Eighteen Wheeler Truck Accident Statistics
By: Robert F. Goings
In 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its 2012 Annual Report which includes data regarding the number of people injured or killed in accidents involving large trucks. The NHTSA defines large trucks as vehicles with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds. These large trucks are also called semi trucks, 18-wheelers, or tractor trailers.
According to the report, there were 3,921 people killed and 104,000 people injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2012. The report found that 317,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes during 2012. Large trucks were more likely to be involved in a fatal multiple-vehicle crash as opposed to a fatal single-vehicle crash than were passenger vehicles. In South Carolina, 79 of the 1,163 total vehicles involved in fatal crashes involved large trucks. A fatality may result in a wrongful death action.
Fatalities in crashes involving large trucks showed a 4 % increase from 3,781 in 2011 to 3,921 in 2012. Of these fatalities in 2012, 73 percent were occupants of other vehicles, 10 percent were nonoccupants, and 18 percent were occupants of large trucks.
Of these people injured in 2012, 73 percent were occupants of other vehicles, 3 percent were nonoccupants, and 24 percent were occupants of large trucks. The 2012 percentages show non-significant change in injuries when compared to 2011.
To view the NHTSA’s 2012 Traffic Safety Facts for Large Trucks published on January, 2014, click below:
2012 Traffic Safety Facts for Large Trucks (NHTSA)
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Columbia
With so many deaths and injuries occurring each year from trucking accidents, it’s important to understand your rights as a motorist. If you or a loved one has been involved in an truck or eighteen wheeler accident in Columbia, or anywhere in South Carolina, and you believe the truck driver or company is at fault, you may have important legal rights. You shouldn’t have to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage due to someone else’s fault. You may also recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and future medical expenses that you may incur.
Contact the Goings Law Firm, LLC and we will investigate your accident, file a claim on your behalf, and work hard so you get the compensation that you deserve. Call (803) 350-9230 for your free consultation.
