Commercial vehicle statistics show that accidents involving tractor-trailers are responsible for close to one in nine highway deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Other serious personal injuries that are common in trucking accidents include spinal injuries resulting in quadriplegia and paraplegia, loss of limbs, serious fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) releases data regarding trucking accident injuries and deaths. This information is then published by many organizations for the public. The number of truck accidents and, more so, the alarming number of truck accident injuries and fatalities annually is shocking — especially when these accidents could so easily be prevented. Many common causes of truck accidents involve operator error, which could be avoided by more stringent hiring and training practices by commercial trucking companies.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you understand the monumental devastation that these accidents cause — physically, emotionally and financially. Fortunately, the attorneys of The Law Office of Dakota Low are zealous advocates for victims of truck accidents in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and all other Oklahoma areas. If you would like to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, please call 405.601.8899 to talk to one of our lawyers.
Commercial Vehicle Statistics: Truck Accident Injuries & Fatalities
In an average year, there are approximately 4,229 fatalities in the United States involving commercial trucks or semi-trucks. There are more than 70,000 injuries from truck accidents, many of which were life-changing, permanent injuries such as brain injury, spine injury, paralysis and coma.
The commercial vehicle statistics in Oklahoma are also eye-opening. In an average year, there are approximately 2,000 accidents involving large trucks or 18-wheelers. Of these crashes, approximately 115 deaths occurred and over 1,300 individuals were injured as a result of
truck accidents. Additionally, more than 800 large trucks were involved in tow-away crashes.
Commercial vehicle statistics from recent years also show that truck accidents are more likely to occur in rural areas (68 percent) than in urban regions (32 percent). Seventy-eight percent of all fatal truck accidents occur on the weekends.
Truck driver fatigue has been found to be the most common cause of trucking accidents in which the truck driver is at fault. In fact, commercial vehicle statistics show that over 30 percent of all truck accidents caused due to truckers driving not getting the required amount of sleep. Unfortunately, driver fatigue is often the result of stringent driver mile or trip requirements by large trucking companies focused on increasing driver miles and, in turn, profits at the expense of the safety and well-being of the general public.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
A trucking accident can occur for a variety of reasons. However, from the commercial vehicle statistics the most common causes of truck accidents involve one or more of the following issues:
- Unqualified truck drivers
- Poorly trained truck drivers
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Prescription drug use
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Brake failure or other mechanical failure
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Inspection failure
- Repair and maintenance failure
- Overloaded trucks and trailers
- Inattention or carelessness
- Improperly loaded trailers or loads
- Tires not inspected or faulty
- Inadequate surveillance
- Illegal turns or safety violations
- Driving inattentively
- Merging improperly into traffic
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
- Failure to slow down in a construction zone
- Following too closely
- Failure to slow down in inclement weather
- Changing lanes abruptly
For More Information About Truck Accidents
With knowledge, skill and success on our side, our attorneys will get you and your family the compensation you deserve to pay for the costs of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, life-care costs, lost or potential wages, and other damages resulting from a trucking accident.
Serving Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and all surrounding areas, our experienced attorneys offer free case evaluations to those injured in truck accidents. Victims of truck or semi-truck accidents are encouraged to call 405.601.8899 or use our contact form. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you get the money you deserve.
Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys
While you might expect professional drivers to exercise a high level of caution and awareness, sometimes their negligence causes serious vehicle accidents. At The Law Office of Dakota C. Low, we represent people who have been severely hurt or lost someone they love in accidents involving commercial vehicles.
Please contact us for a free consultation if you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving:
- Big rigs and 18-wheelers
- Delivery trucks
- Mail or other parcel trucks
- Government vehicles, including maintenance trucks and buses
- Trains
- Taxis
Knowledgeable, Reputable Lawyers on Your Side
After a commercial vehicle accident, the driver’s employer, insurance company and attorneys will do everything possible to discredit your case and avoid paying what you deserve. It is essential that you level the playing field as much as possible by retaining a skilled attorney to represent your interests.
We care about our clients as much as the opposition cares about its pocketbook. We know that deciding to bring legal action is an investment of your time, energy and good faith. You deserve a law firm that will invest in you as well.
Because we select only a limited number of cases, we are able to invest our time, experience and substantial resources in our clients. We engage compelling expert witnesses, experienced investigators and dedicated health care professionals to help you get the best possible result in your case and the rest of your life.
Contact Dakota Low Today
Our commercial vehicle and Truck accident lawyers serve Oklahoma City and the rest of the state of Oklahoma. If you want to ensure you receive the maximum compensation from your truck or commercial vehicle accident, be sure you are represented by Dakota Low. Contact Dakota Low today for a free case review and consultation at 405.601.8899 or use our contact form.
