Texas is a large state, so there are thousands of miles of roads and highways within its borders. Many large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers move loads throughout the state without any problems. However, there are instances where trucks become involved in accidents. Commuters might worry about whether these instances are rising.
Large trucks and fatal crashes
Are fatal car accidents with large trucks on the rise in Texas? Based on recorded data, the answer is yes. Between 2019 and 2021, fatal collisions involving trucks increased by 19%. The 2020 death toll in Texas reflects the highest increase since 2020. Those numbers could subsequently increase in the coming years.
Several reasons contribute to why fatal truck accidents occur. Speeding and other reckless behaviors increased in 2020 when fewer drivers traveled the roads. Commercial and noncommercial drivers embraced bad habits and carried those dangerous behaviors into the years when commuters increased to their original levels.
Truck dangers
All motor vehicles could inflict fatal injuries in a collision, but the danger levels can be higher with a commercial truck. After all, tractor-trailers are massive vehicles that can inflict crushing damage on a smaller car. Truck accidents also present the risk of a multi-vehicle pile-up, leading to more potential victims. The more cars involved in a crash, the more people could get hurt.
A litigant could seek several losses when suing a truck driver or trucking company after an accident. Medical and rehabilitation-related costs certainly would fall under typical claims sought for compensation. Lost wages and any other financial troubles from the accident could be among the compensation claimed. A lawsuit or insurance claim may help victims recover their losses.
