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Top Ten Truck Accident Causes in Texas

Truck accidents are a major problem in Texas and a threat to your safety. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2008 alone, there were 7,723 injuries and 441 deaths caused by large truck crashes in Texas. Nationwide, there were 73,047 injuries.

As you drive by the devastating wreckage caused from a truck accident, have you ever wondered what causes these terrible collisions? The FMSCA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wanted to know, which is why these agencies teamed together to complete the Large Truck Crash Causation Study.

During the study, researchers examined a sample of 963 truck accidents that occurred across the country. These truck collisions, which took place from April 2001 through December 2003, resulted in 249 deaths and 1,654 injuries.

Researchers, along with state truck inspectors, went to each accident site included in the study to collect details regarding the crashes. Their data included interviews with drivers, passengers and witnesses to the accidents. The inspectors reviewed the drivers' logbooks and other documents, in addition to conducting examinations of the trucks.

Based on the information that was gathered and analyzed, the researchers were able to put together a list of the top ten causes of truck wrecks, which are as follows:

1. Brake problems
2. Traffic interruption
3. Prescription drug use
4. Traveling too fast for conditions
5. Road unfamiliarity
6. Roadway problems
7. Required traffic stop
8. Over-the-counter drug use
9. Inadequate surveillance
10. Fatigue

A Texas truck accident can lead to devastating injuries. If you or a family member has been injured in a truck wreck, you need to contact an experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer at the law firm of Reed & Riordan, PLLC at 214.570.9555 for legal advice. You may be able to hold the trucker, trucking company, or other party responsible and could be entitled to compensation.

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