Speeding and Reckless Truck Accident Lawyers in Austin

The State of Texas has had more changes in their laws regarding truck speed limits than they have had changes in the weather. Formerly, there used to be separate speed limits for trucks and for passenger vehicles. This was a 60mph limit during the day which would decrease to 55mph at night. In 1974, the state capped all speed limits at 55mph for both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, but this was repealed in 1987 when the speed limit went back up to 65mph. In 2001, there was a bill that passed that allowed certain road to have a 75mph speed limit, but this did not include trucks, who still could drive only a maximum speed of 70mph. The most current speed limit regulation in Texas is that there are no special truck limits. All vehicles travel the same speed depending on the road.

Truck drivers also have to be extremely careful when operating their vehicles because they have larger blind spots as well as a wider turning radius than other vehicles. Reckless driving is a major type of moving violation, and it could constitute a driver getting their commercial driver’s license (CDL) taken away. Rather than pure negligence, which connotes a passive style of driving, this is an active and purposeful type of dangerous driving. This can include exceeding the speed limit by more than ten miles per hour, it could include excessive lane changes, tailgating and the like. It is dangerous enough when drivers of passenger vehicles behave this way on the road. How much more dangerous is it when truck drivers do it?

The Size of an Average Semi-Truck

To put this type of dangerous driving into perspective, it would be helpful to evaluate just how large these vehicles are. The gross vehicle weight of the average semi-truck is 20,000 to 24,000 pounds, and this is when they are empty. These trucks can carry cargo that is up to 50,000 pounds. A payload can only be up to a maximum 80,000 pounds. Depending on the type of vehicle that a driver drives, they will have to possess a specialized license. There are Class A, B and C licenses that differ based on the size of the truck. Class A is for vehicles that weigh 26,000 pounds or more or that tow vehicles in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B licenses are for those with the same weight requirements as Class A, but cannot tow vehicles in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class C is for those that do not meet Class A or B requirements but are designed to transport either 16 passengers or more or transport hazardous materials. Considering the incredible size of these vehicles, it also takes them longer to come to a complete stop, which makes tailgating extremely dangerous. If a truck is tailgating a passenger vehicle when they suddenly have to stop, chances are, the truck will collide with the vehicle.

Call an attorney if you’ve been injured!

If you were injured in a truck accident because of a reckless or careless truck driver, then you have every right to file a negligence claim against them. These accidents typically result in severe and permanent injuries, if not death. When you or a loved one is injured, you need to seek every possible option in order to get the best medical treatment possible. If you were wronged and are looking for justice, please get in touch with a truck accident attorney at Zinda Law Group today by calling or submitting a case evaluation. Call  800-863-5312.