General Commercial Truck Accident Statistics in the U.S.
Here are some statistics on commercial truck accidents in the United States from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- Fatal truck accidents represent roughly 1% of all large truck crashes.
- With over 500,000 truck crashes reported to the police annually, that’s hundreds of fatalities each year.
- Over 100,000 injuries result from large truck accidents each year, accounting for roughly 30% of all truck crashes.
Injuries from 18-wheeler and semi-truck accidents are often far more catastrophic than the average commuter car accidents due to the side, speed, and cargo involved in commercial trucking.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in such accidents include head and traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe neck injuries and whiplash, broken bones, and life-threatening invisible conditions like internal bleeding.
These injuries often require immediate medical attention and sometimes even multiple surgeries. A lawsuit can help you secure funds for this necessary medical treatment. Contact Pierce Skrabanek for representation by calling our Houston, Texas headquarters at (832) 690-7000.
What Compensation Is Available for 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas?
The following are common types of compensation available for individuals involved in semi- and 18-wheeler truck accidents:
- Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for current and future medical costs related to injuries sustained in the accident. It may cover hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to injuries sustained in the semi-truck accident, compensation may be sought for lost wages. This includes both the wages lost during the recovery period and potential future earnings if the injuries result in a long-term impact on the individual's ability to work.
- Property Damage: Compensation can be sought for the repair or replacement of the victim's vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the accident, may be eligible for compensation. This can be more challenging to quantify but is an essential component of many personal injury claims.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where a semi-truck accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
In cases where the actions of the truck driver or the trucking company are deemed particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling semi-truck accident cases is crucial to understanding the full scope of potential compensation and navigating the complexities of the legal process.
Why Are Texas Truck Accident Statistics Important for Personal Injury Lawsuits?
Trucking accident statistics are crucial in personal injury lawsuits for several reasons:
- Establishing Liability: Accurate statistics can help establish liability by providing evidence of common causes of trucking accidents. If a specific type of accident is prevalent in the industry, it may support the argument that the trucking company or driver failed to adhere to industry standards or regulations.
- Demonstrating Negligence: Statistics can be used to demonstrate negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company. For example, if the statistics show a high incidence of accidents related to driver fatigue, and it is determined that the driver involved in the lawsuit was fatigued, this could strengthen the case for negligence.
- Determining Damages: Statistics can provide insights into the severity and types of injuries commonly associated with trucking accidents. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate amount of compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Trucking accident statistics may establish precedents for certain types of cases. If a specific type of accident is shown to be a recurring problem in the industry, it may lead to regulatory changes or industry-wide safety improvements, which can be important in shaping the legal landscape.
By highlighting trends in trucking accidents, statistical data can be used to advocate for safety improvements within the industry. This not only benefits individual plaintiffs but also contributes to overall road safety.
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