Truck accidents are some of the most serious motor vehicle collisions, often ending in serious—if not fatal—injuries. However, for the most part, these accidents are preventable, and those injured in a truck accident may be entitled to financial compensation for everything they’ve been through.
At the Harris Law Firm, PLLC, we have been representing accident victims in truck accident lawsuits since 1981, and we know what it takes to connect our clients with the compensation they need, deserve, and are legally entitled to.
What Are the Top States for Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen just about anywhere. However, these accidents are more likely to occur on certain types of roads and in certain situations. For example, trucks generally travel on large highways, meaning there is a higher chance of getting into a truck accident on the highway.
Most states keep track of how many truck accidents occur each year. Of course, when asking about the states with the most truck accidents, there are a few ways to look at the data, and looking at the total number of accidents isn’t necessarily indicative of the risks a motorist faces when driving in a particular state.
This is because a state with a low population may see a high number of accidents per capita but not so many accidents as to outnumber those in a much larger state. According to one industry study, below is a list of states with the highest number of fatal truck accidents in 2020:
- Texas: 643
- California: 398
- Florida: 344
- Georgia: 234
- Tennessee: 179
- Illinois: 178
- North Carolina: 170
- Indiana: 153
- Ohio: 149
- Alabama: 141
- Pennsylvania: 133
- South Carolina: 132
However, realizing that the number of total truck accidents doesn’t necessarily convey all the information, another organization analyzed data from all states to determine the highest number of truck accidents per 100,000 residents. Below are the top states for truck accidents per capita:
- Wyoming: 4.3 accidents per 100,000 people
- South Dakota: 3.1 accidents per 100,000 people
- Nebraska: 2.9 accidents per 100,000 people
- Alabama: 2.9 accidents per 100,000 people
- Arkansas: 2.9 accidents per 100,000 people
- Montana: 2.9 accidents per 100,000 people
- Idaho: 2.9 accidents per 100,000 people
- Mississippi: 2.8 accidents per 100,000 people
- North Dakota: 2.7 accidents per 100,000 people
- Kentucky: 2.6 accidents per 100,000 people
- Tennessee: 2.6 accidents per 100,000 people
- South Carolina: 2.5 accidents per 100,000 people
Of course, these figures pertain to fatal truck accidents. When it comes to non-fatal truck accidents, the numbers are much higher. For example, some estimates place the total number of truck accidents in the United States at more than 130,000.
Recovering After a Truck Accident
Those injured in a truck accident, as well as those who lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, may be able to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the responsible party. If an accident victim is successful, they can recover compensation.
While the exact compensation that is available depends on state law, examples commonly include medical expenses, lost wages, decrease in earning capacity, as well as any pain and suffering they endured as a result of the accident.
Families pursuing a wrongful death claim may be able to recover damages related to their own pain and suffering, the loss of a relationship with the deceased, as well as burial and funeral expenses. Again, the nuances of what damages are available depend on state law.
These cases are important—not only because they connect accident victims and their families with meaningful compensation—but also because they help to make the trucking industry safer.
For example, trucking companies often make decisions based on what is financially best for the company; if a company’s decision subjects it to significant civil liability, the company may consider implementing more stringent safety standards.
Have You Been Involved in a Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a truck accident, reach out to the Harris Law Firm. At the Harris Law Firm, we provide personalized attention to each of our clients, helping them pursue justice after a life-changing accident. For more than 40 years, we’ve maintained a successful track record, always focusing on putting our clients’ interests first.
To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer today, call 662-335-4171. You can also reach us through our online contact form.
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