United States Commercial Trucking Accident Statistics

The United States economy depends on trucking to move its freight around. In fact, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), trucks moved 72.7% of all domestic freight tonnage in the U.S. in 2024. Trucking as an industry is not only foundational to American capitalism; it also provides roughly 8.4 million well-paying jobs to American men and women every year.

However, 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks can pose a danger to everyone else on our highways and byways. Because of a truck’s much greater size and weight—tractor-trailers can weigh up to 30 times more than passenger vehicles—it takes them longer to stop and maneuver, which can lead to accidents.

If you or someone you know was involved in a commercial truck accident in Louisiana, it’s best to consult a Louisiana truck accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help make sure you’re aware of all of your legal options.

American Truck Accidents: How Many Semi Truck Accidents Per Year?

According to commercial truck accident statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), early estimates for 2024 and 2025 show a gradual decline in overall roadway fatalities, yet truck-involved crashes remain a significant portion of fatal incidents. For the first half of 2025, fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck decreased by 9% compared to the same period in 2024, following a broader trend of improved safety technology.

Why Trucking Accidents Are a Serious Issue: Truck Driver Deaths

Current data shows that the vast majority of those killed in these collisions are not the truck drivers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2023-2024, 65% of people killed in large truck crashes were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, while only 16% were occupants of the trucks themselves.

Key Statistics:

• Injuries: An estimated 160,000+ people were injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2024 (Source: FMCSA Crash Statistics).
• Weight Class: Heavy trucks (GVWR > 26,000 lbs) account for the vast majority of fatal involvements.
• Regulation: The FMCSA has moved forward with mandates for Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) to further reduce high-impact collisions.

If you or someone you know was involved in a commercial truck accident in Louisiana, it’s best to consult a Louisiana personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Truck Accident Facts: What Causes Big Truck Wrecks?

Every truck wreck is unique, with varying causes and outcomes. However, according to semi-truck accident statistics, certain common factors often emerge in these incidents. These factors contribute to a better understanding of the patterns associated with truck accidents.

MOST CRASHES INVOLVING LARGE TRUCKS ARE CAUSED BY COMMON FACTORS LIKE:

• Tire defects cause 32% of all truck accidents, according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study. Tractor trailers have eighteen tires, or fourteen more opportunities for a blow-out, than most passenger cars, which typically have four. The increased number of wheels also significantly increases the maintenance burden on truck owners and operators. All of these factors combine to create a major risk on the highway.
• Studies show that aggressive driving is responsible for a concerning 7% of all truck accidents in 2023. Because trucks take longer to speed up, slow down, and maneuver, they can aggravate some drivers, leading to aggressive and dangerous driving and potentially a wreck.
• Another main cause of truck accidents every year is sleep deprivation. Truckers work under tight deadlines requiring long hours behind the wheel, and while there are strict regulations on driving and resting time, fatigue is still a major factor in about 110,000 truck accidents a year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Even though big rigs are extremely dangerous in a collision with a passenger car, the fact is that car drivers are responsible for a significant 70% of truck accidents, according to data from the Large Truck Crash Causation Study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Often, car drivers overestimate the truck driver’s abilities to maneuver around their actions, resulting in a collision.

Analyzing these tractor-trailer accident statistics can help identify potential areas for improvement in road safety and accident prevention measures.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Common Times and Locales

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that serious vehicle crashes — including those involving large trucks — continue to cause significant injuries and fatalities each year, despite some recent safety improvements.

Key statistics include:

• 17,140 traffic fatalities occurred in the first half of 2025, an 8.2% decrease from 2024
• Large-truck-related fatalities decreased by 9%
• Nighttime crash fatalities decreased by 10%
• Single-vehicle crash fatalities decreased by 11%
• Speeding-related fatalities decreased by 9%

Many of these victims are drivers of smaller vehicles who may benefit from speaking with a Louisiana car accident lawyer after a crash involving a commercial truck.

What Should I Do If I’m in a Truck Accident?

We at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have developed some tips for what you should do after being involved in an 18-wheeler crash. Immediately pull over to a safe location and call 911, if you can. The first responders on the scene will be able to address your injuries and your passengers, and the police report can serve as an official record of what happened.

After the accident, you should report it to your insurance, but don’t accept their initial offer. Because insurance companies are for-profit businesses, they will attempt to resolve your case as quickly and as cheaply as possible. However, their first offer will likely be nowhere near enough to pay for all of your damages and injuries.

Instead, reach out to our big rig accident attorneys at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for a FREE legal consultation. A dedicated truck accident lawyer will listen to your situation and advise on what compensation you can expect. We’ll help you file paperwork and motions, find evidence, talk to witnesses, and even take your case to court. We won’t charge you a dime until we win or settle your case. Call us today and Get It Done!