Facts and Statistics

Facts and Statistics involving 18 wheeler crashes in Dallas, Texas:

18 Wheeler Facts:

Everyone knows what an 18 wheeler looks like. When we ask our clients to
describe an 18 wheeler, many state that its “obvious” or that it is “a big
truck.” Or that, “it has 18 wheels…. Duh.” All of this is true of
course, but what is the legal definition of a commercial motor vehicle? 49 C.F.R.
382.107 defines a commercial motor vehicle as “a vehicle used in commerce
having a gross combinations weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or designed to
transport 16 or more passengers, or used in the transportation of hazardous
materials.” This definition helps lay the groundwork for determining whether
or not you have been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Texas.

Truck Driver Facts:

When we ask our clients what a truck driver in Texas looks like, we get a few
comical answers to this question as well. The bottom line is whatever they look
like they all have most certainly received specialized training, education and
formalized instruction to operate their commercial vehicle. Driver
qualifications can be found in 49 C.F.R. 3911.11. Additionally The
Transportation Code for the State of Texas has drafted specific legislation to
oversee the licensing of commercial operators. In a truck collision case, the
qualifications of the driver, their training, education, experience, traffic
violations, physical attributes and mental status are always scrutinized very
carefully.

Crash and Fatality Statistics Involving 18 Wheelers:

Commercial vehicles most certainly will cause property damage when involved
in a wreck. Trucking accidents also cause deaths. Some of the statistics kept by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding crashes and
fatalities are listed below.