The Eagle Ford Shale is a large region in South Texas that is rich in oil and natural gas deposits. Since the discovery of these deposits in 2008, there has been a significant increase in truck traffic in the region, which has led to an increase in truck accidents. If you have been involved in any Eagle Ford Shale truck accident in Texas, consult with a Houston truck accident lawyer at Joel A. Gordon and Associates.
What You Need to Know About Eagle Ford Shale Truck Accidents
Eagle Ford Shale truck accidents refer to accidents involving commercial trucks in the Eagle Ford Shale area in San Antonio, Texas. These accidents have been increasing in frequency due to the hiring of more drivers by commercial trucking companies in the region. Some common reasons for these accidents include lack of proper experience or training, overloading, poor visibility, oil field injuries, driver fatigue, aggressive driving, poor road conditions, etc.
According to a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the number of truck accidents in the Eagle Ford Shale region increased by 70% between 2008 and 2014. The study also found that the number of fatal truck accidents in the region increased by 130% during the same period.
Eagle Ford Shale Truck Accident
Causes of Eagle Ford Shale Truck Accidents
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rate of truck accidents in the Eagle Ford Shale region.
- Increase in truck traffic: As mentioned above, truck traffic in the region has increased significantly since the discovery of oil and natural gas deposits. This increased traffic has led to more congestion on the roads, which can make it more difficult for truck drivers to safely operate their vehicles.
- Lack of experience or training: Some drivers may not have sufficient experience or training to handle the specific challenges of operating a commercial truck in the oil field industry.
- Overloading: Trucks that are overloaded with cargo can become unstable and difficult to control, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Poor visibility: Limited visibility is a major issue in the oil field industry due to dust, fog, or other environmental factors. This can make it challenging for truck drivers to see and react to hazards on the road.
- Oil field injuries: Injuries sustained while working in the oil field can affect a driver’s ability to operate their truck safely, leading to accidents.
- Driver fatigue: Long hours and demanding schedules can result in driver fatigue, impairing their ability to stay alert and react quickly to changing road conditions.
- Aggressive driving: Some truck drivers may engage in aggressive behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or changing lanes without signaling, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Poor road conditions: The roads in the Eagle Ford Shale area may be poorly maintained, with potholes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage, making them more dangerous for truck drivers. Many of the roads in the region are narrow and winding, and they may not be well-maintained. This can make it difficult for truck drivers to safely navigate the roads, especially when they are carrying heavy loads.
- Failure to yield: Truck drivers or other motorists failing to yield the right of way at intersections or during lane changes can lead to collisions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the driver’s ability to maintain control of the truck and increases the severity of accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that significantly impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time.
It is important to note that each accident may have its own unique contributing factors. Feel free to consult with our experienced Houston truck accident lawyer if you have been involved in a trucking accident in the Eagle Ford Shale area.
Types of Injuries Eligible for Compensation
The common injuries in Eagle Ford Shale truck accidents are the same as those in other truck accidents, but they may be more severe due to the size and weight of the trucks involved. Here are some of the most common injuries in Eagle Ford Shale truck accidents:
- Head injuries: Head injuries are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a truck accident. They can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or other lifelong disabilities.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are another common injury in truck accidents. They can range from minor fractures to severe compound fractures.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries can be difficult to diagnose and can be life-threatening.
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries include whiplash, sprains, and strains. They can be painful and debilitating, and they can take a long time to heal.
- Emotional Stress: Truck accidents can also cause emotional trauma. This trauma can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing emotional trauma after a truck accident.
If you are involved in a truck accident in the Eagle Ford Shale region, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured. Some injuries, such as internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms immediately.
An experienced Houston truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by your truck accident injury. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in the Eagle Ford Shale region, contact an attorney today to discuss your legal options.
How Truck Companies Try To Reduce Your Compensation in Houston Truck Accidents
Here are some of the common tactics that trucking and oil companies use to fight claims in Eagle Ford Shale truck accidents:
- Blaming the victim: Trucking and oil companies may try to blame you for the accident. They may argue that you were driving erratically, that you failed to yield the right-of-way, or that you were speeding.
- Denying liability: Trucking and oil companies may deny that their driver was at fault for the accident. They may argue that the accident was caused by a defect in the road, by another driver, or by an act of God.
- Minimizing the severity of your injuries: Trucking and oil companies may try to minimize the severity of your injuries. They may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, or that they are pre-existing injuries.
- Offering a low settlement: Trucking and oil companies may offer you a low settlement early on in the claims process. They may try to pressure you to accept the settlement before you have had a chance to fully understand your legal rights or the value of your claim.
It is important to be aware of these tactics so that you can be prepared to fight your claim. If you have been injured in an Eagle Ford Shale truck accident, it is essential to contact an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. A good lawyer will be able to help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our Experienced Team Can Help in Fighting Your Claim
The more evidence you have to support your claim, the stronger your case will be. This evidence may include police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and photographs of the accident scene. Our skilled attorneys have the knowledge and experience to fight your claim and get you the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in an Eagle Ford Shale truck accident, remember that you are not alone. Our law firm offers a free consultation and specializes in injury and accident cases, including truck injury and accident cases. Experienced lawyers at Joel A. Gordon and Associates can help you fight your claim and get the compensation you deserve.
During the consultation, you can discuss the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and any other relevant information. The lawyers at our firm can then assess the viability of your claim and advise you on the best course of action to pursue.