Truck accidents do not constitute the majority of vehicle accidents. However, when it comes to severity, truck accidents are some of the most severe accidents. There are many Texas Truck Accident Statistics discussing truck accident deaths, some of which will be discussed in this article. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the United States, 4,142 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2019. This accounted for 8% of all motor vehicle fatalities that year. Additionally, around 116,000 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks. It’s important to note that while large trucks make up a small percentage of total vehicles on the road, they are disproportionately involved in fatal accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020 there were 4,142 truck accident deaths in the United States. Large trucks are defined with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds. Large trucks usually weigh 20-30 times more than a passenger car. Large trucks are also taller with greater ground clearance. In an accident, smaller passenger cars usually go under a taller large truck.
In 2020
- Truck accident deaths accounted for 9% of all motor vehicle crash deaths.
- Truck accidents accounted for an estimated 140,000 people injured in 2020.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas had 5,620 semi-truck accidents in 2022. These truck accidents accounted for 6.7% of all Texas motor vehicle-related accidents. Of these, 928 truck fatal crashes resulted in 1,228 truck accident deaths.
Truck Accident Causes
Factors that contribute to truck accidents include driver fatigue, road congestion, distracted driving, and improper loading of the truck. For a discussion on truck accident causes, please visit the Molina Law Firm Blog on truck accident causes.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Drowsy drivers (34%)
- Distracted drivers (19%)
- Improper loading of cargo (15%)
- Excessive speed (12%)
When And Where Do Truck Accidents Happen
Truck accidents happen on many roads other than freeways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2020, 47% of truck accident deaths happened on major roads other than freeways. Houston area residents know that large trucks drive on all of our roads. As for the time of the truck accidents, 48% of all truck deaths occurred between 6 am and 3 pm. Also, 87% of all truck accident deaths occurred from Monday through Friday.
Truck Accidents with Passenger Vehicles
Many truck accidents are between a large truck and a passenger vehicle. The majority of truck accident deaths are to occupants of passenger vehicles. Also, in 2020, in a two-vehicle accident between a large truck and a passenger car, 97% percent of the people killed were in the passenger vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2020:
- occupants of passenger vehicles accounted for 2,713 deaths
- motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians accounted for 640 deaths, and
- large truck occupants accounted for 608 deaths.
Also, the number of truck accident deaths in 2020 was 28% higher than in 2009.
Vehicle Driver Safety Tips
Passenger vehicle occupants are more likely to die in an accident that involves a large truck. Consequently, passenger vehicle drivers should exercise caution around large trucks. For example:
- Avoid blind spots. Truck drivers may not see you if you are in their blind spot.
- Don’t follow closely behind large trucks.
- If possible, Increase your following distance
- If possible, pass safely and on the truck driver’s left
- Large trucks make wide turns—if possible, give them space to turn
Ready to Obtain Justice for Your Truck Accident!
At Molina Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping people involved in truck wrecks get the compensation they deserve. If you are in a Houston Truck Accident, then call us today for a free case evaluation!
