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When it comes to vehicles on the road, most people assume that trucks are more dangerous than cars. After all, they’re bigger and heavier and could cause more damage in an accident. But what are the chances of actually being in a truck accident versus a car accident? Let’s take a look at the data and find out.
Numbers Don’t Lie
According to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), in 2022, there were 270,764 accidents in Louisiana. Of these accidents, the following statistics were reported:
- Passenger cars were involved in 115,146 accidents, 357 of which were fatal and 34,818 of which led to injuries.
- Trucks were involved in 3,832 accidents, 46 of which were fatal and 975 of which led to injuries.
This means that while the average Louisiana driver is 30 times more likely to be in a car accident than a truck accident, those involved are four times more likely to die than those in car accidents.
Why Are Truck-Occupant Deaths So Low?
Occupants of trucks tend to come out of truck accidents relatively unscathed. This is due to the design of trucks, which provide their occupants with a much larger and stronger protective frame than regular passenger cars. Moreover, trucks have other structural features, such as energy-absorbing bumpers and cab sections built to crumple upon impact, adding another protection layer. Airbags and other passive safety systems protect truck occupants from serious injury. In contrast, cars tend to lack these features. Cars are significantly less protected when involved in an accident, especially when up against a truck – thus often resulting in much more severe outcomes for those inside them.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), of the 4,014 people that died in large truck accidents across the nation:
- 15% were truck occupants.
- 68% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles.
- 16% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
When truck accidents occur, it typically is not the truck driver or passenger who pays the price, it is others on the road.
Baton Rouge Accident Lawyers
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we help people and families injured in truck accidents get the full compensation available under the law. Our accident lawyers have dedicated their careers to assisting our neighbors across the region in their time of need. Our work is driven by our Christian faith and our personal commitment to our clients.
If you have been involved in an accident, contact us at (225) 230-3110 or by filling out our secure online contact form.