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Texas Truck Accident Statistics
Texas, with its vast road network and bustling economic activity, has long been a hotspot for transportation and logistics. However, the state's extensive roadways also bring challenges, particularly when it comes to truck accidents.
Truck accident statistics in Texas, and throughout the United States, reveal a complex and often alarming picture of road safety. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these statistics, shedding light on the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to reduce truck accidents.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, the truck accident attorneys at Wham & Rogers can help. Contact our office in The Woodlands for a free consultation.
Overview of Truck Accident Statistics in Texas
Texas has consistently ranked among the states with the highest number of truck accidents in the United States. In 2023, the statistics continue to reflect this trend:
- Total Truck Accidents: As of the latest available data, Texas recorded a total of 12,542 truck accidents in 2023. This includes accidents involving commercial trucks, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large vehicles.
- Fatalities: Tragically, 563 people lost their lives in truck accidents in Texas during 2023. This accounts for approximately 12% of all traffic-related fatalities in the state for the year.
- Injuries: The number of injuries resulting from truck accidents in Texas is staggering, with 8,710 individuals suffering various degrees of harm. These injuries range from minor to severe, often causing lifelong physical and emotional trauma.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas
Understanding the root causes of truck accidents is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies. In 2023, several factors contribute to the high incidence of truck accidents in Texas:
- Driver Fatigue: Fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Long hours on the road, tight delivery schedules, and insufficient rest breaks can result in drowsy driving, impaired judgment, and decreased reaction times.
- Speeding: Speeding is a prevalent issue on Texas roads. When trucks exceed speed limits or fail to adjust their speed to match road conditions, they pose a significant risk to other drivers.
- Distracted Driving: The use of mobile devices, navigation systems, and other distractions continues to be a major concern among truck drivers. These distractions divert their attention away from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment are dangerous factors in truck accidents. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a substantial risk to themselves and others on the road.
- Inadequate Training: Some truck accidents in Texas are the result of inadequate training and experience among drivers. Proper training in handling large commercial vehicles is essential for safe driving.
- Poor Maintenance: Neglected maintenance and faulty equipment can lead to catastrophic accidents. Trucks with brake issues, tire blowouts, or other mechanical failures are at a higher risk of causing accidents.
Geographical Distribution of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are not evenly distributed across Texas; certain regions experience a higher frequency of these incidents. In 2023, the following areas stood out:
- Interstate Highways: Major interstate highways like I-35, I-10, and I-45 are known hotspots for truck accidents due to their heavy traffic and long-distance transportation routes.
- Urban Areas: Metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio report a high concentration of truck accidents due to their population density and extensive transportation networks.
- Oil and Gas Regions: Areas with a significant presence of the oil and gas industry, such as the Permian Basin and the Eagle Ford Shale, experience a higher number of truck accidents, often related to industry-related traffic and transportation.
Truck Accident Statistics Nationwide
It is difficult to get truck accident statistics for 2023, as it is not yet over. However, we can look at the statistics from 2022 and 2021 to get a sense of the trends.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,985 fatal truck accidents in the United States in 2022. This was a 3% increase from 2021, and the highest number of fatal truck accidents since 2005.
The FMCSA also reports that there were over 117,000 truck accidents involving injuries in 2022. This was a 2% increase from 2021.
The most common types of truck accidents are:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipes
- Rollovers
- Jackknife accidents
Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Alcohol and drug impairment
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Poor road conditions
Interestingly, fatal truck accidents are more common in rural areas than on highways and interstates. According to statistics in Forbes, 55% of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas. Researchers attribute this to poor lighting, smaller roadways, and speeding in less congested areas.
Strategies for Reducing Truck Accidents
The consequences of truck accidents can be devastating. Truck accidents are more likely to be fatal than other types of motor vehicle accidents. This is because trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles.
Addressing the high rate of truck accidents in Texas requires a multi-pronged approach involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, trucking companies, and drivers:
- Strict Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies must rigorously enforce traffic laws and regulations related to truck safety, including hours-of-service regulations and weight limits.
- Improved Training: Trucking companies should invest in comprehensive driver training programs that emphasize safe driving practices, fatigue management, and the proper maintenance of vehicles.
- Technology Adoption: The adoption of advanced safety technologies, such as collision avoidance systems and electronic logging devices, can help mitigate the risk of accidents.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can educate both truck drivers and the general public about the dangers of truck accidents and the importance of responsible driving.
- Infrastructure Investment: Investing in road infrastructure improvements, such as widening highways, adding lanes, and enhancing signage, can help reduce congestion and improve road safety.
