Texas faces a significant problem with truck accidents and fatalities.
Texas had more truck accidents than any other state last year, as revealed by a recent comprehensive study examining nationwide truck accident statistics. Adding to this alarming trend, Texas recorded the highest number of commercial truck accident fatalities in 2022.
Worst of all, last year wasn't the first year Texas had the most truck accident fatalities of any state. When such serious accidents happen, families need to act fast to protect their legal rights. That's when a Texas truck accident lawyer can often make a difference when pursuing justice and demanding the financial compensation they deserve.
At Tracey Fox & Walters, our attorneys know what's at stake. If you were injured or a loved one died in a crash with a tractor-trailer or some other type of commercial truck, we can help you demand accountability.
Texas truck accidents: by the numbers
TruckInfo.net recently published an article about the number of commercial truck accidents in each state in 2022. These accidents include vehicles categorized as commercial trucks, which typically weigh no less than 10,000 pounds. This category includes a range of large vehicles like tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and oil tanker trucks.
According to TruckInfo based on data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a staggering 166,833 commercial truck accidents nationwide in 2022.
As for Texas, it had the most commercial truck accidents last year, according to TruckInfo. Although specific numbers for 2022 were not provided in the article, it's worth noting that Texas witnessed 32,916 commercial truck accidents in 2020, as recorded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Fatal truck accidents in Texas a problem for years
Last year wasn't the first time Texas had the most truck accident fatalities of any state in the country. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, Texas had the most commercial truck accident fatalities during that three-year period, according to truck industry source, Tank Transport.
Texas recorded 1,863 truck accident fatalities during those three years, including 579 deaths in 2019, 568 in 2020, and 716 in 2021. To put those numbers in perspective, Texas had nearly double the number of truck accident fatalities each year compared to California, the state with the second-highest fatality count in commercial truck accidents.
Another recent article in Forbes about the high number of truck accident fatalities in Texas singled out 2020 as an especially dangerous year for motorists in the Lone Star State. "In 2020, Texas stands out as being the most dangerous state for truck accidents," according to the Forbes article published this month.
Why do so many truck accidents happen in Texas?
First, there are a lot of large trucks on the road in Texas. But that's just one reason why there are so many truck accidents in Texas. Often, it's what those truck drivers do behind the wheel that results in so many collisions. Some of the ways that reckless or negligent truck drivers cause collisions include:
- Speeding truck drivers who fail to adjust their speed and cannot avoid collisions.
- Aggressive truck drivers who tailgate, increasing the risk of catastrophic rear-end truck accidents.
- Fatigued truck drivers who, due to inadequate rest, may lose control of their vehicles, leading to chain reaction crashes or head-on collisions.
- Distracted truck drivers, including those texting while driving, despite national regulations against this practice.
- Inexperienced truck drivers who struggle with risk assessment on the road, resulting in rollovers, jackknifes, and other severe accidents.
- Poorly maintained trucks, particularly concerning brakes and tires, which may not undergo regular inspections. This lack of maintenance can lead to tire blowouts and brake failures, contributing to a significant number of accidents.
Contact a Texas truck accident attorney you can trust
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident in Texas, you don't have to face your legal challenges alone. Our dedicated team of Texas truck accident lawyers at Tracey Fox & Walters understands the devastation crashes involving semi-trucks and 18-wheelers can bring to victims and their families.
Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the state's traffic laws, trucking regulations, and the tactics often employed by insurance companies to reduce liability. As your legal team, we can fight for your rights, thoroughly investigate your case, and build a strong legal case designed to secure the maximum financial compensation you rightfully deserve.
Don't take chances with your future. Take action. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a law firm that knows how to win for injured Texans. We have offices conveniently located in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.