In North Carolina in 2021, there were over 16,300 truck accidents, resulting in more than 3,800 injuries and over 150 fatalities. Many of these accidents could have been prevented.
Truck accident statistics
The number of motor vehicle accidents involving trucks resulting in a fatality has increased by 13% since 2020. Many commercial truck accidents are attributed to speeding or distracted driving, with over 30% occurring at nighttime, predominantly on weekends. Additionally, nearly 60% of commercial truck accidents occur on rural roads.
Semi truck-accidents
In addition to factors like distracted driving or speeding, semi-truck accidents frequently result from fatigue, disobeying traffic laws or other forms of negligence. Due to their size and weight, accidents involving semi-trucks typically cause greater damage than those involving passenger vehicles.
Semi-trucks have longer stopping distances, a higher center of gravity and larger blind spots and may carry unsecured or inadequate loads. Close to 50% of semi-truck accidents result in injuries, and collisions involving them often lead to fatalities or serious injuries with lengthy recovery processes.
18-wheeler accident
It’s estimated that every 16 minutes, one person is injured or killed by a truck, with 90,000 people injured annually by 18-wheelers. Victims of collisions with large trucks often face significant challenges, including hefty medical bills, mental anguish, lost wages and funeral costs for families. Additionally, they may experience economic and non-economic damages such as emotional trauma, loss of companionship and a reduced earning capacity.
The aftermath of a truck accident
Due to the potentially severe consequences of a trucking accident, victims must seek necessary assistance. This may involve understanding truck liability, where a driver could be liable for driving fatigued, distracted or under the influence of alcohol. The company employing the driver might also be liable for issues like inadequate vehicle maintenance or poor hiring practices. The more a truck accident victim understands truck accident liability, the better they can ensure fair compensation for their injuries.
