From 2014-2016, Indiana ranked fourth in the nation for fatal truck and bus accidents. Truck accidents happen for a variety of reasons, and can leave individuals with catastrophic injuries that last throughout a lifetime. Get the facts on Indiana truck accident statistics to know what to look for on the road.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicles are defined as large trucks, combination vehicles, pickup trucks over 10,000 pounds, buses with a passenger occupancy exceeding 15, school buses, or vehicles with a hazardous material placard. In 2017, there were 16,910 accidents involving commercial vehicles, with 14,877 of those involving large trucks.
Of those 14,877 accidents involving a large truck, 125 were fatal, 1,860 resulted in injuries, and 12,892 resulted in property damage. This constituted a 9.6% increase in fatal truck accidents over the previous year.
Where do Truck Accidents Occur?
The locations in which commercial vehicle accidents occur differ vastly from where non-commercial vehicle accidents happen. In 2017, 32.7% of non-commercial vehicle accidents occurred on local or city roads, compared to only 10.8% of commercial vehicle accidents. By contrast, 86.9% of commercial vehicle accidents happened on state roads, U.S. routes, or interstates, compared to 44.2% of non-commercial vehicle accidents in the same areas.
Who Gets Hurt in a Truck Accident?
The size and weight of trucks make them extremely dangerous in accidents and sadly, passenger vehicle occupants tend to suffer the most. In 2017, 60% of those killed in commercial vehicle accidents were passenger car drivers, 22% were passenger car occupants, and 6% were non-motorists.
If you have been harmed in a truck accident, do not suffer in silence. Our truck accident attorneys at Wagner Reese have over 150 years of combined experience and we are prepared to fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.
Contact Wagner Reese at (888) 204-8440 for a consultation with our team.
