Data Insights into Virginia Truck Accident Trends

Many commercial trucks transport goods along the highways and roads of Virginia due to the state’s strategic location and robust economic activity. However, commerce can quickly turn into a catastrophe when these massive trucks are involved in car wrecks.

As injury attorneys headquartered in Hampton, Virginia, we’ve witnessed firsthand the aftermath of commercial truck collisions and how they harm individuals and families. This article explores relevant Virginia commercial truck accident statistics in hopes of enhancing road safety in this state and beyond.

The immensity of commercial trucks makes them a major road hazard. As experienced truck accident attorneys, we recognize the devastating effects of these crashes. That’s why our team is dedicated to securing the rightful compensation for victims.

Reach out to our team at (757) 244-7000 for a free consultation. We’ll assess your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process. Your well-being matters, and we’re committed to helping you seek justice.

Continue reading to learn more about Virginia’s commercial truck accident landscape, and let these statistics serve as reminders of vigilance on the road and safe driving practices. 

How Many Truck Accidents Per Year in Virginia?

Here are important Virginia truck accident statistics from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:

• In 2022, Virginia recorded 2,981 large truck crashes, which accounted for 2.4% of all traffic collisions.
• Among these accidents, 60 were fatal, while 844 produced injuries.
• 2,077 large truck crashes resulted in property damage.
• In 45.6% of these accidents, the driver did not commit any violations, and in 97.6% of these crashes, the commercial truck driver was sober. Other external factors contributing to crashes may involve mechanical failures or dangerous roads.

How Many Semi-Truck Accidents Per Year in the U.S. Are Fatal?

Truck accidents pose not only a safety concern in Virginia but across the entire United States.

In 2022, there were 5,936 fatalities resulting from large-truck crashes in the United States. This number represents a 2% increase from the previous year and a significant 49% increase over the past decade.

Here is a breakdown of those fatalities by category:

• Occupants of Other Vehicles: Approximately 70% of the deaths in large-truck crashes were occupants of other vehicles sharing the road with these trucks.
• Truck Occupants: 19% of the fatalities were truck occupants themselves.
• Non-Occupants: This category includes pedestrians and bicyclists, accounting for 11% of the total fatalities.

We examine Virginia commercial truck accident statistics and national trends to gain deeper insights into truck accident issues. Studying this data is crucial to enhancing road safety and awareness, ultimately reducing these tragic accidents.

The frequency of truck accidents, the known dangers that should be avoided, and the long-lasting effects of catastrophic injuries are all data points that an attorney may use to maximize compensation in a lawsuit.

Contact The Smith Law Center at (757) 244-7000 for a free, personalized consultation if you were involved in a Virginia truck accident.

How Many Accidents Are Caused by Semi-Trucks?

According to a report by the American Trucking Association (ATA), car drivers are more often at fault than truck drivers in crashes. The ATA analyzed crash data from various sources, including the University of Michigan, the National Highway Safety Administration, and AAA. Yet, this disparity may be due to the additional defensive driving training that professional drivers must undertake. 

However, when commercial truck drivers become involved in collisions, it is often the other motorists who are killed. Additionally, professional drivers are under higher strain than normal commuters, typically driving for long hours with stress-inducing deadlines to meet.

Contributing Elements to Truck Accidents in Virginia

Semi-truck drivers may be more prone to dangerous conditions like:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, impairing a truck driver’s alertness and reaction time. Driver fatigue contributes significantly to accidents involving semi-trucks.
• Speeding to Make Delivery Schedule: Excessive speed is dangerous for any vehicle, but it’s especially critical for semi-trucks due to their size and weight. Speeding to meet unreasonable service hour scheduling reduces a truck driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
• Faulty Vehicles: While fleet trucks must be regularly maintained, they are also pushed harder than average vehicles, leading to mechanical failures, brake issues, and tire blowouts. Other vehicle malfunctions can be caused by uneven cargo loaded onto freight vehicles by under-trained warehouse workers. Shifting loads during transit can lead to rollovers or loss of control.

Remember that both semi-truck drivers and other motorists share responsibility for safe driving. Awareness, adherence to traffic rules, and mutual respect on the road are essential to preventing accidents involving semi-trucks.

Contact an Experienced Virginia Truck Accident Injury Attorney

Virginia, like many states, grapples with truck accidents. These incidents can cause life-altering injuries, death, and significant property damage. As legal professionals, we are passionate about staying up-to-date on the latest statistics to better serve our clients.

The severity of injuries in truck accidents often surpasses those in regular car collisions due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Your injury compensation in a truck accident case should reflect that difference. Our attorneys utilize statistics like those listed above to negotiate the appropriate amount of compensation for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Virginia, we encourage you to contact an attorney promptly. There are time limits to bringing truck accident injury claims. Therefore, any delay could mean losing your opportunity to obtain compensation. 

Why Hire The Smith Law Center

The experienced lawyers at The Smith Law Center have secured over $1 billion across various personal injury claims, including truck accidents. One of these successes includes a landmark award of $10 million to a woman who suffered a severe head injury in a truck collision.  

Reach out today by calling (757) 244-7000 for a free consultation, and let us support you during this challenging time.

Proudly Representing Virginia Residents