Truck Accident Statistics in Texas

Truck accidents are all too common in Texas and throughout the country, as semi-truck statistics readily demonstrate. If you were injured in a truck accident in El Paso or elsewhere in Texas that was not your fault, you could be entitled to financial compensation.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Truck accidents continue to be a growing concern both in Texas and across the United States. Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of truck-related crashes and fatalities, highlighting the state’s trucking industry as a double-edged sword—essential for commerce but dangerous for motorists.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• Texas reported over 8,000 truck accidents in a recent year, with a significant number resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
• 4,862 large trucks were involved in deadly crashes nationwide during a recent year, a 51% jump since 2009, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).
• 112,000 trucks were involved in accidents during a recent year that resulted in an injury, a 5% surge from 2017, according to the NSC.
• In Texas alone, there were more than 600 fatal truck crashes, making up a disproportionate percentage of the nation’s total truck-related fatalities.

Compared to the rest of the country, Texas consistently leads in truck-related fatalities, largely due to its vast highway system, high volume of commercial trucking, and dense metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Recent data indicates that truck crashes in Texas account for nearly 13% of all fatal truck accidents in the U.S., reinforcing the need for stronger safety measures and better enforcement of trucking regulations.

As trucking continues to grow, the risks on Texas roadways remain high. Understanding these statistics highlights the importance of driver awareness, safety enforcement, and legal accountability when accidents occur.

National Semi Truck Statistics

Nearly 5,000 people die in large-truck accidents each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). During a recent year:

• 71% of fatalities in large-truck crashes were occupants of other vehicles like cars or SUVs
• 18% were truck drivers or truck occupants
• The remaining 11% were non-occupants, such as cyclists and pedestrians

The size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles makes accidents particularly devastating. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average 4,000-pound passenger car, making occupants of smaller vehicles far more vulnerable in a collision.

Despite improvements in trucking safety technology, such as automatic braking systems, lane departure warnings, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to monitor driver hours, truck crashes remain a significant concern. Some trucking companies fail to enforce safety regulations, increasing the risk of fatigued or distracted drivers on the road.

Texas Semi Truck Statistics

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), fatal crashes in Texas in a recent year involved:

• 140 trucks
• 452 truck-tractors/semi-trailers
• 3 fire trucks
• 19 buses
• 2 school buses

TxDOT reports that suspected serious injury crashes in Texas the same year involved:

• 535 trucks
• 844 truck-tractors/semi-trailers
• 11 fire trucks
• 57 buses
• 31 school buses

Common Reasons for a Truck Wreck

Truck accidents are typically the result of negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or another party. It’s not uncommon for multiple parties to be held liable in a truck accident. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Texas include:

• Driver fatigue – Long hours on the road can lead to drowsiness, delayed reaction times, and poor decision-making. Despite federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations, some trucking companies push drivers to exceed legal driving limits, increasing the likelihood of fatigue-related crashes.
• Drunk or drugged driving – Some truck drivers use stimulants to stay awake, which can impair judgment and reaction time.
• Reckless driving – Sudden lane changes, tailgating, and aggressive driving can result in catastrophic accidents.
• Distracted driving – Mobile device use, eating, and adjusting in-cab controls increase accident risks.
• Speeding – Large trucks require more time to slow down, making high-speed crashes particularly dangerous.
• Improper cargo loading – Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can cause rollovers or sudden shifts in weight, leading to a loss of vehicle control. Real-world examples include crashes caused by overloaded trailers or improperly secured hazardous materials, which have resulted in severe injuries and roadway shutdowns.
• Poor road conditions – Potholes, construction zones, and narrow lanes make maneuvering difficult.
• Defective truck parts – Brake failures and tire blowouts are common causes of truck wrecks.
• Unfamiliarity with route and roads – Out-of-state truckers may struggle with local traffic patterns and road layouts.
• Trucking company negligence – Some companies cut corners on vehicle maintenance, fail to provide proper driver training, or pressure employees to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, increasing accident risks.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

While truck accidents are far less common than car accidents (roughly 500,000 vs. 6 million annually), truck accidents are usually much more devastating. This is due to several factors, including:

• Trucks are heavier. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Cars weigh an average of 4,000 pounds.
• It takes longer to stop a truck. Traveling at 55 mph, an average truck takes 512 feet to come to a complete stop. This may not be soon enough to avoid a deadly collision.
• Collisions may occur at higher speeds. About one-third of fatal truck crashes occurred on interstates and freeways.
• Head-on collisions are more likely with trucks, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The Lasting Impact of a Truck Accident

Survivors of truck accidents often face life-altering consequences that extend far beyond the initial crash. Many victims suffer from chronic pain, permanent disabilities, or mobility impairments that require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. The financial burden can be overwhelming, with mounting medical bills, lost wages due to an inability to work, and costly home modifications for those with severe injuries. Additionally, the emotional trauma of a truck accident can lead to anxiety, PTSD, and depression, impacting daily life and relationships. These long-term effects make seeking full and fair compensation essential for victims to regain stability and rebuild their lives.

Consult a Texas Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas truck accident, it is crucial to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Truck accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple liable parties such as trucking companies, manufacturers, and insurers. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence like black box data and driver logs, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve. Victims may be entitled to financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue compensation for funeral costs and loss of financial support. The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC is dedicated to helping truck accident victims navigate the legal process and fight for their rights. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Consult a Texas Truck Accident Attorney

Call the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Sources:

https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812891#:~:text=In%202018%20there%20were%204%2C951%20people%20killed%20and%20an%20estimated,reported%20traffic%20crashes%20during%202018.

https://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2019/28.pdf

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/safety/data-and-statistics/461861/ltcbf-2017-final-5-6-2019.pdf

https://www.thetruckersreport.com/facts-about-trucks/

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/long-stopping-distances

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...