Truck accidents in Texas continue to pose significant challenges, resulting in fatalities, injuries, economic costs, and emotional trauma. While the statistics may paint a grim picture, they also serve as a call to action for policymakers, trucking companies, and drivers to prioritize road safety.
Need Help After a Texas Truck Accident? Contact Us Today!
At Wham & Rogers, we understand the devastating impact that truck accidents can have on the lives of victims and their families. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation to victims of truck accidents in Texas, and we are here to fight for your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don't suffer in silence.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don't wait to take action. Contact the truck accident attorneys in The Woodlands at Wham & Rogers today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process, hold negligent parties accountable, and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.
Call (832) 592-1108 or Text (832) 413-1428, or fill out our online contact form.
The first step you should take is to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney. Losing a family member to violence or an accident is a staggering blow. It can be hard to know what steps to take and how to protect your family. Wham & Rogers offers experienced, compassionate representation to families suffering from the wrongful death of a spouse, parent or child. If your spouse, parent or child has suffered a fatal injury in an accident or due to the violent act of another, it is important to retain an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible so the attorney can gather and preserve critical evidence before it is destroyed. What damages are recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit? Economic damages , such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and loss of household services can be recovered in a wrongful death claim. Non-economic damages such as emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and mental anguish are recoverable. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the person causing the death acted with malice or gross negligence. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and to act as a deterrent to others who may engage in the same wrongful behavior. How long do I have to make a claim for wrongful death? As a general rule, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date of the negligence resulting in the fatality . This means you will have two years from the date of the negligence to file suit. However, it is advisable to retain a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible since it is important to gather evidence before it is destroyed. Which family members have a right to file a wrongful death claim? The surviving spouse, children and parents of the person who died has a right to bring a wrongful death claim. If the spouse, children or parents don’t bring the wrongful death claim, then the executor or administrator of the estate has the right to bring the wrongful death claim. What is a survival claim? If your family member did not die immediately, a personal injury claim may be filed for treatment expenses and each beneficiary of the estate may receive a portion of the recovery. Who can be held responsible for the wrongful death of my family member? A person who negligently, recklessly or intentionally caused the death of a person may be held responsible. Examples of wrongful death claims include trucking and automobile collisions, medical negligence, products liability, on the job injuries, and deaths due to inadequate security of premises. How do you prove a wrongful death case in Texas? In Texas, you must prove that a legal duty owed to the deceased was breached, causing the wrongful death. For example, there is a legal duty to operate a truck in accordance with the traffic laws in Texas. If the truck driver is speeding or fails to keep a proper lookout causing a wrongful death, that duty is breached and the trucking company may be liable for the wrongful death. How do I pay for a wrongful death lawsuit? The attorneys at Wham & Rogers handle wrongful death cases on a contingency basis. This means that you do not have to pay us unless there is a monetary recovery in the wrongful death claim. The attorneys at Wham & Rogers are experienced in handling wrongful death claims with skill, kindness and compassion. Please call 832-592-1108 , or text 832-413-1428 for a free consultation.
We receive calls daily from injured people who can’t find a doctor to treat them. Their primary care physician won’t see them, and they can’t find an orthopedic specialist who will see them. Sometimes, doctors walk out of the examination room once they find that the patient was in an accident . Why is this happening? There are a number of reasons doctors do not want to see injured patients. Delays in payment by health insurance companies: Health insurance companies may take the position that the patient’s auto insurance personal injury protection coverage is primary and should pay before the health insurance pays. Doctors do not want to wait to be paid until after this issue is sorted out. Health insurance may not pay until subrogation (right to be reimbursed) issues are taken care of, so that the health insurance company knows it will be paid back from any settlement. Harassment by auto insurance companies: Doctors who treat injured patients have become a target of auto insurance companies. Insurance defense attorneys send extremely burdensome, overly broad depositions on written questions (questionnaires) requiring the doctors to dig through years of data about payments received for treating injured patients. Auto insurance companies have also sued doctors who treat injured people, accusing them of fraud, conspiracy and the like. Auto insurers accuse doctors of performing unneeded treatment and/or overcharging for treatment. Auto insurers also retain “hired guns” to testify against treating doctors, criticizing the treating doctor’s every decision, even though the “hired gun” has never seen the patient. Why do insurance companies use these tactics? They want to make it harder for people to receive treatment so they can pay less to injured claimants and increase insurance company profits. How can I find a doctor to treat me following my accident? The attorneys at Wham & Rogers can help facilitate prompt medical treatment for you. Sometimes it is just a matter of letting the health insurance company know their subrogation interests (right to be reimbursed) will be protected. We can also help injured clients access their personal injury protection coverage to pay some of their medical bills. If you have been injured and are having trouble finding a doctor to treat you, please give Wham & Rogers a call at 832-592-1108 or text 832-413-1428 for a free consultation.
