North Carolina Truck Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

Vehicle collisions happen for a multitude of reasons. It is crucial to be aware of the risks that face you on the road and what to do if you find yourself in the aftermath of a crash. Each crash is unique, and a vehicle accident attorney with a wide knowledge of North Carolina truck accident statistics is vital to have on your side to assist you in navigating the complexities of a trucking accident.

Truck accidents, while less common than passenger vehicle crashes, are some of the most dangerous and deadly wrecks. These accidents are often caused by the careless behavior of the driver, errors in the truck itself, or safety violations committed by either the driver or the freight company. Identifying fault will play a huge role in the outcome of a personal injury case following a truck accident.

Types of Trucking Accidents

Trucks are a common sight on state roadways and are a vital part of our country’s economy. Because of their size, however, they pose a potential risk to other motorists. This is especially true if freight owners ignore necessary safety regulations, the driver is guilty of negligence, sleep-deprived, or using their cell phone, or if the vehicle itself is falling into disrepair.

All of these factors can lead to accidents which may involve:

• Jackknife Crashes: When a driver breaks too fast and too hard, a large truck can fold in on itself, creating a 90-degree angle between the cab and trailing. This can cause a back-up on the roadways, resulting in multi-car pile-ups and wrecks.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to the weight of large trucks, these accidents pose serious risks to property damage, can cause devastating injuries, and can even lead to death.
• Tire Blowouts: Tires can blow out, forcing the truck into a multitude of directions and posing a danger to any nearby vehicles. Though sometimes not the fault of the driver, it is their responsibility to make sure the tires are inspected for soundness.
• Rollovers: When a driver loses control of their truck, the vehicle can slide and roll over onto its side, often putting the vehicle in the path of oncoming motorists.
• Falling Freight: If not properly secured, a truck’s load can fall out, creating a scenario for extreme danger and possible multi-car collisions to take place.
• Blind Spots: Sometimes, the driver of a truck can’t see other vehicles. When changing lanes, the driver of the truck can pose a risk to other motorists who might find themselves being crushed, hit, or forced off the road.
• Head-On Collisions: Resulting in the most serious injuries and even death, these crashes are often the most catastrophic.
• T-Bone Accidents: Frequently occurring at intersections, this type of accident happens when a truck fails to stop when required and collides with the side of another passenger vehicle, creating a “T” shape. Depending on which side is struck, these can be especially catastrophic for either the driver or the passenger of the vehicle.

Why Is an Accident with an 18-Wheeler So Dangerous?

Wrecks that involve 18-wheeler trucks often result in a higher chance of severe injuries or even death due to an array of factors.

An 18-wheeler truck is the heaviest vehicle on the roadways when carrying a full load. Due to its size and weight, it takes longer to stop when breaking, resulting in a higher chance of rear or head-on collisions and jackknife crashes. Devastating injury, property damage, and even loss of life can occur following an 18-wheeler’s extreme weight hitting another motorist.

When compared to other automobiles, 18-wheeler trucks have significantly more–and larger–blind spots. So much so that these blind spots have garnered their own name: “No Man’s Land.” Because of this, it is difficult for drivers to see other vehicles beside them when changing lanes.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Truck Accident Rate in North Carolina?

A: The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 42,915 people died in motor crashes in 2021, a 10.5% increase from the previous year. 13% of that number involved at least one large truck. In North Carolina alone, there were 3,567 accidents involving semi trucks and trailers. Nearly a third of these accidents resulted in injury, and 21 of them resulted in a fatality.

Q: What State Has the Most 18-Wheeler Accidents?

A: Texas consistently leads as the state with the highest number of 18-wheeler accidents and the highest rate of truck accident fatalities. One of the many factors contributing to this is the fact that Texas is home to large gas and oil industries. Trucks constantly move in and out with cargo from drilling sites, placing more on the roadways and increasing the chances of devastating and fatal collisions.

Q: How Many Trucking Accidents Happen Each Year?

A: It is estimated that around 168,000 trucking accidents take place each year. There are several potential causes of this immense number of accidents. Sleep-deprived drivers, lack of necessary technology, and safety violations all play roles in trucking accidents. Nationwide, there has been a driver shortage, placing more pressure and work on existing drivers and equipment.

Q: What Is the Number One Cause of Truck Accidents?

A: It is difficult to determine the number one cause of truck accidents. Often, there are several issues that could have caused the accident, and it can be difficult to determine exactly why it occurred. Potential causes for truck accidents include driver fatigue, trucks falling into disrepair, negligence on either the driver’s part or the freighting company, poor road conditions, and improper cargo loading.

A Trusted North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Help

The Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A. have over 40 years of legal experience and have built a legacy of advocating for their clients in personal injury cases in the state of North Carolina. A truck accident attorney can help protect your rights and help navigate the complexities of your claim by conducting an investigation into the crash, identifying responsible parties, gathering necessary evidence, and negotiating on your behalf.

If you or someone you love has been injured or even killed in a trucking accident, it is recommended that you contact a trusted North Carolina truck accident lawyer.