NHTSA Data Shows Fewer Truck-Related Deaths and Injuries

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released new data for 2023, showing a decline in truck-involved traffic fatalities across the United States. According to the final analysis, there were 497 fewer deaths from large-truck crashes in 2023. This is a drop of 8.3% as compared to 2022. Overall, traffic fatalities decreased by 4.3%, and early projections for 2024 suggest that fatal crashes could dip below 40,000 for the first time since the pandemic began.

This improvement is noteworthy, especially given the widespread concerns about road safety during the past several years. However, the data also reveals some troubling figures: injuries in general rose by 2.5%, and alcohol-impaired fatalities involving large truck drivers actually increased by 19%. These numbers serve as a reminder that although fatalities have fallen, the risks tied to commercial truck traffic remain serious, especially for victims injured in these devastating crashes.

What the NHTSA Data Tells Us About 2023

According to NHTSA’s 2023 data, the United States experienced 40,901 traffic fatalities, a significant drop from 42,721 in 2022. Early 2024 projections are even more promising, with the fatality count expected to fall to 39,345, a 3.8% reduction from 2023.

The fatality rate has now decreased for 11 consecutive quarters, suggesting a long-term improvement in road safety. NHTSA attributes this trend in part to improved enforcement around impaired driving, distracted driving, and seatbelt use.

While fatalities declined, injuries increased by nearly 60,000 people compared to the previous year. That means 2.44 million individuals were hurt in 2023 crashes—highlighting the need for continued vigilance and accountability, particularly in the commercial trucking sector.

Large Truck Crash Trends in 2023

Crashes involving large trucks—defined by NHTSA as vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 10,000 pounds—showed some of the most significant improvements.

Here’s a breakdown of the statistics:

• Large-truck crash fatalities decreased by 497, representing an 8.3% drop.
• Truck occupant deaths dropped by 137, a 12% reduction from 2022.
• Single-vehicle truck fatalities dropped by 3.1%.
• Multi-vehicle truck fatalities saw a sharp decline of 24%.
• Fatalities among other vehicle occupants in truck-involved crashes decreased by 8.4%.
• Non-occupant deaths (pedestrians and cyclists) decreased slightly, by 1.5%.
• Injuries from large truck crashes declined by 4.5%.

Despite these improvements, truck crashes remain among the most dangerous incidents on U.S. roads. Due to their weight and size, large trucks are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries, rollovers, underride collisions, and fatalities when involved in a crash.

Alcohol-Impaired Truck Driving—A Worsening Threat

While most crash categories showed improvement, the data paints a different picture for one behavior: alcohol-impaired truck driving. NHTSA reported a 19% increase in fatalities involving alcohol-impaired large truck drivers, rising from 157 in 2022 to 187 in 2023.

This trend is especially concerning because professional truck drivers are held to higher safety standards than drivers of passenger vehicles. Most states and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) set a blood alcohol limit of 0.04% for commercial drivers—half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers.

Despite these rules, the data shows that impaired operation is still a deadly risk on U.S. highways, especially when large trucks are involved. These cases often involve gross negligence and can result in significant liability for both the driver and their employer.

Why Large Truck Crashes Are So Dangerous

Crashes involving large trucks are often more severe than typical traffic collisions for several reasons:

• Weight and momentum: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The force of a collision at highway speeds can crush smaller vehicles.
• Stopping distance: Trucks require a longer distance to stop, which increases the risk of rear-end crashes or failing to brake in time in congested traffic.
• High centers of gravity: Trucks are more prone to rollovers, which can block entire roadways or cause multi-vehicle pileups.
• Underride accidents: In certain collisions, smaller vehicles can slide underneath trailers, often leading to fatal injuries.

Even when fatalities are avoided, victims can suffer life-altering injuries such as spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe orthopedic damage. These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and financial resources.

Legal Options for Victims of Truck Crashes

Victims injured in large truck accidents, as well as families who have lost a loved one, may be able to pursue a legal claim to recover damages. Common types of claims include:

• Negligent operation: Lawsuits may target a driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or fatigued at the time of the crash.
• Negligent hiring or supervision: If a trucking company failed to vet or monitor their drivers properly, they may also be liable.
• Improper vehicle maintenance: Faulty brakes, tires, or lighting systems can lead to fatal accidents. If maintenance records reveal negligence, liability may extend to the vehicle’s owner or service provider.
• Product liability: In some cases, defective vehicle components or safety equipment play a role in the crash.

Financial recovery can include compensation for medical costs, lost wages, future care, property damage, emotional distress, and punitive damages in egregious cases.

Importance of Legal Representation in Truck Accident Cases

Cases involving commercial trucks often involve complex liability issues, overlapping federal and state regulations, and multiple parties. Trucking companies and their insurers are quick to send investigators to the scene, often within hours. Victims, meanwhile, may be in a hospital bed or grieving a family member.

Legal representation helps level the playing field. An attorney can help gather black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements—all of which may be critical to proving fault.

A national law firm with the ability to litigate across state lines and hold major transportation companies accountable can ensure the victim’s voice is heard and their rights are protected.

FAQs About Truck Accident Lawsuits

What qualifies as a large truck under federal law?

The NHTSA defines large trucks as vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds. This includes semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, box trucks, and some large commercial delivery vehicles.

Can I sue the trucking company if I was injured?

Yes. In many cases, the trucking company can be held responsible if the crash resulted from the driver’s negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, or violations of safety regulations.

What types of compensation can victims receive?

Injury victims may be entitled to recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation needs. Families of deceased victims may also recover funeral expenses and other wrongful death damages.

How is fault determined in truck accident cases?

Fault is often determined through a combination of driver logs, black box data, witness accounts, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction. Trucking companies and insurers may share liability depending on the facts.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Every state has its own statute of limitations. Generally, you must file a claim within one to four years of the crash, depending on where the accident occurred.

What if the driver was impaired or speeding?

If the driver violated federal or state safety laws, that could serve as strong evidence of negligence. These violations often strengthen a victim’s claim for punitive damages.

Is there a difference between single-vehicle and multi-vehicle truck crashes?

Yes. Multi-vehicle crashes often involve greater injuries and more complicated fault analysis. These cases may also involve multiple insurance policies and defendants.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a crash involving a large truck, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. At Parker Waichman LLP, our national team of injury attorneys fights for victims of commercial trucking accidents.

We handle cases involving driver negligence, equipment failure, impaired operation, and corporate accountability. Let us investigate the cause of your crash and explain your legal rights.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free and confidential consultation. We are here to help victims and families seek the justice they deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.