Covenant Transport Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck Accident Attorneys Houston Trusts

A collision with a commercial truck causes devastation that lasts a lifetime. Our Covenant Transport truck accident lawyers know this devastation all too well. After an 18-wheeler accident, your life changes in unimaginable ways. 

Oftentimes, these accidents are preventable and due to the negligence of a driver or their employer. At AP Law Firm, we hold the liable accountable to protect injured Texans. Schedule a free case evaluation with our team today. 

Covenant Transport Accident Attorneys

The headquarters for Covenant Transport is in Chattanooga, TN. From their base, they deliver freight across the country with 1000 trucks. Despite this modest fleet, the company earned over 1700 safety citations over the course of two years. To see the latest data, view a recent report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Per the report, the latest inspection concluded in December of 2018. At this time, they conducted 2,769 inspections. Among these, 932 resulted in violations. Moreover, in that period, our Covenant transport truck accident lawyers found their involvement in over 200 reported accidents. 

This is a slight improvement to a prior period in which they experienced 286 crashes. Among those crashes, there were 130 injuries. Unfortunately, these accidents also resulted in 14 fatalities. 

The unfortunate reality in 18-wheeler accidents is how catastrophic yet preventable they are. When you sustain an injury in a commercial vehicle accident, contact our team to learn more about your rights. As your advocates, we fight to protect your future. 

Background on Covenant Transport

David and Jacqueline Parker together founded Covenant Transportation Group in 1986. When the couple started the company, their fleet included 50 trailers and 25 semi-tractors. Today, their fleet travels millions of miles across North America. Moreover, their fleet of trucks and trailers together numbers in the thousands. 

As a trucking company, they manage transportation services and offer LTL shipping. LTL refers to “less than truckload,” which means customers share space on the trucks. Our Covenant Transport truck accident lawyers understand that this company also works with “sister companies.” These include the following. 

  • Southern Refrigerated Transport 
  • Landair Transportation 
  • Star Transportation 

Additionally, it acquired a large stake in Transport Enterprise Leasing, which leases tractors and trailers to other businesses. They also sell these vehicles out to other companies. As you can see, the reach of this company is quite extensive. 

The Dangers of Truck Accidents

Companies like this drive our Covenant Transport truck accident lawyers to hold trucking companies accountable. When acts of negligence cause harm to others, it is essential to hold the liable accountable for the damage they cause. 

In 2017 alone, over 150,000 truck collisions occurred across the United States. Among these, 50% resulted in injuries with over 4,000 deaths. Unfortunately, Texas saw more accidents than any state that year. 

These 18-wheeler collisions constitute over 11% of the fatalities on US highways. This is a staggering number because these trucks make up a mere 5% of the vehicles on our highways. Moreover, the injuries people sustain in these accidents are often catastrophic. 

These are some common examples of the injuries people sustain in large truck accidents. 

  • Burn injuries 
  • Brain injuries 
  • Blunt force trauma 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder 
  • Paralysis
  • Wrongful death

The unfortunate reality is that these accidents change people’s lives forever. As Covenant Transport truck accident lawyers, we want to help you rebuild. All it takes to begin is a free consultation. Share your story with our attorneys and learn more about your options. 

Vital Issues in the Trucking Industry

What causes these accidents? When the devastation of large truck wrecks is so impactful, how do trucking companies prevent them? 

The reality of the trucking industry is this. On a daily basis, thousands of drivers operate vehicles that weigh roughly 80,000 pounds. Oftentimes, these drivers work under stressful conditions that push them into fatigue. Unfortunately, that puts everyone else on the road at risk. 

Let’s take a moment to examine the root of the issue. These truck drivers work too much and have unfair agreements about how they work. As such, drivers haul freight against regulations without sleep. Why? 

Because they only receive pay while on the road. This pay-per-mile structure is common among new, inexperienced drivers. Under this system, the drivers only receive pay for the miles they drive each day. 

However, this means they do not receive pay for vital work they do when not behind the wheel. Long-haul truckers have work that extends beyond the road. Often, this means they spend more than they make on certain days. 

As such, they feel a sense of desperation. It pushes them into longer hours the next day. This vicious cycle puts numerous motorists at risk. When the potential result is a deadly collision, this negligence is extremely harmful. 

Essential Work Outside of Driving

  • Submitting to safety inspections 
  • Taking federally mandated rests 
  • Mapping out their routes 
  • Picking up new loads 
  • Waiting for crews to safely load or unload cargo

Our Covenant Transport truck accident lawyers understand this last aspect all too well. As LTL shippers, truck companies split loads across multiple clients. Often, this means drivers make frequent stops, limiting their time on the road. In turn, this limits their pay. 

