Texas Truck Wreck Lawyer Explains Why Some 18-Wheeler Wrecks Lead to Arrests

Dallas, Tx, 01/05/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Numerous traffic accidents involving 18-wheelers and other types of commercial vehicles take place every year. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the total number is more than 300,000 annually.

Source: NHTSA “TRAFFIC SAFETY FACTS 2012 Data”

“In 2012, there were 3,921 people killed and 104,000 people injured in crashes

involving large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds)

(Table 1). In the United States, 333,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes

during 2012.”

To read more visit http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811868.pdf.

Among these, many lead to the arrests of the truck drivers involved for various reasons. One example is the case of a Texas truck driver recently charged with manslaughter after being involved in a fatal 18-wheeler accident that killed four members of the North Central Texas College softball team, and injured several others.

Source: 1800TruckWreck.com Report “Texas trucker charged with manslaughter in fatal softball team bus crash”

“A Texas truck driver has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a fatal crash that killed four players on a college softball team. According to reports, officials with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board say the driver did not appear to take any evasive action as his truck veered across a median and hit the North Central Texas College team’s van.”

According to Texas based truck accident lawyer Amy Witherite of the Eberstein Witherite LLP law firm, those who are arrested in these accidents have typically engaged in gross negligence or misconduct that warrants legal action. For example in the case of the aforementioned 18-wheeler accident, the Oklahoma State Patrol has said that investigators found a pipe and prescription drugs in the semi truck during their investigation. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the commonly reported issues that can lead to the arrest of truck drivers who have caused a serious accident as a result of their behavior. Although the evidence was found, it was not specified in news reports whether the truck driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.

Other types of negligent driving behavior that can lead to a truck driver’s arrest include driving at excessive speeds and texting while driving in states where the practice has been banned. Truck drivers are also required to follow certain restrictions like not driving for over a certain number of hours in one workweek without having had sufficient rest prior.

Witherite further states that when a criminal charge has been filed or regulatory violation established, it provides evidence supporting those who choose to file civil claims for compensation against truck drivers who are responsible for their damages. Says the attorney in the state of Texas “there are laws in place that allow victims to seek the recovery of damages from truck drivers who have acted negligently and caused them harm.” Compensable damages include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Individuals who have been involved in a serious 18-wheeler crash or have suffered the loss of a loved one as a result can contact a personal injury lawyer in their area for more information about their legal options.

Media Contact:

Lucy Tiseo

Eberstein Witherite LLP

Phone: 866-774-5410

http://www.1800truckwreck.com/

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