Fatal Truck Accidents Are On The Rise

Truck accidents are more than just news headlines; they are tragic events that dramatically change lives. These events occur far too often in California and across the United States. Below, experienced truck accident attorneys at Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC provide an overview of some recent truck accident statistics, highlighting their frequency and impact.

A Significant Increase In Fatal Truck Accidents In 2021

2021 saw a worrying rise in deadly accidents involving large trucks. A total of 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, marking an 18% increase from 2020 and a staggering 49% jump over the last decade. Even more concerning is the fact that these incidents have become more frequent relative to the miles these trucks travel, with a 7% rise from 2020 and a 22% increase over ten years. These numbers signal a pressing need for better road safety and stricter regulations for large vehicles.

Large Trucks: A Major Factor In Traffic Deaths

Despite being only 5% of all registered vehicles, large trucks are involved in 9% of all fatal crashes. They also cover 10% of all vehicle miles, indicating their substantial involvement in serious traffic accidents.

In 2021, crashes involving large trucks claimed 5,788 lives. Among these, 1,008 were truck occupants, 631 were non-occupants like pedestrians, and the highest number, 4,149, were occupants of other vehicles. This shows that these crashes often have a more devastating effect on others on the road than “traditional” crashes involving light vehicles alone.

Where And When Do These Crashes Happen?

Most fatal truck crashes in 2021 happened in rural areas and on non-interstate roads. Daytime accidents were more common than nighttime ones. Interestingly, crashes were evenly distributed throughout the year, with September being the deadliest month.

A majority of these fatal accidents involved collisions with other vehicles. External factors like other vehicles, animals, or objects played a role in 63% of these crashes. In 24% of cases, the truck’s own movement or loss of control was the critical factor, indicating issues with vehicle handling or mechanical failures. Single-trailer trucks were the most commonly involved in these fatal accidents.

Sadly, 15% of fatal crashes involved truck occupants not wearing safety belts, with a 40% fatality rate. Additionally, 6% of truck drivers in fatal crashes tested positive for drugs, highlighting a concerning trend.

Speeding was the most common driver-related factor in these accidents. Truck drivers were less likely to be involved in fatal crashes due to driver-related factors than passenger vehicle drivers.

The rate of fatal crashes per million people in the U.S. increased by 46% since 2010, emphasizing the growing risk.

Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and you’re considering an insurance claim or lawsuit, it’s important to have experienced legal help. Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC focuses on personal injury cases, especially truck accidents. We’re committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 949-727-9300 or online to schedule a consultation.