Houston Personal Injury Attorneys – Smith & Hassler

Semi-trucks are the backbone of America’s supply chain; they move goods across thousands of miles daily. However, their massive size and weight make them dangerous when operators disregard safety rules. Truck drivers and trucking companies carry a heavy responsibility to follow safety laws and best practices. When they fail, the consequences can be devastating for everyone on the road. That includes the risk of serious and potentially fatal truck accidents.

In 2024, state and local enforcement agencies revealed some of the most outrageous trucking violations. These violations are examples of the risks of cutting corners and the lives at stake when truck drivers and their employers ignore safety laws.

What are some of the most shocking truck inspection fails of 2024?

In California, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) uncovered shocking safety violations throughout the year, including:

• A truck rolling on its rim: In December, CHP stopped a truck driving without a tire, leaving the rim grinding against the pavement. Surprisingly, the driver remained unaware until reaching a CHP facility. This incident could have led to catastrophic failure or loss of control.
• Speeding above the limit: CHP also cited a driver speeding far above California’s 55 mph limit for large trucks. This excessive speed reduces a truck’s ability to stop quickly and increases the risk of a roadway catastrophe.

In Iowa, the Iowa State Patrol (ISP) also encountered shocking violations that demonstrate the trucking industry’s safety challenges:

• Tires pointing in different directions: Officers stopped a truck with tires not only flat but also misaligned, pointing in opposite directions. The trailer lights didn’t work either. The driver, shockingly, had no idea of the dangers they posed.
• Broken trailer frame: One truck’s uneven stance revealed a snapped trailer frame. Despite the visible defect, the driver continued operating the vehicle.
• Driving after a low-bridge strike: Another driver hit a low bridge, causing severe trailer damage. However, he kept going as though nothing had happened, which could have caused debris to fall onto the road.
• Drunk driving: In one of the most outrageous incidents, the ISP stopped a commercial driver drinking hard liquor behind the wheel. The driver’s blood alcohol content level was nearly five times the legal limit for commercial vehicles.
• Unregistered truck with oversized freight: ISP officers also stopped a truck carrying oversized freight without permits, insurance, or registration. The vehicle had not been registered in 16 years and showed clear signs of neglect.

What safety obligations do truck drivers and trucking companies have?

Truck drivers and their employers must comply with strict state and federal safety regulations. These rules exist to prevent truck accidents that can have life-altering consequences. Here’s what responsible operators must do to ensure highway safety:

1. Limit driving hours to prevent fatigue

Fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules are in place to reduce this risk by limiting how long drivers can stay on the road. Truck drivers must take at least 10 consecutive off-duty hours before starting a shift. They can’t drive more than 11 hours within a 14-hour work window. After eight hours of driving, they must take a 30-minute break. When trucking companies push unrealistic delivery schedules, drivers may feel pressured to ignore these rules, which only increases the risk of deadly fatigue-related crashes.

2. Inspect vehicles before and after trips

Pre-trip and post-trip inspections help catch mechanical issues before they cause problems on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers to inspect brakes, tires, lights, and other key components. Skipping inspections or ignoring reported issues can lead to catastrophic equipment failures.

Daily inspections must check for:

• Tire pressure and tread wear
• Brake functionality
• Working headlights, turn signals, and reflectors
• Secure trailer connections

3. Maintain accurate records and perform timely repairs

Trucking companies must maintain their fleets to prevent mechanical breakdowns. Neglecting repairs to save money risks tire blowouts, brake failures, and other preventable hazards. Proper maintenance ensures vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant. FMCSA guidelines require companies to:

• Schedule regular maintenance
• Log repairs and inspections accurately
• Immediately address flagged issues

4. Secure cargo correctly

Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit. This can lead to rollovers, jackknifes, or debris spills. Federal regulations require freight to be evenly distributed and secured using appropriate straps or chains. Overloading a truck or failing to secure cargo increases the likelihood of instability, especially during sudden maneuvers or sharp turns. These avoidable mistakes often result in truck accidents involving multiple vehicles.

