The statistics involved in truck accidents can be overwhelming, especially if you become one. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2014 there were 3,903 people killed nationwide and an estimated 111,000 people injured in accidents involving large trucks, an increase over 2013 numbers. It is estimated that there were 438,000 large trucks involved in police-reported traffic crashes in 2014.
Of the truck accident fatalities reported in 2014:
- 73 percent were occupants of other vehicles involved in the crash
- 17 percent were occupants of the large trucks
- 10 percent were non-occupants, such as pedestrians or bicyclists
According to the NHTSA, these are an increase over the numbers reported in 2013. Not only that, but the highest number of occupants of other vehicles killed in Texas in 2014 was 398 – by far the most out of any other state in the U.S. Texas also led the U.S. in number of occupants of large trucks who had died in crashes in 2014 – 114.
The numbers haven’t improved much in 2015. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 13,616 serious injury crashes in 2015, with 17,011 people sustaining a serious injury. The number of fatalities in 2015 was 3,531. Of those accidents, 428 fatal crashes involved tractor-trailers or semis and 516 serious injury crashes involved large trucks. In fact, tractor-trailers and big rigs accounted for 23,623 accidents reported in Texas in 2015.
Common Traffic Accident Characteristics
Most of these fatal crashes occurred in the rural areas not only in Texas, but across the country. These accidents occur on non-interstate roads, mostly during the daytime during the week. The scariest bit of data is the previous driving records of these drivers involved in fatal crashes. For large truck drivers:
- 14.9 percent have previously been in a recorded accident
- 16.3 percent have speeding convictions on their records
- 8.9 percent have recorded suspensions or revocations of licenses on their records
- 0.3 percent have a DWI conviction on their records
You Need Help If Involved in a Houston Truck Accident
Not convinced yet? Take a moment to look over our truck accident pages to learn more about how de Lachica Law Firm, PLLC, can help you after an accident in Houston. We offer free case evaluations, so do not hesitate to fill out our contact form now.