What Percentage of Accidents Are Caused by Semi-Trucks?
According to NHTSA’s 2023 Large Trucks data, 5,472 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in the United States — an 8% decrease from 2022 but significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Large trucks account for approximately 13% of all fatal traffic crashes nationwide, yet their size and weight mean collisions with them cause disproportionately severe harm.
Of all people killed in large-truck crashes in 2023, 70% were occupants of other vehicles, 18% were truck occupants, and 12% were pedestrians, cyclists, or other non-occupants. The people most at risk in these crashes are overwhelmingly those in smaller passenger vehicles, not the truck drivers themselves.
Even when someone survives a truck crash, injuries and recovery costs can be significant. Understanding what the data shows about how these crashes happen and who bears responsibility is an important starting point for anyone seriously injured in a collision with a commercial truck.
Analyzing Truck Accident Statistics and Impact
Semi-truck crashes remain a significant road safety concern both nationally and in Georgia. In 2023, 5,472 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks, an 8% decrease from the record high of 5,969 in 2022, but still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 153,452 people were injured in large-truck crashes, an average of 420 people every day.
Despite recent declines in fatalities, injury numbers remain high. The scale and weight of commercial trucks mean that even non-fatal crashes frequently result in serious, life-altering harm for the occupants of smaller vehicles.
Semi Truck Accident Statistics in Georgia
Georgia sees a significant share of commercial truck crash fatalities. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 12% of all fatal crashes in Georgia involved large trucks in 2023. Major freight corridors including I-75, I-285, and I-16 carry some of the heaviest commercial truck traffic in the Southeast, with I-75 consistently identified as a high-risk route for commercial vehicle crashes.
Under Georgia’s comparative fault law, an injured person may still recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the crash. In multi-vehicle truck accidents, where fault is often shared across the driver, the trucking company, and sometimes a cargo loader or maintenance contractor, understanding how that law applies is an important part of building any claim.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers are often tempted to text, talk on the phone, eat, and succumb to other distractions while operating their vehicles on long trips.
- Fatigue: Busy schedules and delays may result in truck drivers working long hours without a break.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, reckless passing, and road rage are just a few examples of dangerous and reckless driving.
- Driving while intoxicated: Driving under the influence may have tragic consequences and result not only in civil lawsuits but also criminal charges against the drunk truck driver.
Some non-driver causes of semi-truck accidents include road damage, severe weather, poor servicing or maintenance of the truck, or improper cargo loading. The latter can negatively affect maneuverability and driver control and potentially cause a truck to lose cargo, which may pose a significant threat to nearby drivers.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been In A Semi-truck Accident?
As a passenger vehicle driver injured in a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation even if you’re partially at fault for the crash. Under Georgia’s comparative negligence law, as long as you’re less than 50 percent at fault for your injuries, you may be awarded compensation (reduced by the percentage of fault you shared).
Remember that proving fault in a semi-truck accident can be tricky as several parties could be at fault. In regular accidents involving passenger vehicles, one or both drivers typically share fault for the crash. Large truck crashes can be more complicated. Fault may be attributed to several different parties, including the:
- Driver of the truck
- Trucking company
- Individuals or company that loaded the cargo
- Truck manufacturer
- Local government or state agency responsible for safe road conditions
What Damages Can I Recover From a Semi-Truck Accident?
You are potentially eligible to recover several damages after a semi-truck accident. Many of these damages are considered economic, meaning they are monetary losses you suffered because of your injuries. Examples of economic losses include:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Transportation costs to doctor appointments and physical therapy
You may also claim non-economic damages, which is compensation for the subjective mental and physical suffering you endured in the aftermath of your accident. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
Understanding Georgia Semi-Truck Crash Statistics
The statistics paint a broad picture, but every crash has its own facts, parties, and legal questions. Understanding who may be responsible and what evidence matters is where the process actually begins.
The Dressie Law Firm, LLC, founded by Emanuel Dressie, has handled truck accident cases across Georgia for over a decade, with a team that brings more than 40 years of combined experience and serves clients in both English and Spanish. Free consultations are available for people who want to understand their options after a serious crash.
If you have questions, consider reaching out to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Semi-Truck Accidents in Georgia