How Many Accidents are Caused by Semi-Trucks?

Trucking Accident Facts and Statistics

Of the more than 272 million vehicles registered across the U.S., nearly 2.9 million are commercial tractor-trailers and thousands of people die every year in accidents caused by semi-trucks. Around 500,000 trucking accidents occur each year in the United States, with about 5,000 per year resulting in death and serious injuries.

We see semi-trucks on the highways every day, and we often hear about the dangers of truck crashes. But how common are semi-truck accidents? Fortunately, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) collects accident reports and issues statistics regarding how many accidents involved commercial vehicles each year in the United States.

Though the ratio of trucks to other vehicles seems low, the incidence of accidents involving large trucks is surprisingly high. Consider the following:

•  1 percent of all registered vehicles were semi-trucks
•  7.9 percent of nonfatal crashes involved a semi-truck
•  13 percent of fatal crashes involved a semi-truck

As you can see, trucks can be involved in a disproportionate number of accidents.
Additional statistics include:

•  450,000 accidents were reported involving trucks
•  344,000 accidents caused property damage only
•  102,000 accidents resulted in injuries to one or more victims
•  4,237 accidents resulted in one or more fatalities

By far, Texas has the highest number of fatal truck accidents of any state. There were 671 fatal semi-truck crashes in a year in Texas, while the second-highest number was 383. Some states had numbers in the single or double digits, so having 671 fatal truck accidents reported annually is a serious concern for Texans.

Top Causes of Semi-Truck Crashes

While truck drivers do sometimes sustain injuries in truck accidents, the majority of injuries happen to occupants of other motor vehicles involved in the collision. To understand the rights of truck crash victims, it is important to pinpoint what caused the accident.

Each accident is different, and more than one factor might lead a truck to crash. However, the following are some common causes of truck accidents in the Austin area:

•  Driver errors, including distracted driving, falling asleep at the wheel, speeding, and
  many more
•  Negligent hiring or supervision of drivers by the trucking company
•  Failing to inspect and maintain the semi-trucks
•  Cargo-loading errors, including overloading and improper securement

In many cases, the truck driver, trucking company, or both should be liable for any injuries or fatalities that occurred, including the medical bills and other losses of victims. It is important for injured truck crash victims to speak with an attorney who understands how to identify and prove liability for a semi-truck accident, as well as handle complicated trucking company insurance claims.

Speak with an Austin Truck Accident Lawyer About a Possible Case

If you drive alongside semi-trucks, you are at risk of being injured in a serious crash. After an injury, it is important to call 911 to ensure that first responders report to the scene, and you receive the care you need. Once your health is stabilized, contact an Austin truck accident lawyer at the law firm of TK Injury Lawyers We handle complex claims involving trucking companies, so please call (512)-910-2000 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.