Is inattention a problem among commercial truck drivers? Distracted driving is against the law for commercial truck drivers, and U.S. regulations often prohibit mobile phone use without hands-free devices, imposing penalties for distracted driving violations. However, driver distraction or inattention are increasingly cited as factors in commercial truck accidents. Distracted driving is engaging in any activity that takes your attention away from the road. Common trucker distractions include: Using mobile phones for calls, texting, or browsing. Eating or drinking. Adjusting controls for FM o ..read more

Attorney Lance Walters offers insight into the case An unlicensed surgical assistant in Houston performed dozens of surgical procedures that caused “physical and psychological harm,” according to court documents related to one of many legal cases involving the medical clinic performing the unlicensed medical procedures. "The doctor knows better," attorney Lance Walters of Tracey Fox & Walters said in an interview with ABC13 News about the ongoing legal case. "In my opinion, the owner of the clinic is just as culpable as the one doing the cutting." Unlicensed medical procedures performed o ..read more

Crashes involving semi-trucks can have severe consequences. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe and life-altering consequences that can result from truck accidents in Texas and across the nation. These incidents often lead to TBIs due to the sheer force of impact when a commercial semi-truck collides with a smaller vehicle, subjecting passengers to sudden and violent jolts or blows to the head. The aftermath for victims and their families is profound, grappling with not only immediate medical challenges but also long-term care needs, lost income, and the ongoing adjustme ..read more

O. Carter Snead, Of Counsel at Tracey Fox & Walters, recently testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C. during a hearing on “The Continued Assault on Reproductive Freedoms in a Post-Dobbs America.” Snead is a Charles E. Rice Professor of Law, Concurrent Professor of Political Science, and Director of the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at University of Notre Dame. He is one of the world’s leading experts on public bioethics – the governance of science, medicine, and technology in the name of ethical goods. Examining the fallout of the Dobbs decision The h ..read more

If you've been injured, our Texas attorneys can help you pursue a claim Xcel Energy disclosed in a statement on Thursday, March 7, that its facilities seem to have played a role in igniting the massive wildfire that has been engulfing the Texas Panhandle since February. However, the company did not elaborate further on the specifics of this determination, stating that it was made based on the currently available information. "Xcel Energy disputes claims that it acted negligently in maintaining and operating its infrastructure; however, we encourage people who had property destroyed by or live ..read more

In recent years, the trucking industry has faced driver shortages and increased safety regulations. Addressing the driver shortage while preventing truck accidents requires a balanced approach. On February 2, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed revisions to existing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing procedures. The organization aims to streamline CDL issuance by: Improving program flexibility and enhancing the employment prospects for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in a shorter timeframe. Upholding safety and uniformity in the administration ..read more

Tire blowouts in large commercial trucks are a significant safety concern on major roads and highways throughout Texas. Tire blowouts contribute to a notable number of truck accidents across the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study, about 8,000 truck accidents each year are linked to tire blowouts. What are the causes of tire blowouts on large commercial trucks? Tire blowouts on large commercial trucks are often caused by: Overinflated tires: Overinflation can cause tires to stretch beyond their limits. The he ..read more

Residential neighborhoods are not made for this much commercial use. To improve roadway safety and quality of life, Houston could soon become the largest metro area in the nation to enact a broad truck route plan that limits where large trucks, vans, and tankers can go. The proposed regulation would restrict large commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) – like big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks – to main roads, banning them on many smaller streets. Deviating from the routes could lead to a fine of up to $500. Currently, Houston allows “cut through” truck traffic. Until the last several years, re ..read more

Attorney Lance Walters, a partner at Tracey Fox & Walters, recently obtained a $5 million award for the widow of Jeremy McGee, a Republic Services employee who tragically lost his life on the job. The award, which was four times the pre-trial offer, included compensation for the plaintiff's financial loss, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. The case (McGee et al. v. Republic Services, Inc. et al.) was filed in the Texas Western District Court on June 8, 2022. It revolved around the tragic loss of Jeremy McGee, whose untimely death left his family devastated and searching for answer ..read more

Many road users may not be aware of the dangers of commercial truck parking. However, it's forcing many truckers to stop on the sides of ramps. This has led to dangerous situations leading to serious and fatal truck accidents. In 2021, The American Trucking Association pointed out that for every 11 trucks, there is only one rest area parking space. This leads to trucks parking on the freeway, rest stop shoulders, and congesting roads leading to rest stops. The truck accident attorneys at Tracey Fox & Walters have seen devastating underride crashes occur in Texas due to this issue. This oc ..read more