What Are the Most Common Types of Semi Truck Crashes in Texas?

While the number of semi-trucks traversing Texas’ roads daily is a good sign of a busy economy and a solid infrastructure, it also means that we see a lot of semi-truck crashes—and truck accidents, unfortunately, are often very serious.

Weighing in at 80,000 total pounds, the damage a semi-truck can do in a split second dwarfs the damage even the largest passenger vehicles can do. As a result, these accidents regularly lead to costly medical bills, time away from work, upended lives, and even death.

The good news for truck accident victims is that you may be able to seek compensation for your damages. This starts with a thorough investigation examining how the accident occurred, whether caused by a distracted truck driver, a negligent trucking company, or an irresponsible parts manufacturer. Then, the hard work of fighting for what you deserve begins as the insurance companies are sure to draw out your claim.

That’s where Patrick Daniel Law comes in. We are passionate advocates for injured truck accident victims, and we’re here to help you pursue the justice you deserve. Our approach is always Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. because that’s what it takes to go up against large insurance companies and win.

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck crash, it’s time to contact the Houston truck accident lawyer at Patrick Daniel Law. Call (713) 999-6666 today to schedule a FREE consultation. We represent clients in Houston and throughout Texas.

How Often Do Semi-Trucks Crash?

In the U.S., there are about 168,000 truck accidents per year or 460 accidents daily. Texas alone has roughly 20,000 semi-truck crashes per year or 55 per day. Nationally, these accidents result in tens of thousands of injuries and more than 5,000 deaths per year, or about 12.5% of total auto accident fatalities in the U.S.

Most fatalities caused by truck accidents—over 70%—are occupants of other vehicles, while 17% are truck drivers. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, most of the damage is usually done to other vehicles and their occupants.

What Causes Most Semi-Truck Crashes?

According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), nearly 75% of truck accidents involve a collision with another vehicle. The reasons for these collisions vary, though the vast majority are caused by driver error, according to a study by the FMCSA. In fact, 87% of semi-truck crashes are attributed to driver error, and these errors are sorted into four categories:

• Decision (38%): This includes speeding, tailgating, and other reckless driving behaviors
• Recognition (28%): This includes distracted driving and a general lack of awareness
• Non-Performance (12%): This can include falling asleep or suffering a medical emergency at the wheel
• Performance (9%): This includes poor control over one’s vehicle

The other two causes identified beyond driver error are vehicle problems, such as malfunctions, which account for 10% of truck crashes, and the environment, such as snow, which accounts for just 3%.

Which State Has the Most Semi-Truck Accidents?

Texas accounts for more semi-truck crashes than any other state, along with more injuries and fatalities. According to the NHTSA, there were 810 total fatalities in Texas traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2022 alone, almost twice as many asin any other state.

The second highest was California, with 436 fatalities. While California has a greater population than Texas, Texas’ vast network of highways, extensive infrastructure, and robust economy—particularly in the oil and gas industry—result in greater semi-truck traffic and, unfortunately, more frequent accidents.

The next-highest states were:

• Florida: 368
• Georgia: 265
• Illinois: 218
• Ohio: 213

How To Avoid A Semi-Truck Crash

Avoiding accidents with semi-trucks primarily comes down to understanding a few critical things about what it is like to operate these vehicles and how to adjust your driving accordingly. Here are some top tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid blind spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots—also called “No Zones”— around their vehicles. If you aren’t sure if the truck driver can see you, ask yourself if you can see them or their side mirrors. If not, assume they cannot see you, either.
• Never tailgate: If you are unable to stop as quickly as a large truck in front of you, your vehicle can slide up underneath theirs, which can easily result in a deadly accident.
• Pass quickly (and safely): Because of an 18-wheeler’s blind spots, it’s important not to stay beside them too long. Pass them on the left as quickly as possible—without breaking the speed limit—and then make sure there is plenty of space between you and the truck before returning to the right lane.
• Expect wide turns: Always allow trucks plenty of space to navigate turns. Impatiently trying to pass or maneuver around a truck at an intersection can create hazardous situations. Patience and caution can help prevent accidents.

Of course, general road safety recommendations also hold true: don’t drive distracted, tired, or intoxicated; don’t drive aggressively or recklessly; and follow all the rules of the road, including wearing a seatbelt.

Staying committed to safe behavior, especially considering the additional danger when navigating around semi-trucks, is ultimately the best way to arrive at your destination safely.

What To Do After A Semi-Truck Accident

If you do find yourself involved in a truck accident, there are a few key things you should do, if you are able:

• Call 911: Always report the accident to the police. If it is serious, resulting in significant damages and/or injuries, the police will arrive at the scene and complete a report.
• Get medical attention: Once the police are on their way, the most important thing to turn your attention to is your body. Do you have any injuries? Does anything hurt? If so, make sure you receive medical attention as soon as possible.
• Exchange information with the driver: Make sure you get their full name, insurance information, employer name and contact information, truck and trailer license plate number, and phone number.
• Document the scene: If you can, take photos of the scene to document the accident, road conditions, damage done to the vehicles, and whatever else you see. This will help establish the facts of the accident.
• Interview witnesses: If there are other drivers or bystanders who saw the accident, ask them for a statement and collect their contact information so you can reach out to them later.
• Call a lawyer: Truck accident claims are often complicated. Even if the cause of the accident seems obvious, it’s important to understand you will likely be up against insurance companies with deep pockets. They will do whatever they can to pay you as little compensation as possible. Hiring a lawyer early on can help even the playing field.

If you cannot complete all of these steps, that’s okay—we can help fill in the blanks by gathering evidence, tracking down witnesses, investigating the truck driver and trucking company, and more.

The most important thing you can do is get the medical treatment you need. The second most important is calling Patrick Daniel Law.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law Today!

At Patrick Daniel Law, we understand just how traumatic semi-truck crashes can be and how difficult it can be to navigate the financial, medical, and legal matters that accompany them. We strongly believe that those who cause devastating accidents should be held responsible for them and liable for the damages they cause.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, contact Patrick Daniel Law today to schedule your FREE consultation. We will make sure that your rights are protected and mercilessly pursue the compensation you need to move forward.