The pressure to meet multiple deadlines often results in hurried crews trying to help the driver back on the road. Unfortunately, LTL shipments require a specific balance for the truck to operate well. 

Weight distribution is essential for trucks because improper distribution can cause the trailer to veer into other lanes. 

Instead of offering drivers a better pay structure, some trucking companies encourage them to defy regulations. In some instances, they train them to maintain multiple logbooks. One logbook shows compliance with federal regulations and mandated breaks. The other shows their actual hours. 

This type of thinking pits truckers against regulations that protect us all. Moreover, the “hard-driving culture” causes some drivers to go up to 48 hours without adequate sleep. Beyond hostile work conditions, this carries deadly consequences. 

Covenant Transport Truck Accident Lawyers FAQ

What are examples of truck accidents involving Covenant Transport?

Covenant Transport and other companies send drivers across millions of miles each year. Moreover, the increasing demand for timely deliveries places truckers and other drivers at risk. Here are a few examples of Covenant Transport accidents from 2019. 

September 18, 2019 Collision

Maryland law enforcement filed a report showing a collision between a commercial trailer and a motor vehicle. This occurred in the evening on a dry roadway and resulted in one injury. 

October 22, 2018 Truck Wreck 

In Pennsylvania, an accident occurred involving three vehicles. Among these, a Covenant Transport vehicle collided with both a passenger vehicle and a fixed object. Luckily, it resulted in only one injury. 

September 16, 2019 Rollover Accident

In Pike, Ohio, a rollover collision occurred injuring two. The accident involved a CT commercial vehicle colliding with a movable object as well as a fixed object. Moreover, the report shows it occurred in daylight hours on a dry roadway. 

What are some common causes of 18-wheeler accidents?

According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), collisions with commercial trucks occur for numerous reasons. Below, we take a look at a few of the most common causes of truck accidents. 

Fatigued Driving

Oftentimes, truckers work long hours. They work under tight yet erratic schedules. When they fail to get enough rest, it has the potential to cause catastrophic accidents on the road. 

Distracted Driving

Anything that pulls your attention away from the road creates a dangerous situation for people on the road. This ranges from speaking on the phone to texting to trying to read a map. It also includes eating and drinking. 

DWI and DUI Accidents

Speaking of drinking, drunk driving accidents also lend to some of the most dangerous collisions. While DWI accidents are less often in truck collisions, driving under the influence is another matter. 

In some instances, drivers use substances to stay awake. Unfortunately, these substances often contribute to a lack of awareness or a decrease in physical or mental functionality. 

Tailgating

While on the road, it’s essential for everyone to give other drivers enough space. This is especially true for truck drivers. Our Covenant Transport truck accident lawyers know all too well how much space trucks need to come to a full stop. 

When truck drivers tailgate, it leaves them with far too little space. Often, this leads to a rear-end collision. 

Aggressive Driving

In Houston, we are no strangers to aggressive driving. However, aggressive behavior often leads to reckless driving. When it does, it has the potential to leave people with severe injuries. 

In some instances, a commercial driver causes accidents due to erratic movements. Oftentimes, fatigue plays a role after they work long hours. In these claims, it’s important to investigate fully in order to hold all liable parties accountable for their negligent behaviors. 

As truck accident attorneys, we fight to hold the liable accountable on behalf of injured Texans. 

What compensation is available after a truck accident?

Our Covenant Transport truck accident lawyers specialize in maximizing your settlement. Whether you experience a collision with a cargo van or a tractor-trailer, you have rights. 

After a collision with a commercial truck, you have legal options available to seek compensation. While trucking companies offer a quick settlement, victims often deserve far more than this lowball offer. In order to pursue the compensation you deserve, seek the guidance of a truck accident attorney. 

Oftentimes, victims of negligence have the right to file a personal injury claim or a lawsuit. With an attorney, you have an advocate on your side to protect your interests. A personal injury claim is the first legal remedy available to victims. It ensures they receive the monetary award necessary for their damages. 

  • Medical expenses, hospital costs, and any bills associated with your treatment 
  • Loss of income 
  • Reduced earning capacity 
  • Any rental and/or repair expenses 
  • Physical damages to your property 
  • Mental anguish and trauma 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Wrongful death when the accident causes you to lose a loved one

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