Recent studies of large commercial truck accidents and the growing number of personal injury lawsuits surrounding them have called the industry’s safety measures and regulatory compliance into question. The solution may lie in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and other tech-forward safety features.
The following report provides insight into the safety features these new technologies offer the industry and the trucking companies that face the most accident lawsuits.
Large Truck Accident Statistics and Trends
The NHTSA reports a 2% rise in fatalities involving large trucks from 2021 to 2022, and 70% of people killed in large truck collisions were occupants of other vehicles. Data also shows that 76% of these fatal truck crashes occurred on weekdays.
Other key takeaways from the data include:
- Alcohol impairment is less common: Only 3% of large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had a BAC of 0.08% g/dL or higher, compared to 28% for motorcyclists, 25% for passenger car drivers, and 21% for light truck drivers.
- Higher incidence of prior crashes: 20.8% of large truck drivers in fatal crashes had prior crash records, compared to 18.9% for motorcyclists, 17.8% for passenger car drivers, and 15.9% for light truck drivers.
- Fewer license suspensions: Only 6% of large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had prior license suspensions or revocations, compared to 16.3% for motorcyclists, 12.9% for passenger car drivers, and 10.1% for light truck drivers.
While large truck drivers are less likely to be impaired or have licensing issues, their increased involvement in prior crashes is notable. The disproportionate risk to other road users underscores the need for stricter safety enforcement.
Legal Cases and Settlements
Due to a rise in accident lawsuits, trucking companies are increasingly facing significant financial and reputational risks. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform found that over the past decade, verdicts in trucking accident cases have grown substantially in size, leading to a surge in what the industry calls “nuclear verdicts.”
These high-stakes multimillion–dollar settlements not only result in staggering monetary settlements but also tarnish companies’ reputations, jeopardizing their long-term stability.
Escalating Legal Settlements
Data from 2021 to 2024 shows an increase in settlement amounts, with averages and outlier figures reflecting higher financial risks:
- From 2021 to 2024, the average settlement amount for truck accident lawsuits was $103,654.08, with a median settlement of around $30,000.
- Some settlements reach extraordinary amounts, with the highest recorded settlement being $4,478,799.75.
Notable “Nuclear Verdicts”
These cases detail significant court verdicts against trucking companies, highlighting substantial penalties imposed for severe incidents:
- Iowa trucking company’s $19.3 million verdict: A trucking company was ordered to pay $19.3 million after being found negligent in a crash that killed two young men.
- Georgia big rig crash and $16.6 million verdict: A trucking company faced a $16.6 million verdict after a crash resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) for the victim. The driver was deemed 60% responsible for the accident.
- Texas trucking accident: A Dallas, Texas crash led to significant legal action, though the specifics of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Top Trucking Companies With the Most Accident Lawsuits
Based on U.S. District Court data from Justia Dockets, here are some of the top trucking companies with the most personal injury lawsuits filed against them:
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- At the top: Swift Transportations has the most lawsuits (299), followed closely by Werner Enterprises (289) and Schneider National Carriers (154).
- Mid-range: Just below the top three were Western Express (103), USA Truck (95), and Prime Inc. (86).
- Lower end: The trucking companies with the fewest lawsuits include UPS Inc. (28), Paschall Truck Lines (24), and Anderson Trucking Services (22).
Common Factors in Trucking Accident Lawsuits
Common factors contributing to large truck crashes include the following:
- Driver fatigue: Driver exhaustion is a leading cause of truck accidents, with 8,000 crashes annually attributed to fatigued truck drivers. Sixty–five percent of truck drivers admit to being chronically fatigued while driving, often due to exceeding legally permitted driving hours.
- Speeding: Pressure to meet delivery deadlines leads to speeding, a frequent cause of truck accidents.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Cargo that is improperly secured or unbalanced can cause accidents, leading to lawsuits against trucking companies.
- Distracted driving: Distractions, such as using mobile devices or in-cab technology, are commonly cited as contributing factors in trucking accidents.
- Mechanical failures: Accidents are frequently linked to mechanical issues that were not properly maintained or addressed.
- Weather conditions: Adverse weather plays a role in many accidents, often cited in lawsuits as a contributing factor.
These recurring issues underscore the urgent need for stricter safety measures and better enforcement of regulations to protect both truck drivers and other road users.
Safety Measures and Compliance: the Key to Preventing Accidents and Reducing Risks
The trucking industry has increasingly embraced safety technologies and stricter compliance measures to enhance road safety and reduce crash rates.
The adoption of technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and adherence to regulatory requirements have proven to significantly decrease fatalities, injuries, and accidents.
These efforts not only save lives but also help trucking companies mitigate legal and financial risks.
Adoption Rates of Safety Technologies
As the industry continues to prioritize safety, the implementation rates of advanced technologies have become a key focus. According to data from the Repository and Open Science Access Portal (ROSAP), adoption rates for ADAS are steadily increasing, with large firms operating over long distances leading the way in implementation.
Technologies such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings are expected to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Tech-Celerate Now Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched the Tech-Celerate Now initiative, which aims to accelerate the incorporation of ADAS through outreach campaigns, educational materials, and nationwide initiatives.
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- Survey findings: A national survey revealed that many motor carriers have already adopted at least three different types of safety technology, showcasing a commitment to improving safety.
- Estimated societal benefits: According to FMCSA’s Trends in Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety, the widespread adoption of ADAS is projected to significantly reduce accident rates, save lives, and lower costs related to crashes.
Compliance With Safety Regulations
To maintain high safety standards, the trucking industry is closely monitored and regulated by federal and state agencies:
- Oversight by FMCSA: The FMCSA ensures compliance with key regulations, including hours-of-service rules, vehicle maintenance standards, driver qualifications, and cargo securement guidelines.
- Regular audits and inspections: Trucking companies are subject to regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence to safety regulations.
- Penalties for non–compliance: Non-compliance results in penalties, fines, and downgraded safety ratings, emphasizing the importance of regulatory adherence.
Accident Rates Before and After Implementing Safety Measures
TruckingSafetyFacts data shows how new technologies improve safety measures for the trucking industry:
- Impact of electronic logging devices (ELDs): Implementing ELDs has significantly reduced driver fatigue-related accidents by ensuring compliance with hours-of-service regulations.
- ADAS contributions: ADAS integration has led to a measurable decrease in crash rates, reinforcing the importance of safety technologies.
- The decline in fatal crashes: Between 1980 and 2017, fatal crashes involving large trucks declined by 16%, highlighting the long-term benefits of safety initiatives.
- Crash rate metrics: The HDT Factbook for 2023 also notes the industry average accident rate is 0.74 accidents per million miles, with carriers failing safety audits if their rate exceeds 1.5 accidents per million miles for non-urban carriers.
As safety technologies continue to advance, their utilization remains a vital step toward a safer and more efficient future for all road users. If you suffered injuries in a collision with a large truck, our Milwaukee truck accident lawyers from Gruber Law Offices can help.
