Commercial truck accidents remain a serious concern for Arizona drivers. Large trucks, defined as vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds, play a vital role in the economy but carry unique risks due to their size and weight.
When accidents occur, the consequences can be severe, leading to significant injuries and complex legal battles.
At The Sorenson Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping Arizona residents navigate these challenges and secure fair compensation for at-fault accident claims.
This guide examines the latest 2025 commercial truck accident statistics, both nationally and in Arizona, to provide clarity on the risks and legal options available.
Understanding Commercial Truck Accidents
Large trucks, including semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, often weigh 20–30 times more than passenger vehicles. This weight disparity increases the risk of accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) track crash data to identify trends and improve safety.
Their findings highlight the importance of understanding accident causes and pursuing legal action when negligence is involved.
National Truck Accident Statistics for 2025
According to the National Safety Council, in 2023, there were a total of 5,472 deaths resulting from crashes involving large trucks. Of those fatalities, 674 were non-occupants, 3,837 were people in another vehicle, and 961 were truck occupants [1].
In 2022, there were 168,320 accidents involving large trucks. Of those, 4,766 were fatal for one or more people involved, 54,667 resulted in an injury, and 76,180 individuals were injured in total [2].
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 494,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2021. Of these, 110,000 (22 percent) led to injuries, and 5,149 led to fatalities [3].
A large majority of these fatal crashes (83%) occurred on weekdays, and 37% occurred at night.
The FMCSA also shares:
“Approximately 54 percent of all fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas, 26 percent occurred on Interstate highways, and 12 percent fell into both categories by occurring on rural Interstate highways.” [3]
Early estimates for 2025 suggest similar trends, with large trucks accounting for about 9% of vehicles in fatal crashes despite comprising only 4% of registered vehicles.
Driver error is often a leading cause of large truck accidents. Common factors include truck driver fatigue, distraction, and speeding.
Large trucks travel billions of miles each year, with a fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled lower than that of passenger vehicles. However, their involvement in multi-vehicle fatal crashes is higher due to their size and reduced truck braking capability.
Arizona-Specific Truck Accident Trends
Arizona’s busy highways, such as I-10 and I-17, see significant truck traffic, increasing the likelihood of crashes.
While specific 2025 data for commercial trucks in Arizona is not yet available, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported 122,247 total motor vehicle crashes in 2023, with 1,197 fatalities and over 37,000 injuries.
In 2023, there were 2,485 truck-involved accidents. Surprisingly, there were only 11 alcohol-related accidents involving large trucks, two of which resulted in deaths [4].
According to the National Safety Council, in Arizona, there were 149 large truck accidents that resulted in fatalities in 2023, accounting for 7.6% of total vehicles involved in fatal crashes statewide [1].
In 2022, there were a total of 2,632 truck accidents in the state, with 385 of these resulting in serious injuries to one more individuals. There were 135 fatalities directly related to these crashes [2].
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents stem from various factors, often tied to negligence. Key causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours lead to drowsiness, impairing reaction times. The NHTSA estimates drowsy driving contributes to 91,000 crashes annually, including 800 fatalities [5].
- Distraction: Cell phone use or other distractions caused 3,275 fatalities in 2023 [6].
- Speeding: In 2023, speeding was a contributing factor in 11,775 (29%) of all traffic fatalities [7].
- Poor Maintenance: Faulty brakes or tires on poorly maintained trucks increase crash risks.
- Improper Loading: Load shifting can cause loss of control, contributing to large truck accidents.
Who Is at Risk?
Large truck crashes disproportionately affect passenger vehicle occupants, who account for approximately 72% of fatalities and injuries, though truck occupants face risks too . Non-occupants, such as pedestrians and cyclists, make up roughly 10% of fatalities [2].
In Arizona, these risks are amplified in busy areas like Phoenix and on rural roads with limited visibility.
Legal Options for Arizona Victims
Victims of commercial truck accidents in Arizona can pursue personal injury claims to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Determining fault is critical, as multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer of defective parts.
The FMCSA regulates commercial vehicles, setting strict rules on driver hours, maintenance, and drug testing. Violations of these regulations can strengthen a claim.
At The Sorenson Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers investigate crashes thoroughly, using police reports, witness accounts, and black box data to establish liability.
We understand the complexities of federal regulations and work to hold negligent parties accountable. Our goal is to secure fair settlements for your injuries, ensuring you can focus on recovery.
Why Choose The Sorenson Law Firm?
The Sorenson Law Firm has extensive experience representing Arizona residents in truck accident cases. We offer personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation. Our services include:
- Free Consultations: Discuss your case with no obligation.
- Comprehensive Investigations: We analyze crash data, FMCSA violations, and other evidence to build a strong case.
- Aggressive Representation: We negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
- Local Expertise: Our knowledge of Arizona’s roads and regulations ensures effective advocacy.
Call 480-839-9500 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice.
Safety Tips for Arizona Drivers
Preventing truck accidents requires vigilance from all road users. Here are practical tips to stay safe:
- Avoid Blind Spots: Large trucks have large blind spots, known as “No Zones.” Stay visible to truck drivers.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Trucks require longer stopping distances due to their weight and braking capability.
- Drive Defensively: Watch for signs of truck driver fatigue or erratic behavior, especially on interstates.
- Report Unsafe Trucks: Poorly maintained trucks pose risks. Report issues to the FMCSA or local authorities.
Looking Ahead: Improving Road Safety
The NHTSA and FMCSA continue to push for safety improvements. Recent regulations mandate automatic emergency braking (AEB) on trucks over 10,000 pounds, aiming to reduce collisions [8].
Arizona’s ongoing road design improvements and awareness campaigns also contribute to lower fatality rates. However, drivers must remain proactive in sharing the road safely with large trucks.
Conclusion
Commercial truck accidents in Arizona and across the U.S. remain a significant concern, with thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. Understanding the causes, risks, and legal options empowers victims to seek justice.
The Sorenson Law Firm is committed to helping Arizona residents navigate the complexities of truck accident claims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, contact us today or call 480-839-9500 for a free consultation. Let our experienced truck accident lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve.
Sources:
[1] https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
[2] https://www.truckinfo.net/research/truck-accident-statistics
[3] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2021
[4] https://azdot.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/2023-Crash-Facts_0.pdf
[5] https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving
[6] https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
[7] https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
[8] https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/heavy-vehicles-automatic-emergency-braking-proposed-rule
