Every year, thousands of people are killed or injured in truck accidents across the United States. Large, commercial trucks can be incredibly dangerous if not driven safely, due to their sheer size and weight. Unfortunately, many truck drivers and trucking companies alike fail to follow regulations set by bodies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), much to the detriment of other road users. A Cincinnati truck accident lawyer can help if you or a loved one were hurt in a preventable collision.
Both statewide and nationwide statistics shed light on this issue. Below are some of the most interesting facts and figures regarding truck accidents in Ohio and the United States in recent years.
Large Truck Injury Crash Statistics, 2001-2021
Over the past two decades, the landscape of trucking accidents across the United States, including Ohio, has seen fluctuating trends. According to data from the FMCSA, there has been a general increase in injury crashes involving large trucks or buses from 96,000 in 2001 to a peak of 127,000 in 2019:
- 2001: 96,000 crashes
- 2002: 102,000 crashes
- 2003: 97,000 crashes
- 2004: 95,000 crashes
- 2005: 89,000 crashes
- 2006: 87,000 crashes
- 2007: 82,000 crashes
- 2008: 74,000 crashes
- 2009: 60,000 crashes
- 2010: 67,000 crashes
- 2011: 73,000 crashes
- 2012: 85,000 crashes
- 2013: 86,000 crashes
- 2014: 93,000 crashes
- 2015: 97,000 crashes
- 2016: 112,000 crashes
- 2017: 116,000 crashes
- 2018: 121,000 crashes
- 2019: 127,000 crashes
- 2020: 107,000 crashes
- 2021: 119,000 crashes
The growth in reported injury crashes suggests an urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and training for commercial drivers. Technological advancements in vehicle safety features, such as automatic emergency braking or lane departure warnings, could play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of these dangerous collisions.
What Month Saw the Most Fatal Truck Crashes in 2021?
The prevalence of truck accidents also fluctuates from month to month in the United States. In 2021, September saw the highest number of fatal truck crashes with 515 collisions, according to data from the National Safety Council. In contrast, the lowest number of fatal truck accidents occurred in February with 289 accidents.
Below are the fatal truck accident figures for the other 10 months of the year:
- 331 fatal accidents occurred in January
- 342 fatal accidents occurred in March
- 432 fatal accidents occurred in April
- 430 fatal accidents occurred in May
- 462 fatal accidents occurred in June
- 470 fatal accidents occurred in July
- 493 fatal accidents occurred in August
- 488 fatal accidents occurred in October
- 446 fatal accidents occurred in November
- 451 fatal accidents occurred in December
Where Are Fatal Truck Crashes Most Likely to Occur?
The National Safety Council has also collected data regarding when and where fatal truck accidents are most likely to occur. Although these types of accidents can occur anywhere, at any time, these statistics can shed light on the potential risk factors that may lead to these collisions, such as lower visibility and traffic congestion. Cincinnati truck accident lawyer
Out of the fatal truck accidents that occurred across the United States in 2021:
- 54.53% of crashes occurred in urban areas, and 45.47% occurred in rural areas.
- 26.01% of these accidents occurred on interstates, while 73.99% did not occur on an interstate.
- 36.46% of fatal truck accidents occurred at night and 63.54% occurred in the daytime.
- Only 5.59% of fatal collisions occurred in a work zone, while 94.41% did not occur in a work zone.
How Ohio Compares to Other U.S. States in Terms of Fatal Truck Crashes
Ohio’s statistics on fatal truck accidents provide a sobering comparison with other states. With 191 fatal large truck accidents reported in 2021, Ohio stands as a significant contributor to the national total. In fact, the state had the fifth-highest number of fatal truck collisions in 2021, behind Texas with 715, California with 379, Florida with 340, and Georgia with 222.
In contrast, the states with the lowest number of fatal truck accidents, excluding Washington, D.C., were:
- Rhode Island with three fatal accidents
- New Hampshire with seven fatal accidents
- Hawaii with seven fatal accidents
- Vermont with eight fatal accidents
- Alaska with eight fatal collisions
It is unclear why truck accidents are so prevalent in Ohio. However, several factors may contribute to the higher incidence of truck accidents in the state. Ohio’s extensive network of major highways and its strategic location as a transportation hub in the Midwest make it a key route for commercial trucking, increasing the likelihood of truck-related accidents.
Additionally, the state experiences a wide range of weather conditions, including severe winters, which can exacerbate driving risks for all vehicles—especially large trucks. Furthermore, the density of urban areas along these key routes may also play a role, as increased traffic congestion and urban driving conditions pose additional challenges for truck drivers.
Single- v. Multi-Vehicle Fatal Truck Crash Stats in Ohio, 2021
A single-vehicle crash involves only one vehicle and typically occurs when a truck loses control and crashes independently without colliding with another vehicle. These incidents can result from factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical failures, or adverse road conditions. On the other hand, a multi-vehicle crash involves two or more vehicles and often occurs in high-traffic conditions. One vehicle’s actions can directly impact another, potentially leading to a chain reaction of collisions.
In 2021, Ohio reported a significant difference in the occurrence of single versus multi-vehicle fatal crashes involving large trucks. According to the FMCSA, only 35 single-vehicle fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred. In contrast, the state witnessed a much higher number of multi-vehicle fatal crashes, with 156 incidents reported.
After a Truck Accident, an Attorney Can Help
The aftermath of a large truck accident can be distressing. If you were involved in one of these collisions, you can suffer from serious injuries, extensive property damage, and lasting trauma that can linger for the rest of your life. It is important to know that you have options for justice and compensation.
In Ohio, victims of truck accidents have the right to file insurance claims or lawsuits against the people or entities that were responsible for their crash. A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of your accident and guide you through these complex processes, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
An attorney can meticulously investigate the accident, gathering critical evidence to build a compelling case. By leveraging their expertise, they can negotiate effectively with insurers and trucking company representatives, aiming to secure settlements that accurately reflect the extent of your damages.
To learn more about your legal options, schedule a free legal consultation and discover how an attorney can help forge your path to justice.