4,669 were large trucks involved in fatal truck accidents.

Large trucks are more likely to be involved in a fatal multi-vehicle crash than are passenger vehicles.

Most fatal truck accidents occurred in rural areas (68 percent) during daytime (66 percent) and on weekdays (78 percent).

Only 1 percent of fatal truck accidents were DUI-related on part of truck driver compared to other types of fatal crashes. Higher DUI occurrences are 22 percent for drivers of passenger vehicles and light trucks and 29 percent for motorcyclists.

About 27 percent of all large truck drivers involved in fatal truck accidents had at least one prior speeding conviction compared to 19 percent of passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes.

California had most with 5,725 total fatal vehicle crashes but Texas had most fatal truck accidents with 438.

Here’s a breakdown of top 5 states as to fatal truck accidents in 2003:

State Total Fatal Vehicle Crashes Fatal Truck Accidents California 5,725 332 Texas 5,040 438 Florida 4,432 343 Georgia 2,277 208 Pennsylvania 2,233 213

Compared to a breakdown of top 5 states as to fatal truck accidents in 2002:

State Total Fatal Vehicle Crashes Fatal Truck Accidents California 5,544 346 Texas 5,039 401 Florida 4,431 351 Pennsylvania 2,198 174 Georgia 2,188 202

More truck accident statistics from FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System)

Although same laws of negligence apply, there are special Vehicle Code sections that apply only to commercial truck drivers and trucking companies. Truck drivers also have special licensing and training requirements which generally make truck accidents harder to defend but easier for plaintiffs to win.

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How do I deal with trucking companies or their insurance carriers after a truck accident?

The first thing you should do is consult with an expert truck accident attorney. The last thing you want to do is your own negotiation with a trucking company about your trucking accident. Most trucking companies are highly skilled at truck accident investigation and claims. Anything you say or sign may be held against you further down road. For a NO-OBLIGATION, free consultation with an expert truck accident lawyer attorney, click here.

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Who can sue in a truck accident injury or death case?

Anyone who is injured or has had a loved one killed in a truck accident can sue as long as some other person or entity is at fault for accident. This includes adults and children (who can sue through guardians or parents); and even truck drivers if another person or entity was at fault for accident.

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Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

Any person or entity who was at fault for causing truck accident can be sued including truck driver and trucking company, owner of trailer, shipper, as well as any other driver, person or entity who contributed to accident, such as manufacturer of one of vehicles involved in accident, manufacturer of a tire that contributed to accident or owner of any public or private property whose negligence contributed to accident.

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My accident occurred in New Jersey but I live in Pennsylvania. Should I hire a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer or a New Jersey truck accident lawyer?