Commercial trucking plays a vital role in Texas’s economy, supporting industries such as energy, agriculture, retail, and construction. However, with the state’s extensive highway network and significant trucking activity, Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of truck accidents in the country. These accidents lead to numerous catastrophic injuries and fatalities year after year.
High Trucking Accident Frequency in Texas
Texas consistently leads the nation in trucking accidents, and the numbers reflect a substantial portion of all crashes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) across the United States. According to recent Texas truck accident statistics, the state reported 38,909 truck accidents in a year. This figure represents approximately 25.7% of all truck crashes reported nationwide during the same period.
The state’s massive roadway infrastructure, including heavily trafficked interstates such as I-10, I-35, I-45, and I-20, facilitates high volumes of commercial trucking traffic. Texas’s vast geography, covering rural areas, industrial hubs, and border crossings, also creates unique risk factors that make it more prone to CMV accidents compared to many other states.
Counties with High Truck Accident Rates in Texas
Although trucking accidents occur across Texas, some counties consistently experience higher crash volumes than others.
Harris County
Harris County, home to Houston, consistently ranks as the most affected area for truck accidents. In the referenced year, Harris County recorded 6,113 CMV-related crashes. The region’s dense population, high-speed roadways, and major shipping and freight centers contribute to its elevated accident rate. High traffic volumes from both commercial vehicles and everyday drivers create complex driving conditions.
Dallas County
Dallas County also ranks among the highest in Texas for trucking accidents. In the same year, it experienced 3,871 truck crashes. As a significant business hub with major distribution centers, Dallas sees an influx of commercial vehicles daily. The country’s complex highway network, including busy interchanges and merging lanes, increases the likelihood of truck-related accidents.
Bexar County
Bexar County, encompassing San Antonio, ranks third in the state for truck accidents, with 2,460 crashes recorded during the year. This county serves as a key corridor for freight moving between central Texas and the Mexico border. The mixture of urban driving conditions and highway travel can create hazardous situations.
Tarrant County
Tarrant County, which includes Fort Worth, reported 1,866 truck accidents during the same period. Like Dallas, Tarrant County’s proximity to major logistics hubs and highways makes it a hotspot for commercial vehicle crashes. The area’s rapid growth and infrastructure development further contribute to elevated risks on the roadways.
El Paso County
El Paso County rounds out the top five counties with the highest truck accident totals, recording 1,013 incidents near the Texas-Mexico border. The region’s unique position as a cross-border trade hub means constant movement of freight vehicles. Its mix of urban traffic patterns and high-speed roads increases the likelihood of serious trucking accidents.
Fatalities Resulting from Trucking Accidents in Texas
While many truck accidents involve injuries, a significant number of these incidents result in fatalities. In the same reporting year, Texas documented 549 fatal truck accidents, which led to a total of 620 deaths statewide. Records reveal not only some of the worst car accidents in Texas history but also many truck accidents that rank among the worst crashes.
Although fatal crashes represent a small percentage of total incidents (approximately 1.41% of all Texas truck accidents), they tend to have devastating consequences due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Common truck crashes in Texas involve rollovers, jackknife incidents, underride collisions, or high-speed highway accidents.
Serious Injuries from Texas Trucking Accidents
Beyond fatalities, Texas also sees a notable number of truck accidents resulting in serious injuries. The state reported 1,350 accidents that were suspected to involve serious injuries, which collectively caused 1,687 suspected serious injuries during the year.
These serious injury crashes represent approximately 3.47% of all truck accidents statewide. Common injuries in such accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal organ damage, and severe burns. Victims may face long recovery periods, permanent disabilities, or life-altering complications.
Legal Help is Here from Proven Texas Truck Accident Lawyers
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we understand the complex legal and insurance issues that arise in serious trucking accidents. Our experienced Texas truck accident attorneys have the skills, experience, and resources to take on powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers and fight for maximum compensation. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
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