Texas highways and local roads are becoming more dangerous. A sharp increase in commercial vehicle accidents, from 18-wheelers on major interstates to delivery vans in quiet neighborhoods, has created a significant risk for Texas drivers.
The numbers are alarming. Texas is consistently one of the deadliest states for large truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports thousands of commercial vehicle crashes in the state each year. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation shows a steady, year-over-year rise in these incidents, placing Texas at the center of the nation’s commercial vehicle safety problem.
Why Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents on the Rise in Texas?
Several key factors contribute to this dangerous trend.
The E-Commerce Boom
The explosion of online shopping has changed Texas roadways forever. Major logistics hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio have turned the state into a superhighway for commercial transport. Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS now operate vast fleets of delivery vehicles, all working under tight deadlines.
The Demands of Last-Mile Delivery
The final step in a product’s journey, from a local warehouse to a customer’s door, is known as “last-mile” delivery. This sector has grown rapidly, adding tens of thousands of delivery vans to our streets. Many are driven by independent contractors who may have little training and face unrealistic quotas, which can encourage unsafe driving in residential areas and school zones.
Texas’s Strategic Location
As a central hub for North American freight, Texas connects major ports, manufacturers, and consumer markets. This means our roads carry a heavy burden of commercial traffic, whether the trucks are serving local needs or just passing through.
Lagging Infrastructure
While commercial traffic has surged, our infrastructure has not kept pace. Many Texas highways were built for far less traffic. This leads to construction zones, aging roads, and bottlenecks that create hazardous conditions, especially when large trucks mix with smaller passenger cars.
East Texas: A Commercial Accident Hotspot
East Texas has become a particularly dangerous area for commercial vehicle accidents. The intersection of major highways like I-20, I-30, and US-59 with rural two-lane roads creates numerous opportunities for devastating collisions.
Troubling Statistics in East Texas
Accident trends in East Texas counties are a major concern:
- Smith County: Has seen many fatal commercial vehicle crashes along the I-20 corridor near Tyler.
- Gregg County: Experiences high accident rates on I-20 near Longview, a key trucking route.
- Harrison County: Reports a significant number of incidents involving commercial vehicles on US-59 and local highways.
- Cherokee and Rusk Counties: Have documented a rise in accidents involving delivery vehicles on rural and local roads.
Data shows that East Texas highways carry some of the state’s heaviest commercial traffic. When accidents happen here, they are often catastrophic due to high speeds and the sheer size of the vehicles involved.
Major Companies Involved in Accidents
While accidents can involve any carrier, certain large companies and their contractors are frequently connected to serious injury and fatality cases across Texas.
- Amazon and its Logistics Partners: The rapid growth of Amazon’s network has introduced thousands of delivery vans. The intense pressure on their Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) can lead to rushed driving and fatigue.
- FedEx Ground Independent Contractors: The contractor model used by FedEx Ground has been linked to serious accidents. These independent operators may lack proper insurance, maintenance standards, or driver screening.
- UPS: While known for strong safety standards, UPS vehicles are still involved in accidents, especially during busy seasons when driver workloads increase.
- National Trucking Companies: Fleets from major carriers like Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, J.B. Hunt, and Swift Transportation are a constant presence on Texas highways and are regularly involved in serious collisions.
- Regional and Local Carriers: Smaller trucking firms, oil field service providers, and local delivery companies also contribute to accident statistics. These operators may have minimal insurance and fewer safety resources.
The McKay Law Difference: Fighting for Accident Victims
If you are injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you are not just up against a driver. You are facing a multi-billion-dollar corporation with a legal team dedicated to minimizing your compensation. A standard personal injury approach is not enough for these complex cases.
Rapid Response Investigation
Time is evidence. McKay Law dispatches immediate response teams to accident scenes, often within hours. While corporate lawyers work to limit liability, our investigators are:
- Securing physical evidence before it disappears.
- Photographing skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
- Interviewing witnesses while their memories are fresh.
- Obtaining surveillance footage before it is erased.
This swift action is crucial for preserving evidence that proves corporate negligence.
