In 2017, there were no commercial airplane crashes making 2017 the safest ever for airline travel. In that same year, 4,761 people were killed in the U.S. in accidents with 18-wheelers. Thousands more were injured, some of them so severely their lives were forever changed.
A few years ago, the New York Times reported that more people are killed in one year in trucking accidents than have been killed in the past 45 years in airplane crashes. At our AMS Law Group, we are dedicated to assisting those who were involved in an accident with a large truck in collecting the damages to which they are legally entitled.
Texas part in accidents statistics
While coming in first is often a good thing, unfortunately Texas ranks first in many of the 18-wheeler truck accident statistics as of 2017, the latest data that is available. In that year:
- There were 629 large truck accidents that resulted in fatalities. This was more than in any other state.
- There were 461 occupants in other vehicles killed in crashes with 18-wheelers. This was more than in any other state.
- There were 129 occupants in large trucks who were killed. This was more than in any other state.
Due to the weight of the truck and the force with which it can ram into a smaller vehicle, there is a much greater chance of the crash causing a death or catastrophic, life-changing injury.
Critical Events that Lead to 18-Wheeler Crashes
Several years ago, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a study in order to discover the reasons why there are so many 18-wheeler accidents. The results are still relied on today.
- Nearly one-third of all trucking accidents happen when a truck veers out of its own lane and into another lane of traffic or off the road.
- In slightly less than one-third of all accidents, the driver loses control of the truck. It may because the driver was driving too fast, there was a shift in cargo, there were poor road conditions, or other unknown reasons.
- The truck rear-ends the vehicle in front of it in 22 percent of all trucking accidents.
Almost 90 percent of all trucking accidents are the fault of the truck driver.
The Trucking Company may be at Fault for the Accident
Often, the trucking company is responsible for the accident caused by its driver. Some specific negligent acts, or failures to act, on the part of the company that may lead to liability include:
- The company failed to conduct a complete background check on the driver. The company is required by law to check DMV records and police accident reports. The companies must also verify the driver has had the required training and experience. This requires more than just believing the information provided by the driver applicant.
- The company failed to check inspection logs to be sure its drivers are following the legally mandated driving versus resting hours.
- The company failed to properly maintain its fleet.
- The company has unrealistic delivery date and time destinations which requires drivers to rush and compromise on their rest in order to be paid the maximum amount available.
If you were injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, or someone you love was killed, contact one of our personal injury lawyers at our AMS Law Group for a free case review. For your convenience, we speak English, Spanish, and Arabic.