TV Report Analyzes Texas Truck Accident Record, No Surprises for SMSH Lawyers

Texas truck accident attorneys have been very concerned about the state's dubious distinction as the state with the largest number of fatal commercial truck accident in the country. Every year, more than 400 people die in 18 wheeler and semi tractor trailer accidents in Texas. CBS 11 news reported on approximately half a dozen truck accidents in October alone. The news channel has now analyzed more than 12,000 truck accident records over the past 5 years.

While the analysis reveals some facts that are common knowledge to anyone who's lived in Texas, it also reveals some interesting statistics.

• The deadliest highway intersection on the state is I-35E and I-20. That's not exactly breaking news for Texas truck accident lawyers, who frequently come across cases involving victims of truck accidents on this particular highway.
• I-30 and Cockrell Hill in Dallas County holds the record for the highest number of non-fatal truck accidents.
• Dallas County however, accounted for the most number of fatalities during the last 5 years, with 75 people dying in tractor trailer accidents here.
• The record for the deadliest interstate is I-20 from Benbrook to Balch Springs. 14 people died in tractor trailer accidents on this highway over the past five years.

The CBS 11 analysis also listed some of the most dangerous roads in the state. These include:

• I-44 from downtown Dallas to I-20 with five fatalities
• I-30 in Dallas and Tarrant Counties with 12 fatalities
• I-35W along highway 114 with 13 non-fatal crashes

It's not that the Texas Department of Transportation has done nothing to lower these shamefully high rates. Large trucks are now prevented from driving in the left lane, and according to a study, there has been a drop in accident rates that could possibly be because of the new rule.

Trucking companies will argue that trucking has become safer over the years, and that there are fewer accidents than before. However as Texas truck accident attorneys, we are more concerned about the high risk of fatalities and the potential for catastrophic injuries in these crashes. The injury and fatality ratio in truck vs. passenger vehicle accidents is skewed in overwhelming favor of the truck occupants. In 80 percent of tractor trailer accidents, it's the driver and occupants of the smaller or passenger vehicles, who are either killed or seriously injured.

Please contact the experienced Texas Commerical Trucking Accident Attorneys of SMSH for a free evluation of your case.