If you live, work, or drive in Houston, you might travel along local roads like I-45 or Beltway 8 every day without realizing the sheer scale of our city’s truck accident problem. Sure, maybe you pass your share of traffic jams, but when you see the actual Texas commercial truck accident statistics for Houston, the full scope of it all may still shock you. Here’s what you need to know about Texas truck accident statistics and why truck collisions are such a serious issue in the Houston area.
Texas Truck Crash Totals and Fatalities in Recent Years
Texas has the highest number of truck accidents and fatalities in the US by far, and recent data illustrate the scale of the problem. High Sierra, Texas police recorded 39,393 commercial vehicle crashes statewide. These accidents included 546 fatal truck accidents that resulted in 608 deaths. There were also 1,261 serious injury crashes, 4,372 minor injury crashes, and 4,676 possible injury crashes that year. These numbers indicate just how often large trucks are involved in Texas accidents and how devastating the outcomes can be.
What’s Happening with 18-Wheeler Wrecks and Truck Collisions in Houston?
Every year, the number of 18-wheeler wrecks in Harris County (Houston) alone rivals or exceeds the totals in some entire states. In one recent year, local officials reported 6,313 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes in Harris County. This means nearly one in six large truck accidents in Texas happens here in Houston. There were also 41 fatal truck crashes resulting in 41 deaths in Harris County that year, or roughly 7 percent of the fatal crashes and nearly 7 percent of truck-related fatalities statewide.
Houston sees a substantial share of Texas truck accidents due to the area’s dense traffic patterns, nonstop freight movement, and frequent construction projects. Additionally, these commercial vehicle accidents often lead to more serious outcomes because trucks are so much bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which gives them devastating momentum in collisions.
Why Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen and How to Prevent Them
Most CMV accidents stem from preventable factors that truck drivers and companies can address with consistent attention. Driver factors like fatigue, distraction, and speeding can all increase crash risks on busy roads. Mechanical issues such as worn brakes, tire problems, or poor inspections pose additional hazards. And sometimes, trucking company practices like unreasonable delivery demands and inconsistent safety checks contribute to avoidable accidents, too.
Commercial trucking companies can reduce these risks by setting safe schedules, keeping up with required maintenance, and supporting thorough training. Drivers can also help by staying alert, following speed limits, and driving defensively.
Get Help from Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Now
If a truck accident in the Houston area turned your life upside down, contact the team of truck accident lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs for clear guidance about your next steps. Our team can review what happened, explain your options, and help you demand the recovery you deserve. We offer free initial consultations, so you can ask questions and get direct answers before you decide how to move forward.
