Semi-Truck Crash Statistics for the State of Indiana
Every 100 minutes, the roads of Indiana witness a truck accident.
Truck accidents are a critical concern for road safety in Indiana. These incidents, often involving large commercial vehicles, not only cause significant traffic disruptions but also lead to severe injuries or fatalities. The Indiana truck accident statistics offer a grim insight into the frequency and impact of these accidents, providing essential data that underline the necessity for improved road safety measures and awareness. In the following sections, we will explore the latest trends and numbers related to truck accidents in Indiana, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of their causes and consequences.
Indiana Commercial Truck Accident Statistics
In Indiana, truck accidents continue to be a significant concern, with recent figures from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration painting a stark picture. In 2023 alone, Indiana recorded 4,910 crashes involving large trucks, which breaks down to an unsettling average of almost 14 crashes daily that year.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Indiana’s data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that approximately 11.8% of all fatal truck accidents involve a large truck, a figure that notably eclipses the national average of 8.9%. With almost 12% of large trucks involved in fatal accidents in Indiana, it is clear that more needs to be done to prevent these incidents and mitigate their impact.
A fresh 2023 study conducted by Simplex, utilizing the most recent NHTSA data, positions Indiana as the 9th most dangerous state for truck accidents in the United States.
Looking into the statistics further, the trajectory of truck crashes over the recent years shows a fluctuating yet consistently high number, with recorded incidents as follows: 4,655 in 2020, peaking at 5,656 in 2021, slightly reducing to 5,639 in 2022, and then to 4,910 in 2023. Notably, as of March 2024, there have already been 559 crashes. This leads to an average of approximately 5,215 crashes per year, translating into about 14 daily occurrences on Indiana’s roads.
The human cost of these collisions is equally troubling. Fatalities resulting from truck accidents were recorded as 162 in 2020, slightly increasing to 166 in 2021, then dipping to 158 in 2022, and further to 118 in 2023. With eight fatalities already counted by March 2024, the average stands at about 151 lives lost annually. This grim statistic means that in Indiana, nearly one person loses their life in a truck accident in Indiana almost every other day.
Injuries from these crashes tell another part of the story, with numbers reported as 1,555 in 2020, escalating to 1,813 in 2021, then slightly reducing to 1,722 in 2022 and 1,608 in 2023. With 156 injuries already reported by March 2024, the average injury toll in Indiana truck accidents rises to approximately 1,675 per year, or about 140 individuals injured every month due to truck accidents in the state.
Nationwide Commercial Truck Accident Statistics
Fatalities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, 4,965 individuals lost their lives in accidents involving large trucks. In 2021, 5,788 people were killed nationally in large truck crashes. This represents an increase of 17% from the previous year, and it marks the highest number of fatalities since 2007.
Victims
Out of these deaths, 72% were not large truck occupants but those in other vehicles.
When?
Most truck accidents (76%) happened during weekdays, from Monday morning to Friday evening.
Alcohol Influence
Just 3% of large truck drivers in fatal crashes had a BAC level of .08 g/dL or above, significantly lower than those driving motorcycles (27%), passenger cars (23%), and light trucks (19%).
Past Accidents
Truck drivers involved in these fatal large truck accidents were more likely to have been in previous crashes (21.3%) compared to motorcycle (20.5%), passenger car (19.7%), and light truck (17.3%) drivers.
License Issues
Interestingly, large truck drivers were less likely to have had past license suspensions or revocations (7.3%) compared with drivers of motorcycles (20.5%), passenger cars (15.8%), and light trucks (12.6%).
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Investigating the root causes of truck accidents reveals crucial findings. A pivotal study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) points out that driver error stands as the most significant factor, being ten times more likely to cause accidents than any other reason. This study identifies four critical areas where errors are predominant:
- Performance: Panic-induced actions, overcompensation, or generally poor control over the vehicle’s direction.
- Nonperformance: Instances where the driver might fall asleep, suffer sudden health issues like a heart attack or seizure, or be otherwise physically unable to perform.
- Decision: Errors in judgment, including driving too fast for the conditions, misestimating the speed of other vehicles, or maintaining an unsafe following distance.
- Recognition: Situations where the driver’s attention is compromised, either due to external distractions, internal preoccupations, or inadequate observation of the driving environment.
These areas encompass more than half of the 141,000 truck accidents analyzed, highlighting the critical need for focused training and awareness in these aspects to mitigate future incidents.
The Dangers Of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are particularly perilous due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. The physics behind a collision involving a large truck, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded, and a typical car weighing around 3,000 pounds significantly increases force during impact. This disparity of vehicles in a truck-car accident not only leads to more severe vehicle damage but also dramatically raises the risk of catastrophic injuries or fatalities for those passenger vehicle drivers involved. Additionally, many trucks’ high center of gravity makes them prone to rolling over, further elevating the danger during accidents. Truck accident statistics show that fatal truck crashes are unfortunately more common than we may realize due to their dangerous nature.
Need Help With a Truck Accident Lawsuit? Doehrman Buba Ring Will Fight For You
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we understand the profound impact a truck accident can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our dedicated team of legal experts specializes in truck accident claims and is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. Here’s how we can assist you:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Our initial step involves a thorough evaluation of your case. We leverage our expertise and resources to determine the liability and assess the full extent of damages incurred. This comprehensive assessment lays the groundwork for developing a strong legal strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Expert Investigations
We deploy a team of experienced investigators to meticulously examine every aspect of the accident. By gathering crucial evidence, including truck crash reports, witness statements, and data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), we aim to construct a compelling case demonstrating the other party’s negligence.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting and overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Our attorneys possess the negotiation skills necessary to deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf, ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Legal Advocacy in Court
Should your case proceed to court, our seasoned trial lawyers are prepared to advocate vigorously for your rights. We’re committed to presenting a strong case, utilizing expert testimony and clear evidence to support your claim for just compensation.
Support and Communication
Throughout the entire legal process, we maintain open lines of communication with you, keeping you informed and involved. Our team is always available to answer your questions, provide updates, and offer the support you need during this challenging time.
Contact Our Expert Team Today
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we’re not just your attorneys but your allies in the fight for justice and fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident, contact us today to learn how we can help you take the first step towards recovery.
