How Common Are Semi-Truck Accidents and Injuries?

Semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are a common sight on Interstate highways and in rural areas. Nearly two million semi-trucks are in operation, distributing products throughout the United States and significantly contributing to the economy.

Unfortunately, large trucks—those weighing more than 10,000 pounds—are involved in an increasing number of crashes, resulting in both fatalities and injuries. In 2017, there was an 8% increase in large truck crash fatalities compared to 2016, and 13% of all traffic fatalities on roadways in the United States involved a large truck or bus.

Indiana is one of ten states with the highest average of fatal large truck or bus crashes. If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, contact WKW for a free consultation.

What Are Some Semi-Truck Accident Statistics?

In 2017, accidents involving large commercial trucks tended to occur in rural areas or on Interstate highways:

• 61% of fatal crashes occurred in rural areas
• 27% of fatal crashes occurred on Interstate highways
• 15% of fatal crashes occurred on rural Interstate highways

There are many causes of truck accidents, but collision with another vehicle was the most common:

• 73% of fatal crashes involved a collision
• 83% of injury crashes involved a collision
• 75% of property-damage only crashes involved a collision

Regardless of how the accident happened, at least 39% of large truck occupants killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

How Many Commercial Truck Accidents Occur in the United States?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), established in 2000 as part of the Department of Transportation, collects statistical data regarding commercial motor vehicle-related accidents, including both fatalities and injuries:

• 2016: 151,246 crashes, 75,631 injuries, 4,655 fatalities
• 2017: 153,254 crashes, 75,190 injuries, 4,586 fatalities
• 2018: 40,249 crashes, 18,349 injuries, 1,002 fatalities

Data is reported to FMCSA within ninety days of the accident. All 2018 statistics were collected between January 1 and March 31.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Today

Truck accidents are different from other automobile accidents. It’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. The attorneys and staff at WKW have years of experience with Indiana traffic laws and commercial vehicle accident cases involving semi-trucks.

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a truck accident, contact the Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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