What Are Truck Accident Statistics in Illinois?
Truck accidents pose a serious risk to the health and safety of truck drivers and other road users. In its report published in 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 166,260 crashes involving large trucks in 2022. Such commercial trucking highway accidents can lead to injuries, deaths, property damage, and even legal disputes.
The Illinois Department of Transportation at the state level and government departments such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation at the national level provide updated data and facts on road accidents through statistics. This information can help to prevent trucking injuries by enabling users to:
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Learn about the hazards and impacts of truck accidents.
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Identify and address the common causes and factors leading to truck accidents.
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Seek compensation or justice for the injuries or losses suffered.
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Advocate for policy changes or improvements to enhance truck safety and regulation.
Are you a truck driver or a truck accident victim in Illinois? Consider seeking legal help from the Hurt Trucker Attorneys. Our law firm helps injured truckers and can offer them legal advice, guidance, or representation.
Overview of U.S. Truck Accident Statistics
Crashes involving large trucks continue to pose a significant threat to U.S. roads, with alarming statistics revealing a sharp increase in fatalities.
As per the Large Trucks Traffic Safety Facts published by the NHTSA in 2023, 2021 witnessed 5,788 fatalities- a staggering 17% rise in deaths resulting from accidents involving large trucks compared to the previous year. Most of these fatalities were occupants of other vehicles, while 17% (1008) were truck occupants.
The impact of large truck crashes is noteworthy, as they accounted for a significant portion of overall motor vehicle crash deaths in 2021. Shockingly, large trucks comprised 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2021, underscoring their devastating consequences.
81% of fatal traffic accidents involving heavy trucks involved multiple vehicles. This statistic highlights the need for stricter regulations and improved safety protocols within the trucking industry to reduce the frequency and severity of such accidents.
Illinois Truck Accident Statistics
The data becomes even more concerning when compared to previous years’ numbers.
Compared to the preceding four-year average, large truck accidents increased by 4.4% in 2021 and by 20.4% from 2020, per the Illinois Crash Data Trends published by the Illinois Department of Transportation. These figures emphasize the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to address the underlying causes of such accidents.
In 2021, Illinois recorded the involvement of 177 large trucks in fatal crashes. Equal to the national average, this number represents 9.3% of all vehicles involved in fatal traffic collisions in Illinois.
Common Factors Leading to Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for many reasons. Some common causes of truck accidents include:
Driver Error
This is when the truck driver makes a mistake or does not follow traffic laws. It includes the following:
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Speeding
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Running a red light
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Changing lanes without signaling
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Following too closely
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Distracted driving (It occurs when you pay attention to something other than the road or your surroundings. As per the figures provided by the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021.)
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Impairment due to consumption of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
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Fatigue
Consequences of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have severe consequences for everyone involved. The common consequences of truck accidents include the following:
Injuries and Fatalities
Truck accidents can cause minor or gravely serious injuries to the truck driver and other people on the road. Injuries include minor cuts, bruises, spinal cord damage, and back and neck injuries in truck drivers. Truck accidents can also be fatal in some cases.
Property Damage
A truck crash can damage not only the truck or the other motor vehicles on the road but also the highway, dividers, and surrounding properties, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Traffic Delays
Truck accidents can cause road blockages or obstructions, leading to traffic congestion and delays. This ultimately affects the flow of commerce and transportation.
How Hurt Trucker Attorneys Can Help You After a Truck Accident in Illinois
Are you a truck driver who was involved in an accident in Illinois? Do you need legal advice or compensation for your severe injuries? Consider hiring a dedicated truck accident lawyer with experience handling large truck accident cases.
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle all aspects of your truck accident case. We can help truck drivers by:
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Investigating the cause of the accident
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Gathering and preserving evidence and witnesses
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Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties
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Filing and pursuing a claim or a lawsuit
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Proving your damages and losses
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Protecting your rights
Contact Hurt Trucker Attorneys today and talk to our attorneys for injured truckers. Schedule a free consultation for a case evaluation today!
