Call Now Request FREE consultation - 1866-758-4529

The Hidden Costs of 18 Wheeler Accidents!

The hidden costs of 18 wheeler accidents!

 

costs of semi wrecks

The trend over the last decade has been one of give and take concerning large truck crashes. The overall number of accidents involving commercial vehicles has dropped in the last ten years. However, the number of fatalities from truck crashes has increased.

 

There’s little doubt that the costs associated with the truck accident can be significant from the motor carrier’s perspective. Insurance premiums, additional training, and the need to attract and retain quality drivers are all part of the equation.

 

There are, however, hidden costs associated with truck accidents that are displayed each and every week in the greater Houston area. Some of the hidden costs are thrust upon the public within the community. Some examples are:

 

  1. Increased commuting time after a major highway has been shut down due to a truck accident.
  2. Repairs to the roadway, infrastructure, and other property as a result of an accident.
  3. Hazmat costs associated with the cleanup – particularly with rolled-over trucks.

 

A recent article by the FMCSA highlights the problem with 18-wheeler accidents. In 2021 alone, over 90,000 people were injured in a truck crash in the United States. Added to that number is the sad fact that over 5,600 people were killed in a truck or bus accident.

Texas truck crash statistics 2022

While the sheer number of accidents remains somewhat stable, the impact on society is ever-increasing.

 

Every week in the greater Houston area, we have truck crashes that bring traffic to a standstill for many hours at a time. If you are stuck in that traffic, there is not much you can do but put your car in park and turn up the radio. The number of missed appointments, reprimands at work, and untold amounts of inconvenience cannot be overestimated. In short, statistics show that unnecessary truck accidents have a huge impact on the victims of the crash and the community at large.

 

Tax dollars are spent for the cleanup of debris and for traffic control after a major accident. Not to mention the costs associated with an investigation of an 18-wheeler crash, such as the Texas Highway Patrol or local officers.

 

Here is another example of a crash that shut down Houston commuting traffic for many hours. https://texas-truckaccidentlawyer.com/blog/tractor-trailer-rollover-snarls-houston-traffic/

About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.