Trucking Accidents

Driver shortage affects training and quality

In December 2008, the Houston Chronicle reported a study conducted by the American Trucking Association:  by 2014, the transportation industry will need 110,000 more drivers, well above the 3.2 million commercial truck drivers already working in the U.S.  This shortage makes retaining existing drivers more challenging and contributes to the already high turnover and training, maintenance, and quality issues plaguing the 18-wheeler and commercial trucking industries.

What does this mean? The potential for an even greater number of catastrophic crashes and injuries.

Complexity abounds

Every way you look at it, trucking and tractor-trailer accidents are complex. First, the seriousness of property damages and injuries easily surpasses those of a two-car collision.  Second, while U.S. Department of Transportation regulation requires trucking companies to carry ample insurance to protect any injured accident victims, these same companies do not disclose information about their policies until you file suit.

In fact, there is a great deal of  trucking companies will not tell you unless prodded. With their cadre of attorneys and insurance companies, they will do everything to protect their own interests and their drivers, even if their drivers are owner-operators in their own right.

Proof of liability when every minute counts

The use of experts is critical in a trucking accident case but not just for proving an injury.  Evidence can disappear quickly as regulated trucking companies protect their own interests. 

Houston, Texas lawyer Timothy E. McKenna, P.C. calls upon experts to uncover the necessary evidence to conduct a thorough analysis of your case.  Evidence may include:

He also calls upon reconstruction experts, assembling all the facts needed to prove driver and the trucking company's liability. 

Negligence may extend beyond the vehicle maintenance to the trucking company's supervisory, hiring, and retention practices.  We will also look at the driver's level of fatigue and whether he was driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs.

Contact Timothy E. McKenna, P.C.

We accept personal injury claims on a contingent basis.  All cases are unique, so call us without obligation at 713-783-9900 or just contact us online if you have any questions or need additional information.

We have decades of experience representing injured clients throughout Texas.