How Many Truck Accidents Happen Annually?


July 12, 2019 / Truck Accidents

Big rigs are an essential component of the U.S. economy, transporting goods and parts that consumers need. The trucking industry is regulated by a government agency called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), whose job it is to prevent injuries and accidents through safety regulations, technological advancements, and other measures.

Carriers and individual drivers are required by law to adhere to FMSCA regulations. When they fail to do so, they put everyone on the road in danger and may be held legally responsible.

How many truck accidents happen annually — including non-fatal crashes? About 500,000. If you or a family member has been hurt in a collision involving a commercial truck, call the Indianapolis truck accident lawyers at Stephenson Rife. They have a thorough knowledge of industry regulations, how to uncover wrongdoing, and how to win their clients the full compensation they deserve.

How Many Truck Accidents Happen Annually?

When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer collides with a 4,000-pound passenger car, it’s common sense to assume that the occupants of the smaller vehicle are most vulnerable. And the statistics bear this out. In 2017, According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System:

  • Of the 4,102 people who died in crashes involving large trucks, 17% were truck occupants, 68% were in a car or other passenger vehicle, and 14% were motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
  • In two-vehicle collisions between a car and a commercial truck, 97% of the fatalities were occupants of the car.
  • Large truck crashes were responsible for 11% of all motor vehicle accident deaths.
  • Of all fatal truck accidents, 74% involved tractor-trailers and 25% involved single-unit trucks.
  • Fifty-two percent of fatal truck crashes happened on major roads other than interstates and freeways, 32% on interstates and freeways, and 15% on small roads.

What Are Common Truck Accident Causes?

Driver Error

Truckers are under pressure to deliver their cargo within a certain time frame. And, let’s face it: life on the road is lonely. Who wouldn’t want to get home to their family as soon as possible? It may be tempting for drivers to skirt FMSCA’s hours-of-service rules and drive for extended periods without the required breaks. And this increases the likelihood of drowsiness, slow response times, and accidents.

As the industry faces a shortage of over 60,000 drivers, the government is advancing initiatives to lower the minimum driving age for interstate truckers from 21 to 18. This raises the question of whether an influx of younger drivers will increase driver-error accidents.

Vehicle Maintenance Problems

Trucks drive long distances in short periods of time and carry heavy loads. This puts an enormous amount of wear and tear on the vehicle. If trucking operators fail to properly maintain their fleet or a driver fails to check his rig before setting off, parts may fail and an accident may occur.

Poorly Secured Cargo

According to federal law, commercial vehicles traveling on interstate highways cannot weigh more than 80,000 pounds. The government also has very specific regulations on how particular types of cargo must be tied down. If freight is not properly secured, it can fly off and hit other vehicles.

Have you been injured in a truck accident? Call truck accident lawyer, Mike Stephenson of Stephenson Rife to discuss your case and legal options.

Attorney Mike Stephenson

Attorney Mike StephensonMike Stephenson has 40 years of experience and is a trusted advisor to many individuals and companies. His current practice is dominated by civil litigation in state and federal courts. He focuses much of his time on handling catastrophic injuries caused by all types of accidents, including motor vehicle, trucking, workplace injuries, product liability, and fire, just to name a few. He also works extensively in construction accidents. [ Attorney Bio ]

Featured Posts

  • When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident
    In Car Accidents
    When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, chaos often ensues. You may be laid up in the hospital, attending physical therapy appointments, and missing days at work. Your family’s routine is turned upside down. Any thoughts about when to hire a lawyer after a car accident are likely low on your list. But it’s an important question to ask yourself: Do I need a lawyer for a car […]
  • Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?
    In Personal Injury
    A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Win Compensation Motorcycles offer little protection to their riders, so it is no wonder that motorcycle crashes can have catastrophic results. Survivors may wind up with severe injuries, dealing with hospitalizations, surgeries, tremendous pain and suffering, and medical bills piling up at a time they are unable to work. It’s not uncommon for some injuries to result in death. If you or a loved […]
  • Can I sue if someone hits me with their car?
    In Car Accidents
    If you were hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk or enjoying a leisurely stroll, it can be both frightening and result in severe injury and impairment. You could be laid up in the hospital for weeks and experience several days or weeks off work. If you’re wondering “can I sue if someone hits me with their car?”, the answer is often “yes.” Pedestrian accidents spiked by 12% nationwide in the first nine months of 2021 as drivers […]

Archives