Call: 817-503-9200
Parker Law Firm
  • Home
  • What We Do
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Truck Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
    • Dram Shop Liability
    • Other Injuries
  • Office Locations
    • Fort Worth Office
    • Bedford Office
  • About
    • Accolades
    • Our Core Values
    • Our Team
      • Bradley Parker
      • Claire Fore
      • Angela Bobbitt
      • Patricia Ford
      • Calyn Settle
      • Carrie Neidig
      • Carolyn Munn
  • Testimonials
    • Case Results
  • Free Resources
    • Texas Personal Injury Blog
    • FAQ
    • Bar Talk Videos
    • Free Books and Reports
    • Library
    • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Contact
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Community Support
    • Career Information
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
  • Home
  • What We Do
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Truck Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
    • Dram Shop Liability
    • Other Injuries
  • Office Locations
    • Fort Worth Office
    • Bedford Office
  • About
    • Accolades
    • Our Core Values
    • Our Team
      • Bradley Parker
      • Claire Fore
      • Angela Bobbitt
      • Patricia Ford
      • Calyn Settle
      • Carrie Neidig
      • Carolyn Munn
  • Testimonials
    • Case Results
  • Free Resources
    • Texas Personal Injury Blog
    • FAQ
    • Bar Talk Videos
    • Free Books and Reports
    • Library
    • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Contact
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Community Support
    • Career Information
You are here: Home1 / Library2 / Why Truck Driving Is the Most Hazardous Occupation in Texas

Why Truck Driving Is the Most Hazardous Occupation in Texas

Many Texans work in dangerous occupations. Oil field workers, builders and roofers, and agricultural workers are employed in some of the most hazardous fields in the country, facing higher rates of injury and death on the job than workers in almost every other profession. 

Topping the list of dangerous occupations is commercial transportation. Big-rig truck drivers have a fatality rate that is seven times higher than the overall workplace average. It’s important to understand why this is such a dangerous occupation and how could it affect you as a motorist in Texas.

How Dangerous Is Truck Driving?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 918 truckers lost their lives on the job in 2016, accounting for nearly 50 percent of all workplace deaths across the country. Every year, over 65,000 truckers suffer illness and injuries requiring time away from work. According to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association (FMCSA), 4,564 people were killed in crashes with large trucks in 2016. Eighty-four percent of them were occupants of vehicles other than the semi-truck. Texas is one of the top ten states for commercial truck fatalities.

Risks to Truckers Are Risks to Everyone

Unlike other dangerous occupations, dangers in the trucking industry can have a tragic effect on others who have nothing to do with the industry. Because commercial truck drivers are out on city streets and highways with other motorists, the hazards they face create a danger for everyone else on the road. Some of the causes of truck driver injury and death that can take innocent lives include the following:

Hazardous weather conditions.

Unlike motorists who can choose not to travel or pull off the road when the weather is bad, truckers must deliver their loads in all weather conditions. This means, they may be driving in snow, ice, fog and heavy downpours, limiting their ability to see other vehicles. They are also under pressure to keep to a schedule despite the weather and may drive too fast for conditions, causing an accident.

Poor road design and traffic congestion.

When a trucker is unprepared for a bend in the road or for traffic back-ups in a congested area, he may not slow down sufficiently to avoid an accident. Driving in unfamiliar areas—which truckers frequently do—can lead to truck driver distraction, sudden braking, and veering into other lanes of traffic.

Driver fatigue.

While truck drivers are limited by federal law in the number of hours they can drive, these laws are often ignored. Truckers frequently drive at night or on very little sleep. Fatigued truckers are less attentive to other drivers and changing road conditions and are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

Poor maintenance.

If a truck has not been inspected according to the law or has not been maintained properly, an accident can result. Failing brakes, malfunctioning lights, shredded tires and loose trailer couplings all account for poorly maintained trucks that can injure and kill other motorists.

Driver distraction.

Long-haul truckers have a lot of time to kill, and many break up the monotony by using cell phones, talking to a co-driver, traveling with a pet, and even watching videos while they are driving. Distracted driving is dangerous enough when the average motorist does it. Behind the wheel of a big rig, however, it can cause a catastrophic accident.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Area Truck Accident?

If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in Texas, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help right away. Contact us online, or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free consultation.We help personal injury clients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.

TALK TO SOMEONE TODAY

Sidebar Form

Contact us for a free case assessment.

Name(Required)
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Kasey Turner
Kasey Turner
28/01/2022
I was in my first car accident and Parker Law firm took away all the stress. They had excellent communication and helped with any questions I had. I would 100% use them again!
hill stone
hill stone
12/01/2022
Thank you, Patricia...you are the only one that took the time to listen and care about my situation enough to reach out to give me info that I need....the only one that cared....thank you again....I will recommend your law firm.
Scooter Sumpter
Scooter Sumpter
17/12/2021
This lawfirm is truly the most professional group of people i have encountered in my search for representation. Not only are they responsive to your individual needs but they are compassionate and caring.
Karen Pool
Karen Pool
16/12/2021
When I first meet the Parker Law Firm “team”, they were friendly and sincerely concerned about me. They always went above and beyond in helping me and keeping me well informed throughout my whole process. I appreciate each and every one of the people involved in my case. I can’t say enough wonderful things about them.
Chris Connolly
Chris Connolly
12/11/2021
I had questions. They had answers. Extremely helpful and calming staff. Great local firm with good people.
Bobby Carr
Bobby Carr
28/10/2021
Parker Law Firm has been such a pleasure to work with. Very honest and easy to communicate with!
terry miller
terry miller
21/10/2021
They are a "5" on all qualities: especially professionalism. We received a superb referral to an attorney who met our exact needs. We would not have known about that attorney's office - Kent Davis - had it not been for the quick responsiveness to an inquiry for an estate attorney. The Brad Parker Law Firm has a spirit of partnership with potential clients, actual clients and fellow attorneys. Greatly appreciated. If I have a need for Mr. Parker's direct services, I will certainly give him a call.
S M
S M
07/10/2021
I called for a consultation on a vehicle accident. Patricia was eager to help and was so professional. She took her time speaking to us and answered any questions my husband and I had without hesitation. She also offered to send us valuable information. They made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. I would definitely recommend their services.
Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 84 reviews
OFFICES

Parker Law Firm

2317 Plaza Parkway #100
Bedford, TX 76021
Phone: 817-318-8022

209 N Hampton St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-510-9400
By appointment only

SEARCH OUR SITE
FAQ
How Often Do Cases Go to Court?
Could A Recovering Economy Increase Accident Fatality Rates?
What Makes A Viable Car Accident Case? How Long Do These Cases Take?
View more

TALK TO SOMEONE TODAY

Contact Form 2023

Contact us for a free case assessment.

Name(Required)
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Bedford Office
Directions & Information
Phone: 817-503-9200

Fort Worth Office
Directions & Information
Phone: 817-510-9400
By appointment only

SEARCH OUR SITE

QUICK LINKS

  • What We Do
  • Our Team
  • Texas Personal Injury Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
©2023 Parker Law Firm, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
Scroll to top