In a large state like Texas, with plenty of metropolitan areas, our readers see large trucks of all kinds on the roadways on a daily basis. While there is no doubt that semi-trucks and other large trucks, and their drivers, are making crucial contributions to our economy and the availability of goods and services, the reality is that the threat presented by large trucks on the roads can be serious.
Large truck statistics
The National Safety Council keeps statistics on motor vehicle accidents in America, and the statistics regarding crashes involving large trucks are grim. For example, in one recent year alone – 2022 – over 5,800 large trucks were involved in motor vehicle accidents that caused a fatality. That number represented what may seem like a relatively minor 1.8% increase over the number from the previous year, 2021, but consider this: it represented a whopping 49% increase over the previous 10-year period of time.
While there are millions of large trucks and truck drivers crisscrossing our nation’s roads every day with no problems, unfortunately there will always be some that are either involved in crashes or that are the direct cause of crashes. Drowsy driving, distracted driving and even drunk driving are behaviors that are not limited to the realm of drivers of passenger vehicles. And, when you combine these potentially negligent and reckless acts with huge vehicles that weigh considerably more than passenger vehicles, the results can obviously be deadly.
If you have been injured in a crash that was caused by a large truck, be sure to have your potential legal claim carefully evaluated. You may be able to attempt to secure financial compensation to cover your medical expenses and other costs associated with the crash.
