Truck Accident Statistics & What We Can Learn from Them

What You Need to Know About Truck Accidents Nationwide

Each year approximately 5,000 people are killed in large truck crashes. The vast majority of those who die are occupants of other vehicles. The stark reality is that many of these accidents are preventable. If you are involved in a collision with a truck, you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. 

 At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, our lawyers will help you understand your rights after a truck accident. We have recovered billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients in Houston and across Texas. Our trial attorneys are unafraid to litigate cases and will work to get you the justice you deserve.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, contact our office at (888) 367-7160 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. 

How Common Are Truck Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 146,000 injured in large truck crashes in 2020. In addition, 4,965 people were killed. 

Large trucks, defined as having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds, make up approximately 5% of all of the vehicles on the road. However, they are often disproportionately responsible for a significant number of crashes. In 2020, large trucks accounted for 9% of all fatal crashes and 5% of all injury and property damage-only accidents on the road.

Who Is Most Often Injured or Killed in Large Truck Accidents?

As reported by NHTSA, occupants of other vehicles are significantly more likely to be injured or killed in large truck crashes compared to truck drivers. 

In fatal large truck crashes in 2020:

• 71% of the deaths were occupants of other vehicles;
• 17% of those killed were occupants of the truck; and
• 13% were nonoccupants (defined as pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and other nonoccupants).

Similar results were true injury crashes involving large trucks. NHTSA estimates that 68% of those injured in these crashes were occupants of other vehicles. 

When Do Large Truck Accidents Happen?

Large truck accidents can happen at any time, however, they more frequently occur on weekdays compared to weekends and generally happen during the daytime.

As reported by NHTSA, in 2020:

• 27% of fatal large truck accidents happened on interstates;
• 55% of deadly truck crashes occurred in rural areas;
• 76% of fatal accidents involving large trucks happened on weekdays; and 
• 72% of the deadly accidents that occurred on weekdays happened during daytime hours.

If you are involved in a large truck accident, you need to consult with an attorney. In the majority of cases, it is occupants of other vehicles that are seriously injured or killed. Trucking companies and their insurers routinely try to downplay claims or deny them altogether. 

An attorney can help fight to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can pursue additional legal action on your behalf. 

Injured in a Trucking Accident in Houston? Contact Our Office.

Were you injured in a Houston trucking accident? Contact our office at (888) 367-7160 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. 

We have decades of experience and will help hold all negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoing. There are no fees unless we win. Call now to speak to a member of our legal team.