Everything is bigger in Texas, and the state’s vast network of highways and booming economy are no exceptions. However, this also means that countless Texans share the road with massive commercial trucks every day. This increases everyone’s risk of being involved in a Texas trucking accident.
In fact, Texas leads the nation in truck crashes, with record highs of 35,000 to 38,000 annually in recent years. In 2023 alone, there were over 600 fatalities.
A lot can go wrong when you’re traveling near these behemoths, especially if they’re carrying dangerous cargo. Understanding the realities of Texas trucking helps ensure you’re always prepared in the event of an accident.
With that in mind, here’s an overview of Texas truck accident statistics. Use this guide to explore the common causes of crashes and to understand how a Texas truck accident attorney can help if you’re involved in one.
How Many Trucks Are on the Road In Texas?
With over 185,000 truck drivers employed in the state, Texas sees a lot of commercial traffic. The state’s strategic location for trade and commerce means thousands of semitrucks and commercial motor vehicles travel its highways daily, transporting everything from agricultural products to manufactured goods.
The constant flow and high volume of heavy vehicles contribute to Texas’s infrastructure. However, they naturally increase the number of truck accidents, too.
Injuries In Semitruck Accidents
The size and weight of semitrucks make collisions especially dangerous. More often than not, the injuries people suffer are severe and life-altering, like:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures and amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Fatalities
Most require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and significant financial resources to treat. They can also take a massive emotional and psychological toll.
Sadly, many trucking accidents in Texas result in deaths. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) plays a huge role in regulating the trucking industry. Specifically, it works to reduce the number of fatal truck accidents by establishing requirements for driver qualifications, vehicles, maintenance, and hours of service.
Causes of Truck Accidents on Texas Roads
If you know anything about trucking, you might be surprised to hear about the frequency of truck accidents in Texas. After all, truckers are almost always trained and specially licensed to operate their vehicles. But some factors, like the following, can affect even the most seasoned professionals:
- Driver fatigue from long hours on the road, impairing judgment
- Distracted driving due to cell phone use, eating, or adjusting GPS
- Improper truck maintenance, leading to the mechanical failure of critical components
- Speeding or driving too fast for the road conditions
- Inclement weather, like heavy rain, fog, and high winds, which affect visibility and control
- Blind spots, which can be significant for large trucks and make it difficult to see vehicles in adjacent lanes
- Improper cargo loading, which can shift and upset the truck’s stability and increase the risk of rollovers
- Longer time to react to hazards than a normal passenger vehicle due to size and weight
Of course, a trucking accident can also happen for reasons totally unrelated to these.
High-Risk Areas for Truck Crashes In Texas
A truck accident can happen anywhere on the road, but certain areas are known for higher accident rates:
- Interstate Highways: Carry a high volume of truck traffic
- Congested Urban Areas: Examples include Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio
- Rural Roads: Often have narrow lanes and limited visibility
- Construction Zones: Can affect traffic patterns and road conditions
If you find yourself driving through any of these areas, exercise extra caution.
FAQ
How Likely Am I to Get Into an Accident With a Commercial Truck?
About 1 in 1,000 drivers in Texas will get into an accident with a semitruck, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.
How Many People in Texas Die in Truck Accidents?
Numbers vary by year, but the average is disturbingly high. Data from the FMCSA shows that there were 650 fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses in 2023.
How Do I Keep Myself Safe From Truck Accidents on the Road?
When driving near a semitruck, make sure to give it extra space to maneuver, especially when anticipating turns, and stay out of the vehicle’s blind spots. And when you have to pass a semi, do so quickly. Taking these steps can help prevent an accident, but it’s important to remember that a crash could still happen even if you do nothing wrong.
How a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help After an Accident
If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, seeking legal help from a semitruck accident lawyer is the next step to take. A Texas truck accident attorney can assist you by:
- Investigating the accident to determine the cause and identify liable parties
- Gathering evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and truck driver logs
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses
- Representing you in court if a settlement can’t be reached
- Helping you understand your rights and navigating the complex legal process
The right legal support helps your case move forward productively while you focus on your most important task: healing from what happened to you.
Don’t Navigate a Truck Accident Alone
In the aftermath of a serious truck accident, the path to recovery can seem very long and hard — maybe even out of reach. But you don’t have to go down that road alone. The compassionate Texas truck accident attorneys at Ramsey Law Group are just a phone call away. Contact us today for a free consultation to see what we can do for you.