Facts About Commercial Vehicle Crashes in the Lone Star State
Most people may be surprised to find out that Texas regularly leads the nation for having the most fatal crashes involving large trucks. For Texans, large trucks such as semi-trailers and 18-wheelers are an everyday part of life, but few motorists realize just how dangerous these behemoths are on the road.
At the Mayday Law Office, we represent individuals who have been hurt or killed in truck accidents in Houston and the surrounding areas. If you or a loved one was injured in a trucking accident, contact our office at (281) 741-1162 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve English and non-English speaking clients. Se habla español.
What Is Considered a Large Truck?
Large trucks are defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of greater than 10,000 pounds. Many large trucks are classified as commercial vehicles requiring a special license to operate. They are also regulated by the FMCSA’s hours-of-service laws.
Common examples of large trucks:
- Big rigs
- 18-wheelers
- Transport trucks
- Semi-trucks, semi-trailers, or semi-tractors
- Tractor-trailers
- Freightliners
Large trucks are not only significantly heavier than non-commercial vehicles, but they also have a much longer stopping time and distance. Tragically, accidents involving these large vehicles often result in severe injury or death.
Trucking Accidents in Texas
According to the most recent data available from the FMCSA, there were over 4,479 fatal crashes involving large trucks in the country. Texas has had the largest number of truck accidents involving fatalities for over a decade.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) keeps a record of all commercial vehicle accidents in the state. Their research indicates that there were over 30,000 accidents involving commercial vehicles last year.
Last year the TxDOT reported:
- 513 fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles;
- With 581 fatalities resulting from those crashes;
- 976 suspected serious commercial vehicle crashes;
- Over 1,200 suspected serious injuries; and
- 6,781 commercial vehicle crashes with possible injuries.
Within the State, Harris County had the most commercial vehicle-involved crashes causing injury or death compared with all other counties.
Facts About Large Truck Accidents
Despite numerous state and federal regulations, large trucks and commercial vehicles still account for a significant portion of accidents on roadways each year. Many of these crashes are preventable caused by operator inattention, driver fatigue, or other negligence.
The FMCSA notes that of the fatal large truck accidents:
- 67% involve more than one vehicle;
- Approximately 57% occur in rural areas;
- Most (83%) occur Monday-Friday;
- Collision with a vehicle in transport was the first harmful event in 73%; and
- Occupants of other vehicles were overwhelmingly more likely to be killed compared with occupants of large trucks.
One of the leading factors in truck accidents and all motor vehicle accidents is speeding, followed by inattention or distraction and driver impairment. If you suspect that any of these factors were involved in your accident, you should consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Dedicated Legal Representation for Truck Accident Victims
At the Mayday Law Office, our experienced legal team has recovered millions on behalf of accident victims throughout Texas. We provide dedicated representation for individuals injured as a result of a truck operator’s negligence or wrongdoing.
Contact our office today at (281) 741-1162 and ask for a free consultation. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
