranked number two regarding the highest amounts of recorded semi truck accidents throughout the last ten years. As the oil and trucking industry continues to grow, this number continues to increase. What’s more is that, over the weekends, 84 percent of all fatal accidents occur. Since 2008, Texas has led every state in the country regarding motor vehicle fatalities. There has been a rise in commercial vehicle crashes of 51 percent since 2009 and, unfortunately, there’s no indication of that figure decreasing.
Steps to Take Following a Semi Truck Accident
Time is of the essence if you or someone you know is involved in a semi-truck accident. Protecting your best interests is critical and, therefore, you should follow these steps.
How Does Houston Rank?
Currently, Houston is ranking number one with the highest number of crashes. Houston’s statistics include having 12.8 percent of Texas’s total automobile crashes, as well as 15.39 percent of the total vehicle accidents throughout the rest of the state’s cities and towns. When you look further into these statistics for Houston, you’ll see that it’s the most dangerous city for driving. The main reason is that there have been the most fatalities, which were a total of 245. There were also a total of 1,304 vehicle crashes that involved incapacitated drivers, as well as a total of 67,241 auto crashes overall for the city. Houston also ranks number two for the state for DUI crashes with 1,560 as of 2017.
- Seek Medical Attention. Do not hesitate to contact a medical professional. As soon as possible following your accident, even if you believe there are no or injuries that are not serious, visit a doctor to receive an evaluation. It’s important to remember that injuries may not present themselves immediately, so staying in touch with a medical provider is essential.
- Initiate an Investigation. Because the evidence is cleaned up quickly following an accident, ask to have someone investigate it immediately so information can be gathered by an expert. In doing so, you can help build a strong case against the negligent driver of the truck.
- Obtain Photographic Evidence. If you’re not injured too severely, take pictures of the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries as soon as possible. If you’re unable to do so, ask someone to assist you with this process. Take pictures of everything from your torn clothing to the damage your cell phone received to all the damage to the contents inside and outside of your vehicle.
- Contact a Texas Attorney. Consulting an attorney before providing statements to an insurance provider is vital. They may seem like they’re going to assist you with a claim initially, but limitations may be imposed. Your lawyer will help you navigate through your insurance claim as well as the rest of the case involving the negligent driver.
Working with an Experienced Attorney
It’s critical you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible following the accident involving the semi truck. In addition to helping you with your case, they’ll also put your mind at ease. Mukerji Law Firm is an experienced personal injury attorney who has the expertise in handling cases dealing with semi-truck crashes.
