Semi-Truck Accident Statistics In Washington

Large semi-tractor-trailer trucks loom menacingly over smaller vehicles on the roadway, presenting serious hazards to vulnerable motorists in collisions due to the size and weight difference.

Although semi-trucks are a critical link in the nation’s supply chain and Washington is a hub of trucking activity, these necessary freight carriers also cause serious accidents with long-term impacts on survivors, such as catastrophic injuries and economic hardship.

In the worst cases, a truck accident ends in wrongful death. The semi-truck accident statistics in Washington and elsewhere continue to be concerning despite a decline after a peak accident rate in 2020.

A Renton truck accident lawyer can be an invaluable resource for victims and their families, helping them seek justice and financial recovery. By handling the complexities of truck accident cases—such as determining liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring compliance with federal trucking regulations—an attorney can provide the legal support needed during a challenging time.

The Trucking Industry In Washington

Washington is a major U.S. shipping and freight industry hub, with 80% of the state’s communities depending solely on trucks for access to goods. The trucking industry involves more than just transporting cargo, it’s also responsible for 167,980 jobs, or about one out of every 17 jobs in Washington. About 233,940 tons of freight move through Washington daily.

There were 2,128 semi-tractor trailer truck crashes in Washington in 2023, with a total of 77 deaths and 528 injuries. Trucking accident statistics nationwide paint a grim picture despite Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations in place to help promote commercial truck safety.

Startling Semi-Truck Accident Statistics

Nationwide in 2022, there were 5,837 fatal crashes involving large commercial trucks and tens of thousands of accidents with injuries. The following semi-truck accident statistics show a disturbing trend:

• Fatal truck accidents increased by 1.8% between 2021 and 2022
• Truck accidents have increased an astonishing 49% in the last decade
• Large trucks make up 6% of all vehicles in fatal crashes
• In 2022, there were 120,200 large trucks involved in accidents with injuries
• 5,936 people died in truck-related accidents in 2022
• 70% of truck accident injuries occur to motorists in other vehicles, while truck drivers experienced 26% of injuries and 3% of injury victims were pedestrians
• Over half of all truck accidents occur on rural roads and 25% on interstate highways
• About 61% of semi-truck accidents happen during daylight hours
• More truck accidents happen in September and October than in other months of the year, while February sees the fewest number of truck accidents
• 4.6% of truck accidents happen in construction zones 
• Recently released statistics for 2023 reveal 4,807 fatalities in truck accidents, a decrease from 2022

Commercial truck accident numbers spiked in 2020 during the pandemic but have since decreased by 14%.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents In Washington

Trucking companies must carefully adhere to safety regulations set by the FMCSA, including requirements for hiring qualified drivers, regulating driving hours, maintaining trucks, and ensuring balanced and well-secured cargo. Despite these regulations, common causes of truck accidents in Washington include the following:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Improper merging
• Tire blowouts 
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Tailgating
• Overly wide turns
• Improper braking
• Defective truck parts
• Maintenance failures
• Unbalanced loads or sudden cargo shifts

It often takes an experienced investigator to determine the cause of a truck accident in Washington in order to identify the party liable for an injury victim’s damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. 

Partnering with a skilled truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in this process, as they have the expertise to navigate complex investigations, gather critical evidence, and advocate for full compensation on behalf of injured victims. At Caffee Accident and Injury Lawyers, get in touch with a truck accident lawyer in Seattle, Kent, Federal Way, Renton, or Shoreline.

Contact us today for guidance on your claim.