By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn on March 20, 2026
Truck traffic moves through Dallas every hour. Interstate 35E, I-30, and U.S. 75 carry heavy commercial flow alongside daily commuters. Many drivers ask how many accidents are caused by semi trucks each year and whether those crashes represent a major risk. National data shows large trucks account for a smaller percentage of total crashes, yet truck accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities. Truck accident lawyers at Anderson Cummings & Drawhorn, represent North Texas families facing those consequences.
Large trucks account for a smaller share of total crashes but contribute to a significant share of fatal outcomes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,472 deaths and an estimated 153,452 injuries from crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Police documented about 528,177 large trucks involved in traffic crashes nationwide, and 71 percent of trucks in fatal crashes qualified as heavy trucks.
Although large trucks represent roughly eight percent of total traffic crashes nationwide, vehicle size and weight increase injury severity. Dallas reflects those national patterns. Major freight corridors intersect with dense commuter traffic, increasing exposure during peak travel times and construction.
Semi-truck accidents often involve greater force, more complex evidence, and higher insurance limits than car crashes. A fully loaded tractor-trailer may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Most passenger vehicles weigh a fraction of that amount. The physics alone can lead to devastating outcomes.
Truck accident investigations extend beyond driver behavior. Federal safety rules regulate hours of service, maintenance inspections, and cargo securement. Electronic logging devices, onboard data recorders, and company policies often become central evidence. Multiple insurance policies may apply, including motor carrier and trailer coverage. In Dallas truck accident litigation, corporate defendants frequently join the case alongside the driver.
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Driver error remains a leading factor in truck accident investigations. Fatigue, distraction, and speeding appear regularly in crash reports. Long-haul routes across Texas highways can place pressure on drivers to meet delivery schedules. Hours-of-service regulations aim to reduce fatigue-related crashes, yet violations still occur.
Unsafe lane changes and wide turns also contribute to collisions. Tractor-trailers carry large blind spots along both sides and behind the vehicle. A passenger vehicle traveling within those areas may become invisible to the driver. Mechanical failure adds further risk. Brake problems, tire blowouts, and poor maintenance can extend stopping distance or cause loss of control. Heavy rain across Texas can reduce traction and visibility, which complicates braking for large commercial vehicles.
Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety confirms most deaths in large truck crashes involve occupants of passenger vehicles. Large trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles and sit higher above the ground. That height difference increases underride risk when a smaller vehicle slides beneath a trailer.
Dallas commuters driving sedans, compact SUVs, and smaller vehicles face increased vulnerability in rear-impact or underride events. Motorcyclists and pedestrians also encounter elevated danger due to limited physical protection.
Texas law permits claims against any party whose negligence contributed to the crash. Liability may extend beyond the truck driver. A motor carrier may face responsibility for negligent hiring or inadequate supervision. Maintenance contractors may share fault for defective repairs. Cargo loaders may bear responsibility for unsecured freight.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning an injured person may recover damages if assigned fault does not exceed half, with compensation reduced by the percentage of responsibility. Dallas truck accident claims often require detailed fault analysis due to multiple parties and commercial insurance layers.
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Seek immediate medical attention and ensure a police report documents the crash. Prompt medical care protects health and creates a record connecting injuries to the collision. Photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries can preserve key evidence.
Gather contact information from witnesses and avoid discussing fault at the scene. Notify your insurer, but approach recorded statements for a trucking company insurer with caution. Early legal guidance can help preserve driver logs, electronic data, and maintenance records before loss or alteration.
A serious truck accident can disrupt income, medical stability, and family security. Our team at Anderson Cummings & Drawhorn investigates truck accident claims with focus on liability and fair damage recovery under Texas law. Call 817-920-9000 today for a free case review.
As a Fort Worth native and a double-Board Certified trial lawyer, John Cummings is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured. With a track record that includes record-setting verdicts and multi-million dollar settlements, he is an aggressive advocate who isn’t afraid to take on tough cases.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
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