The overwhelming majority of trucking accidents occur because of something the truck driver does or fails to do. According to the FMCSA, the truck driver is responsible for the critical event leading to an accident 87% of the time. There are numerous underlying causes for these accidents. Often, drivers fall asleep or become distracted. Texting and other cell phone use while driving is often involved in truck accidents. In addition, many truck-driver caused accidents result from the driver’s use of drugs or alcohol. Specifically in West Texas, many drivers working in the oilfield industry are involved in accidents due to long hours and the sheer number of trucks required to travel down remote roads to and from oilfield related work sites.

Many trucking accidents in West Texas occur due to mechanical failure. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, mechanical failure is involved in 10% of accidents involving commercial vehicles nationwide. The most common form occurs in instances of brake failure but is also prevalent in the form of tire failure or unwanted shifting of cargo.

Many trucking accidents that occur involve drivers who have not been properly trained in transporting the type of cargo they are hauling or because they don’t have proper licensing. Many trucking accidents in West Texas involve drivers who lack a CDL or even a proper standard Class C driving license.

Many trucking accidents in West Texas occur due to inclement weather. In fact, data shows that accidents involving commercial trucking occur most often in the months of December and January when winter weather hits Texas.