Truck Accident Statistics [Infographic]
Truck accidents often result in devastating injuries and a higher number of deaths compared to a typical car crash due to their size and mass. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – around 20 times larger than an average passenger vehicle, making it more difficult to maneuver or stop.
It’s easy to see how trucking accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and deaths because of the vehicles’ sheer size and weight. Understanding the details surrounding these accidents might give truck drivers an idea of how to be more responsible and alert on the job.
In 2017, there were 4,102 people killed in large truck crashes. Of those 4,102 victims, 17 percent of the fatalities were either the truck driver or the passenger, 68 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles. The remaining 14 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
While the percentage of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in large truck crashes has steadily decreased since 1980, the number of fatal truck crashes had increased by 47 percent since 2009, when it was the lowest it had been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975.
In 2017, 52 percent of fatal truck accidents occurred on a major road, 32 percent occurred on interstates and freeways, and 15 percent on minor roads.
Most fatal car crashes occur during the weekends due to a high incidence of alcohol use. However, truck accidents are more common during the weekdays when cargo transportation is the highest. Of the fatal crashes involving trucks, 18 percent of deaths have occurred on Thursdays since Friday is crunch time for most drivers.
Trucks tend to travel at higher speeds midday than during heavy traffic hours when speed is impeded by heavy congestion. Accounting for 19 percent of deaths, 12 pm to 3 pm was the most common time of day when truck accidents occurred.
Were you injured in a semi-truck accident? Here’s what to do after a commercial semi-truck accident that was not your fault.
I met with Harry Brown personally and he sat with me for 20 minutes at our initial consultation to explain everything. He even called after my surgery to see how I was doing. I met with him several more times after that and was kept informed about my case throughout. I highly recommend Harry Brown as an attorney.
Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?
Our Recent Personal Injury Articles
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Wrongful Death Litigation
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Drunk Driving Accidents: Building a Strong Case to Hold Intoxicated Drivers Liable
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Overloaded Truck Accidents in Georgia: Who’s Responsible?
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
The Most Common Causes of Teenage Driver Accidents
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Postal Worker Dog Attacks: Protecting the Rights of Delivery Personnel
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
The Impact of Texting and Driving Laws on Car Accident Liability in Atlanta
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Pedestrian Accidents on Crosswalks in Savannah: Proving Driver Negligence
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Gearing Up for Survival: The Importance of Proper Motorcycle Safety Equipment
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Why Nursing Home Staff Shortages Leave Residents Vulnerable to Potential Mistreatment
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
When Taxi Drivers Cause Pedestrian Accidents: Legal Options for Injured Parties
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Contact The Brown Firm
Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve
You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.