San Antonio Legal Blog

A number of factors may cause a large truck collision, whether a trucker is suffering from fatigue or has consumed drugs or alcohol behind the wheel. For other drivers, these examples of negligent behavior are very concerning and can result in a fatal crash. However, there are many other reasons why people continue to pass away and sustain major injuries in truck accidents, some of which may be out of a truck driver's control. For example, poor weather has played a role in many traffic accidents and large trucks can be especially dangerous when ice or snow is present on the road, among other hazards such as heavy rain and strong wind.

Not only do large trucks require additional time to come to a stop, but the sheer size of the vehicles can pose a major risk when a truck driver loses control because of inclement weather conditions. That said, there have also been truck crashes which involved both poor weather and a truck driver's careless behavior. For example, a trucker may drive too fast and lose control after driving over a patch of ice around a turn. Or, strong winds may blow debris onto the roadway, such as a tree, which can also lead to a collision.

People who drive along the streets of San Antonio, Texas, often remain on the roads once the sun has set. Once nighttime arrives, there are often drivers who are rushing to meet with friends, coming home from work or simply running errands late into the night. The danger lies in the fact that deadly car accidents are three times more likely to occur at night than they are during the day, according to the National Safety Council. Although driving at any hour of the day can be dangerous, driving at night poses a greater risk to drivers of all ages. It is important to keep in mind these hidden dangers and to drive accordingly in an effort to avoid becoming the next victim of a catastrophic accident.

Why is it more hazardous to drive at night as opposed to during the day? For one, the night can decrease a person’s ability to see clearly. Bright headlights and a lack of natural sunlight can make it hard to distinguish an approaching vehicle’s speed and distance. It can also affect drivers’ peripheral vision. This is especially true for drivers over the age of 50, as the NSC reports this age group requires nearly twice as much light to see as drivers who are younger.

Did you know that your job in the oil patch is more likely to claim your life than any other job? The oil and gas industry is not only the backbone of the economy in Texas but also for thousands of families who see their loved ones leave for work every day, never knowing whether they will make it home safely. Stressful working conditions, the negligence of others and faulty equipment are but some of the causes of catastrophic injuries and death in the oil patch.

If you are aware of the primary hazards of your job and know how to recognize them, you can take precautions to protect yourself from harm. While the list of dangers is endless, some oil field accidents are more prevalent than others.

Working on an oil rig off the coast of Texas is undoubtedly exciting, which is likely one of the reasons you were drawn to such a career. However, it also presents a number of inherent risks, which is why drilling and excavation ranks among the most dangerous industries. Those who work in the same environment as you often come to us here at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. after having been involved in workplace accidents expecting their expenses to be covered by traditional workers' compensation. Depending on the circumstances of such accidents, assistance may actually come from a different source. 

When working offshore, you may technically qualify as a maritime worker, in which case you are covered under a federal law known as "The Jones Act." Per this law, you are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits if you happen to be injured in the service of your vessel (or in this case, your rig). According to details of The Jones Act (as shared by the Cornell Law School), maintenance payments cover your daily living expenses while you are out of work, while cure payments are meant to pay for your medical treatment.