Truck Accident Statistics You Should Know About in 2022

Truck accidents can leave a devastating impact on everyone involved. 18-wheelers are typically allowed to weigh up to 80,000 pounds—to have that amount of weight coming toward you on the highway can be life-changing. While large trucks do have multiple mirrors to help increase visibility in their blind spots, it’s always a good idea to give semi-trucks as much space as possible on the road. Let’s take a closer look at truck accident statistics you should know about in 2022.

The Current Trend of Trucking Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accident fatalities have been climbing since 2020. In 2021, fatal accidents involving at least one large truck were up 13% from the year before. With increased shipping demands in recent years, typically, more semi-trucks are on the road now than ever before. Additionally, because of the strong need for more drivers, many new truck drivers with fewer hours of experience can be found behind the wheel.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

The NHTSA also noted that some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents are due to driver error—from fatigue and unfamiliarity with the roadway to poor decision-making behind the wheel. Excessive speed has also been a major factor in truck accidents. Due to their size and weight, it’s much more difficult for 18-wheelers to quickly come to a complete stop. It’s essential that other drivers on the road give them the space they need to safely stop, as well as the ability to see where other vehicles are around them. Other factors like tire defects, brake failure, and congested traffic flow also play a role in semi-truck accidents.

Truck accidents can be complicated due to all of the potential involved parties. In some cases, the accident may be the fault of the driver, while others may be because of how the truck was loaded, resulting in cargo shifting around in the trailer, or how many hours the driver’s employer asked them to work without rest.

Other Important Statistics to Know

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2020, 83% of deaths in large truck accidents took place on interstates, freeways, and other major roads. Additionally, the majority of fatal semi-truck accidents took place during the day, between the hours of 6am and 6pm. Busier roads and more congested roadways have a clear impact on crashes involving 18-wheelers and ultimately resulting in one or more fatality.

A Final Note

Truck accidents can be incredibly complex because of all the possible parties involved—the driver, their employer, the truck manufacturer, or the cargo company. If you were injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, it’s essential to reach out for legal help as soon as possible. The experienced team at Swenson & Shelley will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve—be it medical expenses, loss of earning potential, or pain and suffering.