When you hit the road in Texas, chances are you’ll encounter 18-wheelers along the way. These massive trucks are vital to our economy, but they also pose a serious threat to drivers when safety is overlooked. Sadly, Texas leads the nation in fatal truck crashes year after year. If you live in Dallas or anywhere in the Lone Star State, be aware: you’re driving in the heart of the 18-wheeler danger zone.
This article written by our Texas truck wreck lawyers explains how to avoid catastrophic truck accidents and what to do if one happens. If you or a loved one is injured in a truck wreck, the O’Hare and Koch Law Firm stands ready to guide you to justice and recovery.
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Why Texas Roads Are So Dangerous for Truck Accidents
Before we get into how to stay safe, it’s important to understand why truck crashes are so prevalent in Texas in the first place:
- Highest fatality rates in the U.S.: Texas routinely tops the national list for deadly truck crashes. In 2023 alone, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 38,900 commercial vehicle crashes occurred statewide, with over 730 fatalities.
- Truck traffic congestion: With major trade corridors like I‑35E and I‑35W running through Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas highways experience relentless 18-wheeler traffic and frequent bottlenecks—turning routine commutes into high-stakes driving conditions.
- Intersections and work zones: Roughly 1 in 3 truck accidents in Texas happen at intersections. Add in work zones, where traffic patterns shift rapidly, and the risks climb further. These factors consistently rank among the common causes of truck accidents in Texas, contributing to the state’s alarming crash statistics.
Where the Danger Lies: High-Risk Zones Around Big Rigs
Even the safest drivers can make deadly miscalculations when sharing the road with large trucks. To stay safe, you need to understand the zones where truck accidents most often occur—and why they’re so dangerous.
- Intersections: Trucks need extra space and time to turn. They may swing wide, crossing multiple lanes unexpectedly. Never attempt to pass a turning truck or assume they see you.
- Work Zones: Narrow lanes, reduced speeds, and stop-start traffic increase the likelihood of crashes. Trucks may have difficulty navigating construction barriers or braking in time.
- Blind Spots (No-Zones): Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides called the No-Zones. If you can’t see the driver’s face in the mirror, they likely can’t see you. Avoid lingering beside or directly behind a big rig.
- High-Speed Highways: At 65+ mph, a fully loaded 18-wheeler takes the length of two football fields to stop. Tailgating or cutting in front is a deadly gamble.
Defensive Driving Tips to Stay Safe
Knowing where danger lies is just the start—practicing defensive driving techniques can make the difference between a close call and a life-changing accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers these proven strategies for sharing the road safely with 18-wheelers:
- Keep your distance: Stay far behind trucks to allow space for emergency stops or sudden lane changes.
- Avoid cutting in front: A truck’s stopping time is significantly longer than a car’s. Don’t swerve or pass unless you have plenty of room.
- Be patient: If a truck is turning or backing up, give it space. Rushing past can result in a side-impact crash.
- Use turn signals early: Help truckers anticipate your movements.
- Always buckle up and eliminate distractions—trucks can’t swerve or stop quickly to avoid inattentive drivers.
Driving in Poor Weather? Take Extra Caution
Rain, fog, high winds and icy conditions make truck driving significantly more dangerous. Large trucks are more prone to hydroplaning, skidding, or jackknifing—especially when braking suddenly or navigating curves. When the weather turns bad:
- Slow down, even below the posted limit. Reduced speed gives you more time to react and helps prevent loss of control.
- Double your following distance to allow extra stopping space for both you and nearby trucks.
- Avoid passing, particularly on slick roads, bridges, or blind curves.
- Avoid driving directly in front of or beside 18-wheelers due to the blind spots and control issues with commercial vehicles.
One chilling reminder of these risks: the deadly 2021 ice storm on I-35W in Fort Worth, where more than 130 vehicles—including multiple 18-wheelers—were involved in a catastrophic pileup that left six people dead and dozens injured. Black ice and limited visibility turned the highway into a disaster zone. Much of the devastation occurred because of the size, weight and control issues that the 18-wheelers presented in the adverse weather conditions. Most of the 18-wheelers lost traction, had little to no braking, and no steering control turning them into battering rams on wheels. The passenger vehicles were no match for the semi-trucks as they were reduced to crumpled masses of metal.
When weather strikes, the safest choice is to delay travel when possible, and if you must drive, treat every truck on the road with increased caution. Conditions can deteriorate quickly—and the bigger the vehicle, the greater the danger.
If You’re in a Truck Accident: Do These 5 Things Immediately
- Call 911: Always report a truck crash, no matter how minor it seems.
- Seek medical care: Injuries from truck wrecks can worsen with time—get checked out immediately.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of all vehicles involved as well the scene and surrounding conditions.
- Collect important information: collect driver and witness information, note road conditions, get driver’s license info, insurance cards, US DOT numbers on the 18-wheeler, note any potential cameras in or on the 18-wheelers and note any cameras at or around the scene.
- Call O’Hare and Koch Law Firm: Our team will begin investigating immediately to protect your rights and ensure crucial evidence isn’t lost or destroyed.
Why You Need O’Hare and Koch Law Firm on Your Side
Truck accident cases aren’t your typical fender-benders. They involve complex regulations, powerful insurers, and multiple parties who will do everything they can to limit their responsibility. That’s why having experienced legal guidance is key.
At O’Hare and Koch Law Firm, our mission is simple: to help people injured through no fault of their own and fight for the compensation they deserve under the law. We make the process as smooth and efficient as possible—settling 80% of cases without filing a lawsuit, and resolving 90–95% of lawsuits before trial.
We understand the real costs of a truck crash: ongoing medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and more. Our team knows how to uncover hidden liability, decode trucking logs and regulations, and push back against lowball offers.
You don’t have to take on the trucking industry alone. We’re here to fight for you—every step of the way.
Ready to Talk to a Texas Truck Wreck Lawyer?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash, O’Hare and Koch Law Firm is ready to help. As experienced Texas truck wreck lawyers, we’re not afraid to take on big trucking companies and their insurers. We’ve seen firsthand the damage an 18-wheeler can cause—and we know how to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call O’Hare and Koch Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