5. Hire and train qualified drivers

Operating an 80,000-pound semi-truck demands specialized training and certification. Hiring untrained or unqualified drivers introduces unnecessary risks. Ongoing training also helps experienced drivers stay up-to-date on safety practices. To meet this requirement, trucking companies must ensure drivers:

• Obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Complete training programs covering road safety and vehicle operation.
• Pass physical fitness exams to confirm they’re fit for long-haul trips.

6. Monitor and address unsafe driver behavior

Trucking companies must actively monitor their drivers for risky behaviors, such as speeding, hard braking, or distracted driving. Telematics systems can flag these issues in real-time. This gives companies a chance to correct unsafe habits before they result in serious collisions.

Hurt in a Texas truck accident? Our Houston lawyers are here to help

When truck drivers or trucking companies ignore safety regulations, the consequences can be severe. Victims can end up with devastating injuries, costly medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. If you’ve been injured in a Texas truck accident, the Houston attorneys at Smith & Hassler are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Some of our most notable truck accident case results include:

• $1.38 million for two clients involved in an 18-wheeler collision, both suffering mild traumatic brain injuries, with one also sustaining multiple fractured bones.
• $175,000 for a client who suffered a back injury in a crash with a large truck.
• $137,000 for a client who suffered a herniated lumbar disc after being rear-ended by a big rig.

Our law firm can provide dedicated legal support by listening to your story, thoroughly investigating your case to uncover negligence, and dealing with insurance companies while you focus on recovery. We understand the financial challenges a truck accident brings, so we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Start with a free, no-obligation consultation where we’ll review your case, discuss your options, and answer your questions. Don’t wait — contact us today to take the first step toward the justice you deserve.

“Smith and Hassler represented us in an injury case. They secured a settlement for us that was bigger than we ever thought possible.” – NG, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A tragic helicopter crash in Houston’s Second Ward has left the community grieving as authorities continue investigating the cause of the deadly accident. The crash, which occurred on October 20, 2024, claimed the lives of four people, including a child. As details emerge, questions are being raised about the aviation obstruction lights on the radio tower that the helicopter struck.

A History of Safety Issues with the Tower

According to reports from ABC13, the radio tower at Engelke Street and Ennis Street has a troubling history of its aviation obstruction lights not functioning. These lights are essential safety measures designed to prevent collisions by making towers visible to pilots, especially in poor visibility conditions. In the case of this crash, it is alleged that the red flashing lights on the tower had not been working for days prior to the accident, despite being reported to the FAA on October 17.

The lack of proper lighting is a significant concern, as the helicopter crashed directly into the tower. The pilot, operating an air tour flight, would have relied heavily on those lights to navigate safely around the structure. Initial surveillance footage shows that one of the tower’s lights may have been operational, but whether the lighting was fully functional remains unclear.

Legal Implications of Negligence

When safety systems such as aviation obstruction lights fail, it raises serious concerns about negligence and liability. If it is confirmed that the lights were not in full working order at the time of the crash, those responsible for maintaining the tower and ensuring its safety could potentially face legal accountability.

Aviation accidents are subject to thorough investigations by agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and any evidence of negligence can lead to liability for the victims’ injuries and wrongful deaths.

Families impacted by this tragic incident may have grounds to pursue legal claims if it is proven that the tower’s lights were not properly maintained. Under Texas law, property owners and those responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure like radio towers may be held liable for any accidents caused by a failure to uphold safety standards.

Holding Responsible Parties Accountable

At Smith & Hassler, we understand the devastating impact that accidents like this can have on families and communities. Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to investigating cases of negligence and holding responsible parties accountable.

Whether it involves an aviation accident, a workplace injury, or another catastrophic event, we are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact Smith & Hassler for Legal Help

Catastrophic accidents such as the one on October 20 often involve complex legal and regulatory issues, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of another party’s negligence, contact Smith & Hassler today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our legal team. We are here to support you through this difficult time and will work tirelessly to seek justice for you and your family.

Everyone knows that speeding is dangerous, even those who speed, but some drivers are willing to take that risk in order to reach their destination “faster.” Other drivers are under the impression that their speeding will never cause a crash, but national figures speak for themselves.

In 2018, almost 10,000 people were killed in speed-related crashes across the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition, speeding was a factor in one-third of all traffic fatalities over the past two decades.