Each year, 600 Texans are killed and 10,000 more are injured in trucking collisions. After a trucking crash, quick action is required. The trucking companies have legal teams ready to act after a crash occurs. They immediately send experts to the crash site, photographing and measuring the roadway and interviewing the witnesses. So if you or a loved one is injured or killed in a trucking collision, letters requiring preservation of evidence should be sent immediately to the trucking company and to its insurers. Your lawyer should retain experts to perform computerized mapping of the crash site and to download the electronic control module of the 18-wheeler. And then after that, a qualified trucking liability expert should be retained to address the federal safety regulations that are critical to handling a truck crash claim. If you've been hit by a truck or commercial vehicle in The Woodlands, Spring or Conroe, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Please give us a call at (832) 592-1108 for a free consultation, or submit the contact form here.
What are the Most Dangerous Vehicles on Our Roads? 18 -wheelers are the deadliest vehicles on our highways. Each year, 600 Texans are killed, and 10,000 more are injured in trucking collisions. It’s obvious why 18-wheelers are so dangerous. They weigh twenty to thirty times more than passenger cars, have a much higher ground clearance, and require twenty to forty percent further to stop. Do Truck Drivers Have to Comply with Higher Safety Standards? Because of these dangers, the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require higher standards for commercial drivers; driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle requires a higher level of knowledge, skill, and physical abilities than is required of other drivers. Truck drivers must know the safety rules and follow them. Trucking companies must have safety policies and implement safety training programs. Truckers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of their trucks. Why is Quick Action Essential After a Trucking Collision? If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a trucking collision, quick action is required. The trucking companies have legal teams ready to act when a crash occurs. They send experts to the crash site, to photograph and measure the roadway, and to interview witnesses in order to try to minimize their liability. You need someone acting on your behalf to gather evidence and to ensure evidence is not destroyed. What Must be Done to Preserve Evidence Following a Collision With a Big Rig? Preservation of evidence letters should be sent to the trucking company and its insurers. Experts should be retained to perform computerized mapping of the crash site, and to download the 18 wheeler's electronic control module. A qualified trucking liability expert should be retained to address the federal safety regulation violations that are critical to handling truck crash claims. When we investigate trucking collisions, we often find that trucking companies fail to implement and follow adequate safety procedures, including failing to conduct the proper pre- and post-trip inspections. These failures to follow safety procedures often lead to otherwise avoidable collisions. Which Law Firm Should I Hire After an 18-Wheeler Collision? The attorneys at Wham & Rogers have the expertise and resources to handle trucking cases. We can get experts to the scene and have them gather data and download the electronic control module of the 18-wheeler before vital evidence is lost or destroyed. If you or a loved one has been in a collision with an 18-wheeler, the lawyers at Wham & Rogers can help you. Call 832-592-1108 or text 832-413-1428 for a free consultation.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. None of the information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
The first step you should take is to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney. Losing a family member to violence or an accident is a staggering blow. It can be hard to know what steps to take and how to protect your family. Wham & Rogers offers experienced, compassionate representation to families suffering from the wrongful death of a spouse, parent or child. If your spouse, parent or child has suffered a fatal injury in an accident or due to the violent act of another, it is important to retain an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible so the attorney can gather and preserve critical evidence before it is destroyed. What damages are recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit? Economic damages , such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and loss of household services can be recovered in a wrongful death claim. Non-economic damages such as emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and mental anguish are recoverable. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the person causing the death acted with malice or gross negligence. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and to act as a deterrent to others who may engage in the same wrongful behavior. How long do I have to make a claim for wrongful death? As a general rule, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date of the negligence resulting in the fatality . This means you will have two years from the date of the negligence to file suit. However, it is advisable to retain a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible since it is important to gather evidence before it is destroyed. Which family members have a right to file a wrongful death claim? The surviving spouse, children and parents of the person who died has a right to bring a wrongful death claim. If the spouse, children or parents don’t bring the wrongful death claim, then the executor or administrator of the estate has the right to bring the wrongful death claim. What is a survival claim? If your family member did not die immediately, a personal injury claim may be filed for treatment expenses and each beneficiary of the estate may receive a portion of the recovery. Who can be held responsible for the wrongful death of my family member? A person who negligently, recklessly or intentionally caused the death of a person may be held responsible. Examples of wrongful death claims include trucking and automobile collisions, medical negligence, products liability, on the job injuries, and deaths due to inadequate security of premises. How do you prove a wrongful death case in Texas? In Texas, you must prove that a legal duty owed to the deceased was breached, causing the wrongful death. For example, there is a legal duty to operate a truck in accordance with the traffic laws in Texas. If the truck driver is speeding or fails to keep a proper lookout causing a wrongful death, that duty is breached and the trucking company may be liable for the wrongful death. How do I pay for a wrongful death lawsuit? The attorneys at Wham & Rogers handle wrongful death cases on a contingency basis. This means that you do not have to pay us unless there is a monetary recovery in the wrongful death claim. The attorneys at Wham & Rogers are experienced in handling wrongful death claims with skill, kindness and compassion. Please call 832-592-1108 , or text 832-413-1428 for a free consultation.
