Texas has more commercial truck traffic than any other state in the country, and the highest number of fatal truck crashes year after year. With sprawling interstate networks, booming oil and gas production, and one of the largest freight economies in the United States, Texas roads are filled with 18-wheelers, tankers, oversized loads, and commercial fleets operating around the clock. While these vehicles keep the state’s economy thriving, they also create extreme dangers for motorists who share the road.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston personal injury attorneys represent victims and families devastated by catastrophic truck collisions. Understanding why Texas leads the nation in truck-related fatalities and what the data reveals about these risks can help drivers stay vigilant and pursue justice when negligence results in tragedy.
Texas: The Epicenter of America’s Trucking Activity
Texas’s trucking presence is unmatched. The state’s economy depends heavily on freight movement, and its highways are major corridors connecting Mexico, the Gulf Coast, and the rest of the country. As a result, Texas highways carry an enormous volume of commercial traffic.
Several factors contribute to this overwhelming presence:
Oilfields in the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, and West Texas rely on thousands of daily truck trips transporting sand, pipe, chemicals, water, and equipment.
- Major interstate corridors.
I-10, I-35, I-45, and I-20 are among the busiest freight routes in the United States.
- International trade routes.
Cross-border trucking from Mexico funnels directly into Texas roadways.
- Distribution hubs and ports.
Houston’s port system and surrounding industrial zones move massive shipments by truck.
This constant surge of commercial vehicles significantly increases the likelihood and severity of crashes.
What the Data Shows: Texas Leads the Nation in Fatal Truck Crashes
Recent statewide and national statistics reveal a troubling pattern:
- Texas consistently reports more fatal large truck crashes than any other state.
- Rural counties, especially those near oilfields, show a disproportionate number of deadly collisions involving commercial trucks.
- Interstates around Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio record high volumes of multi-vehicle truck crashes caused by congestion, speeding, and heavy merging traffic.
- High-impact collisions involving 18-wheelers are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries due to vehicle size and crash force.
This data highlights a dangerous truth: no state faces trucking risks at the scale Texas does.
Why Commercial Truck Fatalities Are So High in Texas
Several unique factors make Texas roads especially dangerous when large trucks are involved.
- Long, High-Speed Highways Increase Crash Severity
Texas highways often allow speeds of 70–85 mph. When an 80,000-pound truck is traveling at highway speeds, its stopping distance is dramatically longer. A sudden slowdown, lane change, or minor driver error can lead to violent collisions.
- Oilfield and Rural Trucking Conditions Are Extremely Hazardous
Rural roads in oilfield regions are narrow, poorly lit, and not designed for heavy truck traffic.
Drivers face:
- Frequent fatigue from long shifts.
- Dust and debris reduce visibility.
- Oversized and overweight loads.
- Increased rollover and jackknife risks.
These conditions significantly elevate fatality rates.
- Driver Fatigue Is Widespread in High-Demand Sectors
Texas trucking, especially in the oil and gas industry, often pushes drivers to meet demanding schedules. Long hours, insufficient rest, and overnight driving are major contributors to fatal crashes.
- Congestion in Major Cities Creates Dangerous Interactions
Urban areas combine heavy commercial traffic with:
- Speeding.
- Distracted driving.
- Rapid lane changes.
- Aggressive merging.
Large trucks cannot maneuver or stop quickly, making collisions with passenger vehicles devastating.
- Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance Are Common
Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering issues are frequently involved in fatal crashes. In Texas, long distances and harsh road conditions increase mechanical wear, especially when companies neglect maintenance to keep trucks on the road longer.
How Victims and Families Can Hold Negligent Parties Accountable
Fatal and catastrophic truck crashes are rarely simple accidents. They often involve multiple failures, including negligent driving, improper loading, poor maintenance, or violations of federal trucking regulations.
A successful claim may involve pursuing accountability against:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company.
- Vehicle maintenance providers.
- Cargo loading companies.
- Oilfield or industrial contractors.
- Manufacturers of defective truck components.
- Companies that pressured drivers to violate safety rules.
Identifying every responsible party is essential, especially when losses are severe and lifelong.
How Hollingsworth Law Firm Helps After Deadly Truck Crashes
Truck accident cases require extensive investigation and legal experience.
Hollingsworth Law Firm takes decisive action to protect victims and families by:
- Securing black box data, logbooks, dashcam footage, and GPS records.
- Investigating regulatory violations and company safety practices.
- Working with crash reconstruction and trucking industry experts.
- Challenging insurers who attempt to deny responsibility or minimize damages.
- Pursuing full compensation for medical costs, lost income, wrongful death damages, and long-term losses.
Our attorneys understand the complex factors behind Texas’s elevated truck fatality rates and fight to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.
Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one was harmed in a commercial truck crash anywhere in Texas, you deserve answers, accountability, and experienced legal support. Hollingsworth Law Firm is ready to investigate, preserve critical evidence, and pursue maximum compensation.
Contact our Houston office today at 713-637-4560 or online to schedule a free consultation.
About The Author
Steve Hollingsworth
Steve Hollingsworth is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience across Texas. After beginning his career as a felony prosecutor, Steve went on to represent major insurance companies before focusing on helping individuals injured in car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability cases. Founder of his own firm, Steve is committed to providing personalized, client-focused legal representation to ensure justice for those he serves.