In Texas, speeding was a factor in:

• 670 rural crashes — 88 of which were fatal
• 2,275 urban crashes — 219 of which were fatal

Where most speeders got tickets

In response, the Texas Department of Public Safety has begun cracking down on speeders in the Houston area, according to the Houston Chronicle. In July alone, nearly 2,000 speeding tickets were issued by law enforcement officers throughout Harris, Chambers, Brazoria, and Galveston counties. The majority of speeding citations were issued on:

• Highway 288 in Brazoria County — 316 tickets
• Interstate 10 in Chambers and Harris counties — 241 tickets
• Interstate 45 in Galveston and Harris counties — 137 tickets
• Farm-to-market Road 1960 in Harris and Brazoria counties — 129 tickets
• U.S. 290 in Harris County — 103 tickets

Risk factors in speed-related crashes

Speeding increases the likelihood of a fatal crash due to:

• Increased risk of losing control of your car
• Reduced effectiveness of airbags and seatbelts in a collision
• Reduced time and increased distance to stop when a collision is imminent
• Increased crash severity

Despite knowing the risks, why do drivers speed? According to the NHTSA, speeding is often driven by:

• Aggressive driving caused by traffic congestion
• A driver running late
• Anonymity or detachment from surroundings
• Habitual aggressive driving and disregard for the law or other road users
• Drowsy driving
• Being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol

When these drivers fail to acknowledge the potential consequences of the risks they take, their actions can result in someone’s injury or death. Luckily, those who are impacted by speed-related crashes have legal options available to them. So, if you or a loved one was hurt in a crash caused by a speeding driver, it is critical that you take immediate action.

Consulting with an experienced Houston car accident attorney is a crucial step in pursuing a strong legal claim against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company. The legal team at Smith & Hassler Attorneys At Law knows how to get results. We can help you maximize your compensation, so you can focus on recovery. To learn more, contact us online today and schedule your free case evaluation.

The future of cycling safety in Houston hinges on fully funding and implementing the city’s bike plan, making it vital that elected officials keep their promises and voters hold them accountable.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University reports that mapping recent Houston bicycle crashes onto the Houston Bike Plan underscores the critical importance of following through with short-term and long-term cycling infrastructure projects to reduce the rising accident rates.

Cycling Safety and Houston Bicycle Accidents

A growing urban environment and the increasing popularity of cycling for transportation and fitness has pushed the number of serious and fatal Houston bicycle crashes to historic highs. Statewide, the Texas Department of Transportation reported nearly 500 bicycle crashes through the first six months of 2018.

The good news is the Houston Bike Plan looks to be targeting some of the area’s most critical cycling safety needs, according to accident data.

The study found 1 in 4 crashes happened on local streets, along mostly residential areas. Safety advocates say this is due to a lack of dedicated bike lanes on main thoroughfares, which pushes riders into nearby neighborhoods. Some 60 percent of accidents were reported on or near streets marked for future projects, while 22 percent occurred on streets already targeted for short-term retrofit improvements, primarily low-cost projects like re-striping and adding signage.

Liability for Houston Cycling Accidents

Planners noted cooperation between Houston City officials and Harris County will also be critical. ABC13 reported a fatal Harris County bicycle accident as a rider attempted to pull into traffic near West Mount Houston and Ella Boulevard.

The bad news is the Houston Bike Plan remains little more than a promise. Adopted in March 2017 by the city council, the aim is to make Houston a gold-level bike-friendly city by 2027. But the city describes the plan as a  “guide,” and acknowledged future funds have not been earmarked or dedicated.

The Houston Chronicle series Dying to Ride examined the growing risks to riders on city streets, reporting that at least 23 riders have been killed on Houston streets in the past 5 years. The newspaper detailed several high-profile fatal hit-and-run bicycle accidents.

A rider’s first avenue of compensation will be a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, in cases of hit-and-run, or in collisions where an at-fault party lacks insurance or does not have enough insurance to compensate a victim for all losses, a rider may pursue an uninsured (UM)/underinsured (UIM) motorist claim – if the cyclist has his or her own auto insurance with this type of coverage or is covered under another household member’s policy.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Houston, an attorney at Smith & Hassler Attorneys At Law can help.