Few forces can match the powerful impact of a commercial truck. Even a slow-speed crash with an 18-wheeler can cause extensive property damage. Victims often face exorbitant medical bills, and some never make a full recovery.

In Texas, truck drivers have a duty not to behave in a way that puts other road users at risk of injury or death. If a trucker breaches that duty of care, then he or she is liable for any injuries or death that results.

As such, if you were hurt or lost a family member due to a negligent CDL driver in Texas, then you have grounds for a personal-injury claim. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation from:

The trucker if his or her negligence caused the crash;
The person or organization that owned the tractor-trailer cab;
The person or organization that owned the freight;
The person or organization that owned the rig;
A mechanic if the collision was caused by negligent repairs; or
The manufacturer of the 18-wheeler or its parts.

An Austin accident lawyer from the Robson Law Firm will help you identify all liable parties and gather evidence to prove negligence, liability and damages. Our personal-injury attorneys have recovered more than $26 million for our clients. Call (512) 345-8200 to schedule a free consultation.

Read on to learn about the top four causes of commercial truck wrecks in the United States:

Driver Decision Errors

According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study, driver decision errors contribute to 38 percent of all 18-wheeler crashes. These errors include:

Speeding;
Tailgating;
Failing to anticipate the actions of other road users;
Breaking a traffic law;
Taking inadequate evasive action; and
Driving aggressively.

Driver Recognition Errors

Driver recognition errors cause 29 percent of truck accidents in the United States. Examples include:

Failing to survey traffic around the vehicle;
Texting, adjusting the radio, and being affected by other in-vehicle distractions; and
Being distracted by distractions outside the vehicle such as billboards and crash scenes.

Physical Problems with the Driver

Approximately 12 percent of truck accidents involve physical problems with the driver. Examples include falling asleep and having a heart attack.

Problems Related to the Vehicle

Even a safe driver can get into an accident due to an auto part defect or inadequate maintenance. Vehicle-related problems cause 10 percent of all tractor-trailer wrecks. Common examples include:

Insufficient tire inflation;
Tires with insufficient tread;
Brake failure;
Steering failure;
Shirting cargo;
Trailer problems;
Suspension failure; and
Engine failure.

Although some truck wrecks are unavoidable, the vast majority of 18-wheeler accidents could be prevented if drivers behaved responsibly. If you were hurt by a negligent trucker in Texas, turn to the Robson Law Firm.

A truck accident attorney in Texas will help you claim compensation for health-care bills, lost income and non-economic damages. Call (512) 345-8200 to schedule a free consultation with a personal-injury attorney in Austin.

What Are the 4 Most Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents?