The newest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a drastic rise in the number of people killed in crashes involving large trucks. The hard truth is that more traffic fatalities occur in Texas than anywhere else in the country.
Published in June 2023, the NHTSA’s Large Truck Traffic Safety Facts Report details how often trucks were involved in fatal wrecks in 2021, the most recent year for which data is available.
The analysis covers medium and heavy-duty trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, excluding buses and motorhomes. Here are some of the national findings from the report:
- 5,788 people were killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks. This was a 17% increase from 4,945 the prior year.
- Another 154,993 people were injured in large truck crashes.
- 71% of the large trucks involved in fatal crashes were “heavy” trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds.
- 72% of people who die in truck wrecks are occupants of the other vehicle, not the truck.
- One in five drivers of large trucks involved in a fatal truck accident had a record of previous crashes.
Texas Is the Deadliest State for Large Truck Crashes
According to the data, 806 people were killed in large truck accidents in Texas, making us by far the deadliest state for such crashes. The second-most deaths occurred in California, where 437 people were killed, followed by Florida’s 373 fatalities.
What Families Can Do After Losing Someone in a Fatal Truck Accident in Texas
If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck wreck, you may be interested in exploring your legal options, both to hold someone responsible and to get the compensation you deserve.
Because of the nature of the trucking industry, liability may rest with several parties, such as the trucking company, the driver, the company that loaded the cargo, or the manufacturer of a defective part that caused the truck to malfunction. There are usually multiple insurance companies involved as well.
These complexities mean you should retain a law firm that knows how to handle complex truck accident claims in Texas. A seasoned lawyer will be able to investigate the crash, work with experts to determine the cause, and pursue all the compensation you and your family may be entitled to.
Get a Free Consultation With Our Dallas Lawyers
Ted B. Lyon & Associates has built a reputation as a leading firm when it comes to handling large truck wreck cases in Texas. We have decades of experience and have won tens of millions of dollars for clients over the years.
If you would like to discuss your situation with one of our attorneys, please call 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation today.
