Newly released data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) show an increase in fatal accidents involving large trucks across the U.S.
Released in October 2019, the NHTSA’s 2018 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes analysis shows that while overall roadway deaths decreased by 2.4 percent in 2018, fatalities for large-truck occupants increased 0.9 percent. Large-truck occupants and pedestrians were the only groups that saw fatalities rise from 2017 to 2018; all other segments (passenger car occupants, SUV and van occupants, light truck occupants, and motorcyclists) saw a decline in fatal crashes.
Analyzing Truck Accident Fatalities
The NHTSA highlighted several data points in its newest report about fatal truck accidents:
- Nonoccupant deaths increased by 48, or 9.7 percent, from 2017 to 2018.
- Large-truck occupant deaths in single-vehicle crashes increased by 10, or 1.9 percent, from 2017 to 2018.
- Large-truck occupant deaths in multi-vehicle crashes decreased by 3, or 0.8 percent, from 2017 to 2018.
- Deaths of occupants in other vehicles involved in a truck crash decreased by 9, or 0.3 percent, from 2017 to 2018.
- This is the fourth straight yearly increase in fatalities in crashes involving large trucks.
- The number of fatal crashes involving large trucks rose 1.1 percent.
- Pedestrians killed in crashes involving large trucks rose 13 percent.
A Look at Truck Occupants vs. Nonoccupants
18-wheelers and other heavy trucks are more dangerous due to their sheer size and weight. Unfortunately, the statistics show just how much more deadly large trucks are for the occupants of other, smaller vehicles that get involved in crashes with these massive vehicles.
Of the 4,066 people killed in truck accidents in the U.S. in 2018, the NHTSA says:
- 3,525 of them were occupants of the other vehicle.
- 541 of the were occupants of large trucks.
In other words, 86.7 percent of people killed in truck wrecks in 2018 were occupants of other vehicles.
Families of People Killed in Truck Accidents May Be Entitled to Compensation
Ted B. Lyon & Associates is a Dallas law firm that focuses heavily on representing victims of truck accidents. We are very experienced in handling wrongful death lawsuits stemming from truck wrecks, and our lawyers understand what it takes to build a case. We also understand that no amount of compensation can bring your loved one back. But a successful lawsuit can help your family regain financial stability after the loss.
You can get a free, confidential consultation with one of our Dallas truck accident lawyers any time. We’ll evaluate the situation and tell you about all your legal options. Call us at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or contact us online.
Source:
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812826
