Undiscovered Oil in the Permian Basin
A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of undiscovered gas and oil in the Woodford and Barnett shales in the Permian Basin. The USGS found that there are 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas, enough to supply the United States for 10 months, and 1.6 billion barrels of oil, enough to supply the nation for 10 weeks. The Woodford and Barnett shales have produced 26 million barrels of oil since production began in the late 1990s, which is equal to one day’s U.S. consumption. These shales occur up to 20,000 feet below the surface, much deeper than other resources in the Permian Basin. Previously, the Woodford and Barnett shales were inaccessible due to their depth, but now, hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling make it possible to reach these formations.
How Will the Discovery of Oil Impact Traffic in the Permian Basin?
The discovery of 1.6 billion barrels of oil in the Permian Basin will lead to a significant increase in vehicles on the road. Not only will there be an increase in personal vehicles driven by employees on the road, but there will also be an increase in commercial motor vehicles, including semi-trucks, traveling on the highways into and out of the Permian Basin. Thousands of semi-trucks will be needed to haul in drilling materials and bring barrels of oil back to cities all across the nation. This increased need for 18-wheelers on the road can lead to more truck-related accidents in the Permian Basin.
How Have Past Oil Booms Impacted Tractor-Trailer Accidents?
In the past, many have presumed that the Texas oil boom directly increased the number of tractor-trailer accidents on the highways. Now, multiple studies have confirmed these beliefs. A study done by researchers at Texas A&M University shows that after the Barnett Shale boom in North Texas from 2006 to 2009, the number of crashes dramatically decreased when energy companies shifted their focus. The report shows that wrecks involving commercial vehicles in rural areas declined by 34 percent when energy companies left the Barnett Shale. Additionally, the report highlights that the number of commercial vehicle crashes increased by 52 percent in the Permian Basin and 61 percent in the Eagle Ford Shale once drilling companies arrived.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in the Permian Basin, you need an experienced truck accident attorney on your side. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our lawyers understand the severity of truck accidents and how they can impact your day-to-day life. Our firm has proudly represented truck accident victims for over four decades and has received significant recognition and awards from esteemed colleagues in our field. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
What Causes the Increase in Truck Accidents During Oil Booms?
There are several reasons why the number of truck accidents increases during oil booms. Just like car accidents, truck accidents are often the result of driver error. With more semi-trucks on the road, there is more room for human error while driving. Some of the most common driver errors that lead to truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving;
- Fatigued driving;
- Impaired driving;
- Failing to obey traffic signals;
- Failing to leave enough room to safely stop, and
- Speeding or driving too fast in certain conditions.
Additionally, the increased volume of truck accidents may also be the fault of shipping companies. Although there are federal trucking regulations in place for all trucking companies and drivers to follow, some shipping companies try to cut corners in order to maximize profits. Companies may offer incentives to drivers who complete their route in a shorter amount of time or do not take breaks throughout their drive. However, civil law considers a violation of trucking regulations a form of negligence and may hold truckers or their employers liable for otherwise avoidable truck accidents.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Permian Basin Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, there are two main types of compensation that you can recover: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are intended to reimburse injured parties for financial loss and have an exact dollar value. These damages can be used to cover medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages include losses that do not have an exact quantifiable value, such as emotional injuries.
The most common types of damages awarded in Permian Basin truck accident claims include:
- Property damage;
- Medical bills;
- Future medical bills;
- Diminished quality of life;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of income/ or loss of future income, and
- Loss of consortium in the case of fatality.
Sometimes, in egregiously negligent, reckless, or harmful cases, a judge may award punitive damages. Punitive damages are a third type of compensation and are intended to punish the liable party.
When Do I Need to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?
In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. For minors, they have until their 20th birthday to file for certain claims. However, the claim for their medical bills up until they are 18 falls under the parents’ statute of limitations. This means that parents need to file a claim within two years from the date of the accident in order to recover compensation for the minor’s medical bills. If you fail to present your lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your chance to file for and receive compensation. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate filing your claim within the statute of limitations.
Contact the Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Truck Accident Lawyers
At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we know how difficult it can be to navigate the laws surrounding truck accident cases, and we are here to help in any way we can. Our attorneys have a track record of competent litigation and successful truck accident case results. Since 1979, our firm has been working to protect the rights of those injured as a result of a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence. Our personal injury attorneys are licensed to handle cases throughout Texas and in Federal Courts across the nation. Call us at (713) 932-0777 to schedule a free consultation and find out what we can do for you!
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