How Many Utah Semi-Truck Accidents?

As truck accident attorneys, we are naturally concerned with Utah semi-truck accidents – and accidents throughout the country. We know how dangerous they are and how deadly they can be. We also know that “0” is the only acceptable number of fatal Utah truck accidents. But you may be wondering just how often these accidents happen. Are there really that many? And if so, how dangerous are they?

Large Commercial Truck Accidents – Nationally and in Utah

The National Safety Council is a non-profit group with a mission to improve safety in the U.S. As part of its mission, the organization tracks motor vehicle accidents across the nation. According to the NSC, in 2019:

• Large trucks were involved in 5,005 accidents that resulted in fatalities
• This was a 2% increase in such crashes since 2018
• The number of crashes in 2019 was a 43% increase since 2010
• These trucks accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
• Large trucks accounted for 4% of all registered vehicles
• They accounted for 7% of total vehicle miles traveled in the United States
• The state of Utah had 43 fatal accidents that involved large trucks

What Do These Numbers Show Us?

There are many conclusions you can draw from these statistics. For us, it is important to highlight the significant increase in the risk of fatalities when a large commercial truck was involved. Large trucks only make up 4% of all the registered vehicles in the country. But that 4% accounts for 10% of all of the fatal crashes. If you are involved in a crash, you definitely don’t want to be in one with a large commercial truck.

What Causes Most Semi-Truck Accidents?

There can be a wide variety of causes in a trucking accident. The same is true for any auto accident. But truck accidents are unique for several reasons – they are significantly larger and heavier, they are on the road constantly, and they are driven by professional drivers. Some of the factors that can lead to trucking accidents include:

• Breaking traffic laws. Truckers want to make deliveries as fast as possible. That can lead them to speed and break other traffic laws.
• Driver fatigue. Drivers are supposed to get a specific amount of rest. But they don’t always do so. Tired drivers are more likely to cause accidents.
• Failing to maintain trucks and trailers. Because these trucks are on the road so often, they wear out faster. They need regular maintenance – but they don’t always get it.

Have You Been in a Truck Accident in Utah

Utah semi-truck accidents leave victims in pain and wondering what to do after a semi-truck accident. We understand what you are going through and we want to help. Please get in touch with our Utah truck accident attorneys by calling (801) 521-4145 or filling out our secure online contact form.

Our team is ready and waiting to hear your story and help however we can.