The Growing Number of Commercial Trucks

A drive around the Dallas-Fort Worth area will quickly tell you that large trucks are everywhere. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of commercial vehicles on the highways, interstates, and city streets. Trucking remains the number one industry [1] in America. Although the trucking industry has faced a shortage of qualified drivers in recent years, it is still among the fastest-growing occupations in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 7.4 million Americans have jobs within the commercial trucking industry, and being a truck driver is the most common job in 29 of the 50 states. With the above in mind, it should be no surprise that large truck accidents are also on the rise. According to a recent study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatal truck accidents increased between 2016 and 2018. During this time period, fatal large truck accidents [2] rose by 5.7 percent. And while there was a 2.4 percent decrease in fatal crashes for all drivers, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed this was not the case for commercial truck accidents.

 

Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers

In today’s article, we will take a closer look at why the number of commercial truck accidents is steadily rising, especially here in Texas. There is no question that the trucking industry plays a vital role in the American economy, but why does it also pose such a danger? If you were involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle and suffered significant injuries or lost a loved one, Shamieh Law can help. Our experienced Dallas large truck accident lawyers have represented countless victims of these types of accidents and are prepared to take on your case today. We know how intimidating it can seem to take on a big trucking company, but our lawyers won’t back down. Contact our Dallas law office today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Are There More Trucks on the Roads?  

It’s a known fact that there are more trucks on the roads throughout America than ever before. There are more commercial vehicles, but the highway infrastructure in America is in dire need of upgrading, to put it mildly. The aging highway system, combined with the heavy traffic, makes accidents inevitable. As mentioned earlier, the trucking industry is incredibly vital to our economy and growth here in the U.S., especially since COVID-19. While the shipping volume decreased thanks to falling demand and reduced revenue streams in 2019, 2020 has painted a different picture. Here are a few statistics that show the current state of the trucking industry:

• 5.8 percent of jobs in the U.S. are related to the trucking industry [3].
• Walmart is the leading employer of truckers with 8,600.
• Commercial trucks carried 10.8 billion tons of goods across the nation in 2019.
• Seventy percent of goods transported in the U.S. are done so by truck.
• The trucking industry is one of the most diverse in the country, with 40 percent of trucking jobs held by minorities.
• Trucking is a good way to make a living in the U.S., with an average annual income of $54,000 for for-hire drivers and fleet drivers making over $70,000 on average.
• There are over 500,000 trucking companies in the U.S. alone [4].

Shortage of Truck Drivers

There is a growing demand for experienced, licensed, and properly trained truck drivers in the United States right now. To protect other motorists and decrease the number of trucking accidents, the trucking industry must address the shortage of good truck drivers. According to industry experts, approximately 900,000 truck drivers are needed immediately to meet the industry’s demands. However, trucking companies often cut corners and hire drivers with inadequate experience and training. These practices are dangerous and are some of the reasons we are seeing so many accidents involving 18-wheelers. Combined with distractions like texting and driving and strict deadlines that cause truckers to push their limits and drive while tired, our highways have become deadly.

Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents

We know why there are more trucks on the roads, so now it’s time to talk about why large truck accidents happen: 

• Texting while driving
• Driver fatigue/lack of sleep
• Poorly loaded trucks
• Improperly secured loads
• Poor road conditions
• Poor maintenance
• Inclement weather
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Road rage
• Distracted driving

If you witness an 18-wheeler accident in Dallas or are involved in a crash with a negligent truck driver, contact Shamieh Law today. These types of accidents can be devastating and lead to catastrophic injuries. We are here to help you recover damages and ensure those responsible for the accident are held accountable. 

Shocking Statistics About Commercial Truck Accidents

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks were involved in 37,515 interstate accidents in 2018. This number is nearly 2,000 more accidents than the previous year. Of these crashes, 1,052 were serious, and 556 were fatal, resulting in 611 deaths and 1,329 injuries. In the Lone Star State, big rigs or 18-wheelers were the most common commercial trucks involved in accidents with other vehicles. Let’s now look at a few additional statistics about commercial truck accidents:

• Texas is home to 13 of 100 worst “truck bottlenecks” in the country. Nine of these poorly designed areas are in the Houston Metro area, and Dallas is home to two.
• Dallas and Harris counties each saw 29 fatal commercial truck accidents in 2018.
• Texas leads the nation with fatal truck accidents.
• Seventy-four percent of fatalities in truck crashes involved tractor-trailers, and 27 percent involved single-unit trucks.

If you were involved in a large truck accident in Dallas, don’t hesitate to contact Shamieh Law. We understand what you are going through and will do everything we can to fight for your rights. These types of accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, or worse. Our experienced Dallas truck accident lawyers are here to answer your questions, represent you, and take on your case with the utmost care and attention. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.