Washington Fatal Truck Accident Statistics
Washington saw a dramatic increase in the number of light truck pickup fatalities in 2015 from previous years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The total jumped from 51 in 2011 to 73 in 2015 with all prior years in between ranging from 52 to 56. At the same time, utility trucks, vans and large trucks fluctuated.
Fatalities in vans also saw an increase from 2011 to 2015 with ten deaths reported in 2011 and a total of 17 fatalities in 2015. This was the same number as in 2014. Large truck fatalities saw a slight decrease from 2011 to 2015, down from 7 to 5.
Utility truck fatalities have remained about the same each year, varying slightly from 47 in 2011 to 44 in 2015. The low point came in 2012 with 40 fatalities. The majority of deaths involving a truck happen in a pickup. In 2011, there were 51 fatalities and in 2012 and 2013, that number increased by only one. 2014 saw a slight increase to 56 deaths while 2015 was a major increase at 73. However, this number is similar to the increase in fatalities related to passenger cars, which also saw a dramatic increase from 2011 to 2015.
Large trucks still account for the smallest percentage of vehicle fatalities while single-vehicle accidents and those involving a roadway departure make up the bulk of deaths involving a vehicle. Counties which involved the most large truck accident fatalities include Grant, Benton, King, Lewis, and Spokane. Most fatalities involving a light truck in 2015 occurred in Adams, Benton, King, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima counties.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a vehicle accident involving a truck, you may need to contact an attorney to represent you in a claim.