Commercial trucks are the largest transporter of goods in the U.S. While they are reliable in moving goods, they pose a lot of risk and danger to other road users. In this article, we’ll go over some key truck accident statistics in Texas.
According to the American Trucking Association, trucks move roughly 72.5% of the nation’s freight by weight. In 2020, they made $732.3 billion in gross freight revenues, showing that trucks play an important role in the nation’s economy. However, it is more frightening to see that they are involved in thousands of accidents yearly.
Due to long travel days, it is not unusual for truck operators to become exhausted when driving. Sadly, most fatalities and deaths from 18-wheeler crashes come from the occupants of small passenger vehicles.
18-wheelers, big rigs, and tractor-trailers are much larger than a car, so the brunt of a collision falls on the smaller vehicle’s occupants. Truck operators are at a much lower risk of injury as they are better protected by the sheer mass of the vehicle.
The impact of a truck collision can result in total vehicle destruction, catastrophic life-altering injuries, or death. Trucking insurance providers have more to lose in terms of the settlement payment, so they are more ruthless in handling truck accident claims.
However, having a lawyer by your side increases your chances of securing maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact a Texas trucking accident attorney immediately to protect your rights if you are hurt in a truck crash.
Leading Causes of Pasadena, Texas Truck Accidents
Driver negligence plays a huge role in the high percentage of truck collisions in Pasadena, Texas. In 2017, the top leading driver-related factors recorded were:
- Traffic congestion
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Defensive driving
- Heat exhaustion
- Impairment (fatigue, alcohol, illness, drugs)
- Violation of traffic laws
- Reckless driving
- Road construction
- Failing to yield right of way
- Equipment failure
If you are struck by a truck while driving in Pasadena, Texas, call the Pasadena Police Department and get immediate medical care. You may also want to consider hiring a Texas trucking accident attorney.
Truck Accident Statistics in Texas
Per the recent accident report from the National Safety Council (NSC), 4,842 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash in 2020, resulting in 4,965 death. Large trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved, 4% of all registered vehicles, and 10% of total vehicle miles traveled.
Also, 107,000 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in injury in the same year. These statistics are not surprising given the daily number of trucks on the nation’s roads.
The truck accident statistics in Texas are quite high. Texas leads in the United States with the most fatal truck accidents each year. Top counties for semi-truck crashes in Texas include Harris, Dallas, Bexar, and Tarrant. In addition, many 18-wheeler operators fail to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations, thus resulting in unnecessary mishaps.
Below are some 2020 crash reports, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (T-DOT)
- 511 fatal commercial vehicle crashes in Texas
- 580 people died
- 1,245 serious injuries
- 3,968 minor injuries
In 2020, Texas had a death toll of 643 deaths resulting from trucking collisions and fatalities. The state proceeding with the second most fatal truck accidents is California, with 355 fatalities. With these statistics, Texas accounts for over 13% of all fatal truck accidents in the United States.
In addition, the traffic in industrialized areas such as Pasadena, Pearland, Baytown, etc., influences the high rate of road casualties. Trucking accidents have claimed the lives of many in Pasadena. Unfortunately, their families are left to deal with the overwhelming consequence. But, you don’t have to go through this pain alone. Let a wrongful death attorney help you get justice for your loved ones.
What Are the Deadliest Roads in Texas?
Truck crashes rarely occur on city streets. Instead, a considerable percentage of truck wrecks occur on highways and interstates. There are several lists of deadliest roads in Texas.
However, Houston’s interstate 45 (1-45) is the deadliest roadway in Texas. In addition, it has been named the most dangerous highway in the U.S. Next in line is Stemmons Freeway/Interstate 35 (1-35) in Austin and Dallas.
In the latest T-DOT accident statistics for 2020, Harris County had 41 fatal accidents, 46 deaths, 121 injuries, and 2668 suspected injuries.
Contact a Texas Trucking Accident Attorney Today!
Commercial truck drivers have a duty of care to drive safely. When they fail in their responsibility, the negligent driver could be held accountable for their actions. The Texas truck accident statistics above show you are not alone if you or a loved one is hurt in a truck crash.
These accidents occur frequently, and it doesn’t get easier on victims. The physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. In addition, injured victims are left to deal with the financial loss incurred from medical bills and property damage. You can seek monetary compensation from the at-fault party and the trucking company.
However, you need an audacious lawyer to protect your right to compensatory benefits. At McDonald Worley, we fight aggressively to get justice and compensation for our clients. Reach out to our firm today for a free consultation.