We receive calls daily from injured people who can’t find a doctor to treat them. Their primary care physician won’t see them, and they can’t find an orthopedic specialist who will see them. Sometimes, doctors walk out of the examination room once they find that the patient was in an accident . Why is this happening? There are a number of reasons doctors do not want to see injured patients. Delays in payment by health insurance companies: Health insurance companies may take the position that the patient’s auto insurance personal injury protection coverage is primary and should pay before the health insurance pays. Doctors do not want to wait to be paid until after this issue is sorted out. Health insurance may not pay until subrogation (right to be reimbursed) issues are taken care of, so that the health insurance company knows it will be paid back from any settlement. Harassment by auto insurance companies: Doctors who treat injured patients have become a target of auto insurance companies. Insurance defense attorneys send extremely burdensome, overly broad depositions on written questions (questionnaires) requiring the doctors to dig through years of data about payments received for treating injured patients. Auto insurance companies have also sued doctors who treat injured people, accusing them of fraud, conspiracy and the like. Auto insurers accuse doctors of performing unneeded treatment and/or overcharging for treatment. Auto insurers also retain “hired guns” to testify against treating doctors, criticizing the treating doctor’s every decision, even though the “hired gun” has never seen the patient. Why do insurance companies use these tactics? They want to make it harder for people to receive treatment so they can pay less to injured claimants and increase insurance company profits. How can I find a doctor to treat me following my accident? The attorneys at Wham & Rogers can help facilitate prompt medical treatment for you. Sometimes it is just a matter of letting the health insurance company know their subrogation interests (right to be reimbursed) will be protected. We can also help injured clients access their personal injury protection coverage to pay some of their medical bills. If you have been injured and are having trouble finding a doctor to treat you, please give Wham & Rogers a call at 832-592-1108 or text 832-413-1428 for a free consultation.
Each year, 600 Texans are killed and 10,000 more are injured in trucking collisions. After a trucking crash, quick action is required. The trucking companies have legal teams ready to act after a crash occurs. They immediately send experts to the crash site, photographing and measuring the roadway and interviewing the witnesses. So if you or a loved one is injured or killed in a trucking collision, letters requiring preservation of evidence should be sent immediately to the trucking company and to its insurers. Your lawyer should retain experts to perform computerized mapping of the crash site and to download the electronic control module of the 18-wheeler. And then after that, a qualified trucking liability expert should be retained to address the federal safety regulations that are critical to handling a truck crash claim. If you've been hit by a truck or commercial vehicle in The Woodlands, Spring or Conroe, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Please give us a call at (832) 592-1108 for a free consultation, or submit the contact form here.
What are the Most Dangerous Vehicles on Our Roads? 18 -wheelers are the deadliest vehicles on our highways. Each year, 600 Texans are killed, and 10,000 more are injured in trucking collisions. It’s obvious why 18-wheelers are so dangerous. They weigh twenty to thirty times more than passenger cars, have a much higher ground clearance, and require twenty to forty percent further to stop. Do Truck Drivers Have to Comply with Higher Safety Standards? Because of these dangers, the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require higher standards for commercial drivers; driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle requires a higher level of knowledge, skill, and physical abilities than is required of other drivers. Truck drivers must know the safety rules and follow them. Trucking companies must have safety policies and implement safety training programs. Truckers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of their trucks. Why is Quick Action Essential After a Trucking Collision? If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a trucking collision, quick action is required. The trucking companies have legal teams ready to act when a crash occurs. They send experts to the crash site, to photograph and measure the roadway, and to interview witnesses in order to try to minimize their liability. You need someone acting on your behalf to gather evidence and to ensure evidence is not destroyed. What Must be Done to Preserve Evidence Following a Collision With a Big Rig? Preservation of evidence letters should be sent to the trucking company and its insurers. Experts should be retained to perform computerized mapping of the crash site, and to download the 18 wheeler's electronic control module. A qualified trucking liability expert should be retained to address the federal safety regulation violations that are critical to handling truck crash claims. When we investigate trucking collisions, we often find that trucking companies fail to implement and follow adequate safety procedures, including failing to conduct the proper pre- and post-trip inspections. These failures to follow safety procedures often lead to otherwise avoidable collisions. Which Law Firm Should I Hire After an 18-Wheeler Collision? The attorneys at Wham & Rogers have the expertise and resources to handle trucking cases. We can get experts to the scene and have them gather data and download the electronic control module of the 18-wheeler before vital evidence is lost or destroyed. If you or a loved one has been in a collision with an 18-wheeler, the lawyers at Wham & Rogers can help you. Call 832-592-1108 or text 832-413-1428 for a free consultation.
