Are Semi-Truck Accidents More Likely to Hurt Car Occupants?

 Posted on May 21, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Have you ever noticed that news reports about tractor-trailer crashes often mention injured motorists, but they rarely say that the truck drivers were hurt? Recent Illinois statistics back up that observation. Semi collisions can cause catastrophic injuries, some of which are fatal. When they result from another party’s negligence, our experienced Orland Park, IL personal injury attorney will fight to protect your best interests and see you collect the compensation you deserve.

What Do Statistics Say About Truck and Car Occupant Injuries in Collisions?

In 2023, there were 11,105 accidents involving tractor-trailers in Illinois. Occupants of other vehicles represented 76 percent of total deaths and 74 percent of incapacitating injuries in Illinois truck accidents in 2023. In comparison, semi-truck occupants accounted for only 13 percent of fatalities and 22 percent of incapacitating injuries.

Nationwide figures for 2022 show that 96 percent of truck accident fatalities were passenger vehicle occupants, with four percent being occupants of large trucks. As you can see, those traveling in passenger cars are at a severe disadvantage in truck collisions.

Why Are So Many More Car Occupants Hurt in Truck Crashes?

A fully loaded semi can legally weigh 80,000 pounds, approximately 20 times the weight of an average car. Trucks are also over twice as tall and almost five times longer than average passenger vehicles. With that much weight behind them, trucks can hit much harder than cars, especially at higher speeds. They are also prone to rollovers, potentially crushing nearby cars.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Several parties can make various negligent errors that lead to semi crashes, including:

• Driver errors: Speeding, DUI, following too closely, improper merging, and fatigue
• Trucking companies: Requiring unreasonable delivery deadlines, providing unsafe equipment, and negligent hiring
• Cargo loaders: Failing to secure or balance loads correctly
• Mechanics: Inadequate truck and trailer maintenance
• Parts manufacturers: Providing defective products, such as brakes, tires, and tie-down straps
• Government entities: Poor road design, improperly maintained roads, and inappropriate speed limits

Other motorists can also cause or contribute to causing truck crashes. It is impossible to say for certain why a specific accident happens without an investigation, which your lawyer will perform. Once we know why your crash occurred, we can establish liability for paying your damages.

What Damages Are Available in a Truck Accident Case?

Damages in personal injury cases refer to losses directly caused by the incident, and the term is also used to describe the money you could collect because of those losses. We cannot tell you how much you may obtain through your personal injury or wrongful death claim until we evaluate case-specific factors. Economic damages often include property damage, medical costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, address the ways your accident impacted your quality of life. Wrongful death damages reflect losses suffered by the victim’s eligible survivors.

Did you know that people with competent legal representation typically receive substantially higher settlements? We know how to calculate your past, current, and future damages accurately. We also know how to deal with insurance companies that are reluctant to pay your claim. If an insurer will not offer a reasonable amount through settlement negotiations, we are fully prepared to file a civil lawsuit and take your case to trial.

Consult Our Skilled Orland Park, IL Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered losses due to injuries from a semi crash, you need our effective Orland Park, IL personal injury attorney on your side fighting for your best interests. Call Issa Law, LLC at 708-966-2408 or contact us online today to arrange for your complimentary case review.