Trucking Accident Statistics
At Foley Law Firm in Scranton, PA, we are very familiar with the devastating effects of accidents involving heavy commercial trucks. A look at trucking accident statistics provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PDOT) reveals the toll these types of accidents take each year.
Our firm represents victims of truck accidents -- people and families who have been devastated by catastrophic injuries and deaths attributed to trucking negligence. Every year, thousands of Pennsylvanians are affected by these accidents.
2015 Trucking Accident Statistics
The cover of PODT’s report for 2015 includes an accident scene photo involving a commercial truck and an SUV. The agency singled out heavy truck crashes as a “special concern” in Pennsylvania, and this concern is well founded. The attorneys at Foley Law have handled cases for many local clients left with all types of serious injuries due to truck accidents.
In 2015, there were 6,916 crashes involving a total of 7,465 heavy trucks, the highest number in this state since 2011. These incidents included 130 fatal crashes, killing 149 people, and these deadly statistics are not unusual. Each year since 2011, more than 130 people have been killed in Pennsylvania trucking accidents.
If you are involved in a truck accident, Foley Law can help ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Only 27 of the fatally injured victims in 2015 were occupants of the truck. This is not surprising, since the average car weighs 3000 – 4,000 pounds and a big rig can weigh as much as three or four tons.
Because commercial trucks frequently carry hazardous cargo, these accidents can also be dangerous for nearby residents and businesses. In 2015, 155 Pennsylvania truck accidents involved hazardous materials, and in 22 documented cases, there was a “Haz Mat Release” recorded.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Driver error is a primary cause of trucking accidents, with excessive speed and fatigue being common factors. But faulty truck components are also to blame for a number of these tragedies. According to the 2015 statistics, some type of vehicle failure was the primary cause in over 300 truck accidents.
Where equipment failure was involved, the cause was attributed to:
Because vehicle failure is a fairly common factor in trucking accidents, this must always be considered when determining liability in these cases.
Personal Injury Representation by Foley Law
The personal injury attorneys at Foley Law Firm handle all types of motor vehicle accidents, and have significant experience with trucking accidents. These are complex cases that often involve multiple parties and insurance companies. If you are involved in a commercial truck collision, it is best to retain an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Foley Law can help ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