Advanced Investigation Technology
We use cutting-edge technology to level the playing field against corporate defendants.
- Accident Reconstruction: We use 3D laser scanning and computer simulations to recreate accidents with scientific precision.
- Electronic Data Analysis: We obtain and analyze data from Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and “black boxes” (EDRs) to prove speeding, fatigue, and other dangerous driving behaviors.
- Fleet and Mobile Forensics: We analyze telematics systems and mobile device data to uncover patterns of unsafe driving and prove driver distraction.
In-Depth Corporate Investigation
Our investigation goes beyond the accident scene and into the boardroom. We examine:
- Company Safety Records: We review FMCSA ratings and violation histories to show patterns of negligence.
- Driver and Maintenance Records: We scrutinize hiring practices, training files, and vehicle maintenance logs to find failures.
- Corporate Policies: We look at delivery quotas and performance metrics that encourage unsafe driving.
Identifying All Responsible Parties
Commercial vehicle accidents often have multiple liable parties. Our investigation identifies everyone involved, from the driver and the trucking company to maintenance providers and equipment manufacturers. We meticulously trace all layers of insurance coverage, often finding millions more in compensation than what is initially offered.
Prepared for Trial from Day One
Insurance companies offer maximum value only when they know you are ready for trial. We prepare every case as if it will go to court. This includes assembling a team of national experts, creating powerful visual evidence, and developing a comprehensive analysis of all damages.
Recent East Texas Commercial Vehicle Case Results
Our results demonstrate our commitment. While many case details are confidential, recent commercial vehicle litigation in East Texas has led to significant outcomes:
- $15.5 Million Settlement: For a family left with permanent injuries after being hit by a driver who violated hours-of-service rules.
- $12.8 Million Jury Verdict: Against a delivery company whose driver was using a mobile device at the time of the crash.
- $9.2 Million Settlement: From a trucking company that falsified maintenance records for a vehicle with known brake defects.
- $7.5 Million Verdict: Against a company that hired a driver with a history of accidents.
- $6.8 Million Settlement: In a case where a last-mile delivery company’s quotas made safe driving impossible.
These results show that East Texas juries are holding corporations accountable when they put profits ahead of public safety.
Our Process for Maximizing Your Recovery
Our systematic approach is designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Immediate Response: We deploy investigators to secure the scene, evidence, and witnesses within hours.
- Deep Investigation: We analyze all electronic data and conduct a thorough corporate and background investigation.
- Expert Development: We retain leading experts in accident reconstruction, medicine, and economics.
- Demand and Negotiation: We present a comprehensive demand package to secure a fair settlement before litigation.
- Litigation and Trial: If necessary, we aggressively pursue the case through trial, using advanced techniques to secure a victory.
Why Preparation Determines the Outcome
The quality of the investigation and trial preparation makes all the difference. In one case, a police report suggested our client was at fault. Our immediate investigation uncovered video showing the commercial driver ran a red light while using a phone. This evidence transformed the case, increasing its value by millions.
In another case, our corporate investigation revealed internal emails about cutting safety training and falsified maintenance logs. Faced with this proof, the company settled for its policy limits.
The Stakes: Why Full Compensation Matters
Commercial vehicle accidents can cause life-altering injuries, including traumatic brain damage, paralysis, amputations, and severe burns. Victims face a lifetime of medical bills, lost income, and chronic pain. Settling for less than you deserve leaves families without the resources they need for the future.
When companies prioritize profits over safety by pushing drivers too hard, skimping on training, or neglecting maintenance, they must be held responsible. Maximum verdicts and settlements not only compensate victims but also send a powerful message that this behavior will not be tolerated in Texas.
Your Path to Justice
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, time is critical. Evidence can be lost, and companies start building their defense right away.
McKay Law’s rapid response team and proven trial preparation give you the best chance at securing the justice you deserve. Don’t let a corporation’s lawyers devalue your case.
Contact McKay Law today for a free consultation. We handle commercial vehicle accident cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Case results depend on specific facts and circumstances.
