Truck Accident Statistics in Indiana

In a single recent year, 5,897 crashes in Indiana involved large trucks, resulting in 1,862 injuries. Of those crashes, 127 were fatal, resulting in 135 total deaths. All told, Indiana is among the nation’s most dangerous states for truck collisions.  

These Indiana truck accident statistics are eye-opening. Our state is well above average when it comes to truck accidents, which means we need to take truck safety more seriously on our roads. To do that, it is essential to understand what causes truck accidents, where they occur most frequently, and why they’re so much more dangerous than most other motor vehicle accidents.

What Is the Most Frequent Type of Accident in the Trucking Industry?

The most common type of tractor-trailer crash in Indiana involves following too closely, which often leads to rear-end collisions, according to data from the Indiana University Public Policy Institute.

Rear-end collisions occur when a truck strikes the back of a vehicle in front of it, typically due to the longer stopping distance required by trucks. Because commercial trucks are such massive, heavy vehicles, even low-impact rear-end collisions involving trucks can be devastating for the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.

What Are Common Causes of Indiana Truck Accidents?

Tractor-trailer crashes happen in Indiana for a wide range of reasons.

Some of the most common causes of Indiana truck accidents include the following:

• Driver error – Truck drivers work long hours under tight deadlines. That can encourage speeding, aggressive driving, fatigued driving, or even impaired driving. Whether they are being negligent or reckless, truck drivers can easily cause injury or death, and bear the brunt of the liability in a truck accident claim.
• Employer or trucking company negligence – Sometimes, trucking companies push their drivers past legal limits to meet deadlines, skip scheduled maintenance to cut costs, or engage in negligent hiring practices. When a trucking company’s negligence results in injury or death, it may be at fault, even if the driver was an independent contractor. When the truck driver is an employee, the trucking company can be held vicariously liable for their negligence.
• Mechanical issues – Commercial trucks are tightly regulated and must be carefully maintained following these regulations. When individuals tasked with truck maintenance fail to do their job correctly, accidents can occur, and they may be held liable.
• Road or environmental conditions – Poor visibility, slippery conditions, poorly maintained roads, and construction zones can all contribute to tractor-trailer crashes. Liability in these cases can fall on a government entity, such as the Indiana Department of Transportation.

What Makes Truck Accidents More Violent Than Car Accidents?

Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries and higher fatalities than other motor vehicle accidents due to the size and weight difference between heavy trucks and smaller passenger cars. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, while passenger vehicles usually do not weigh more than about 4,000 pounds. The tremendous difference means the impact force of a large commercial vehicle is much greater.

When Do Most Indiana Truck Accidents Happen?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 76 percent of all fatal large truck accidents occur on weekdays, with 71 percent taking place between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. That makes sense, as these are typical working hours, so more trucks are on the road, and so are more passenger vehicle drivers.

Where Do the Majority of Indiana Truck Accidents Occur?

The majority of heavy truck accidents occur on interstates and other major highways, where trucks travel at higher speeds and in heavier traffic. In Indiana, major trucking routes such as I-70, I-65, I-90, I-69, I-469, U.S. 30, U.S. 27, and U.S. 24 see a high volume of commercial truck traffic and are frequently the sites of severe collisions.

Indiana’s geography makes it a significant crossroads for transportation in the Midwest, which means an unusually high number of commercial trucks pass through the state. That is one of the main reasons why Indiana ranks so high in truck accidents.

Who Is More Likely to Be Injured in a Truck Accident?

In the vast majority of truck accidents, passenger vehicle occupants are the most likely to be severely injured. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 66 percent of all fatalities in large truck crashes were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles in a recent year.

For occupants of passenger vehicles injured in truck accidents, compensation may be available through a truck accident claim. However, truck accident cases can be complex, frequently involving multiple liable parties, so it is crucial to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer throughout the process.

Does Indiana Have More Fatal Truck Accidents Than the National Average?

Indiana’s location and infrastructure make it a significant link in the chain of nationwide commerce. Indiana’s major highways and large manufacturing industry contribute to the high volume of truck traffic and, unfortunately, truck accidents and fatalities. In one recent year, Indiana was ranked seventh in the nation for the largest percentage of truck accident fatalities, placing it well above the national average, according to NHTSA data.

Whether Indiana’s elevated numbers are due to a larger amount of truck traffic than in many other states, a lack of safety measures, or another reason is not entirely clear. Regardless, the statistics indicate a need for heightened awareness of truck accident dangers when traveling Indiana’s major roadways.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Indiana for Trucking Accidents?

Some of the most dangerous highways for trucking accidents in Indiana include:

• I-65
• I-70
• I-69
• I-469
• I-90 (Indiana Toll Road)
• U.S. 24
• U.S. 27
• U.S. 30
• U.S. 41.

High-traffic routes with a significant volume of commercial trucks are the places drivers need to be most cautious. While you cannot control the actions of the drivers around you, you can drive defensively and allow yourself space and time to react if danger arises.

Contact an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer

Pursuing a truck accident claim on your own can be complicated and overwhelming, particularly when you already have enough to focus on concerning your physical recovery after a crash.

Let Truitt Law Offices provide the support you need. Our experienced truck accident attorneys have over 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of truck accident victims in Indiana. Our reputation is backed by our extensive track record of results and 100+ five-star reviews on Google.

Contact us today for your free consultation with an Indiana commercial truck accident attorney at Truitt Law Offices.

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