1. Do I really need a personal injury lawyer? Yes, if you have a significant injury, choosing the right lawyer to handle your injury claim matters. Now more than ever, having the right lawyer can make a tremendous difference for the success of your claim. Insurance companies use sophisticated negotiation tactics to help them minimize your claim, or even avoid paying altogether. And make no mistake—the claims adjuster is not on your side. The adjuster, in a very real sense, is your opponent, and is specifically trained to make sure you don’t receive the maximum recovery you’re entitled to. 2. Does it really make a difference which lawyer I hire? Absolutely. The stronger your lawyer, the stronger your claim. Insurance companies keep track of which lawye rs have the experience, the resources, and the willingness to fight for their clients. They know which law firms are high-volume firms looking for a quick, easy settlement, and which lawyers are willing to do the hard work of fighting to get full justice. We have had clients contact us because a high-volume firm dropped their case after the insurance company “denied liability” and refused to pay quickly. 3. How do I find the best personal injury attorney? First, look at the lawyer’s qualifications and credentials. For example, the State Bar of Texas has a Board of Legal Specialization that certifies lawyers who are experts at handling personal injury claims. Fewer than 3% of Texas lawyers are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law. You should also check the lawyer’s ethics. One of the best sources is Martindale-Hubbel’s attorney ratings. The highest rating is AV-Preeminent—which means the lawyer is considered ethical by his peers and has demonstrated the highest level of competence. Next, consider the size of the firm. If you are represented by a large law firm, chances are you will not be represented by the best, most experienced lawyer at that firm, and your case will instead be “handed down” to an associate for handling. Hiring a “boutique” litigation firm, with fewer lawyers handling fewer cases, will mean that the firm’s top lawyers are directly involved in the handling of your claim. Beware of firms that advertise “billions of dollars in past recoveries.” Quite often, those recoveries include class action case results, involving thousands of clients, with each client receiving a relatively small recovery. Look instead for a lawyer who has a record of achieving substantial recoveries for individual clients. Find a lawyer who has “been there, done that.” Specific experience is important, so look for a lawyer who has widespread experience handling serious injury claims, including wrongful death claims, truck crash cases, and complex cases involving complicated injuries such as paralysis and traumatic brain injury. Wham & Rogers attorneys have over 70 years combined experience in personal injury law. Mark Wham is Board Certified in Personal Injury Law. Rene Rogers has been AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbel for 30 years. Ryan Wham attended one of the best law schools in the country, the University of Texas School of law and was a member of UT’s prestigious Law Review. Prior to going to work for his parents at Wham & Rogers, Ryan worked at one of the largest law firms in the world. If you are looking for a highly qualified, experienced personal injury firm, contact Wham & Rogers for a free consultation. Call 832-592-1108 or text 832-413-1428 .
We are often asked whether pedestrians or cars have the right of way on pathways and at intersections. Many trails or pathways which cross intersections have stop signs. Pedestrians and bicyclists must obey these signs when they come to an intersection. When approaching an intersection, pedestrians should always stop and look both ways before crossing the intersection. If there is a traffic control device, pedestrians should always wait for the “walk” light to be illuminated before proceeding. Pedestrians, cyclists, and runners should slow down to allow enough time when nearing an intersection that is not controlled by a traffic signal.
What does my insurance company have to pay me for a car wreck? Do they have to replace my vehicle?
Take these steps after a collision to protect you and your rights in a Houston, The Woodlands and Spring car crash.
Two wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against Panera Bread Co.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. None of the information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The verdicts and settlements listed are representative and are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of other claims.
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