Truck Accident Statistics in the DMV States

Every year there are more than 8k truck accidents in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Sadly, many involve an injury or fatality that can forever change the lives of those involved.

Wanting to shed more light on the issue, Regan Zambri Long PLLC analyzed data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association and found the following.

Your Chances of Getting into a Truck Accident in Washington, DC Are Significantly Lower than in Virginia or Maryland

In 2023, there were 8,333 truck accidents across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with the majority of truck accidents occurring in Maryland and Virginia.

• Washington DC: 132 accidents (19.4 per 100k)
• Maryland: 3,283 accidents (53.1 per 100k)
• Virginia: 4,918 accidents (56.4 per 100k)

Injuries From Truck Accidents Are Extremely Common – with more than a Third of Accidents Resulting in an Injury

In 2023, 33.2% of truck accidents in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia resulted in an injury. While Washington, DC has fewer truck accidents than Virginia and Maryland, accidents in Washington, DC are more likely to result in one or more injuries.

• Washington DC: 52 accidents involved injuries (39.4% of accidents)
• Maryland: 1,135 accidents involved injuries (34.6% of accidents)
• Virginia: 1,579 accidents involved injuries (32.1% of accidents)

More than 4,000 People Are Killed in Truck Accidents in DMV States

Sadly, 178 people were killed in truck accidents in 2023. If national statistics hold true, roughly 70% of these individuals would have been occupants in other vehicles.

• Washington, DC: 1 fatality (0.8% of accidents resulted in a fatality)
• Maryland: 64 fatalities (1.9% of accidents resulted in a fatality)
• Virginia: 113 fatalities (2.1% of accidents resulted in a fatality)

Prince George’s County Has the Most Dangerous Roadways

In 2023, the majority of the most dangerous roadways in the region were in the Washington metropolitan area. The 10 roadways with the most fatalities in 2023 included:

• I-95 in Prince George’s County, MD: 11
• SR-295 in Prince George’s County, MD: 11
• I-695 in Baltimore County, MD: 9
• SR-5 in Prince George’s County, MD: 8
• SR-210 in Prince George’s County, MD: 7
• SR-214 in Prince George’s County, MD: 7
• US-40 in Baltimore County, MD: 7
• I-495 in Fairfax County, VA: 7
• I-495 in Fauquier County, VA: 7
• I-495 in Halifax County, VA: 7

What to Do if You Are in a Truck Accident

Unfortunately, accidents are more than just statistics. If you are involved in an accident, remember the following:

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after an accident, seeing a medical professional is still important. After an accident, you may be in shock or have an adrenaline rush, so it’s not uncommon for pain to present itself hours or days after the incident. It’s also important to document any potential injuries as soon as possible.

Report the Accident

Even a fender bender with a truck can cause serious damage because of the size and weight of the vehicle. If involved in an accident, you should call the police to report the accident. They will collect details about the accident.

Exchange Insurance and Contact Details With the Involved Parties

If you are able, collect insurance and contact information from any involved parties. Trucking companies have strict federal insurance requirements for liability insurance that will cover personal and property damage if they are found to be at fault. If the truck driver is unwilling to share information, you should bring the issue up with the police dispatched to the accident.

Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer

While not all accidents will warrant a lawsuit, it’s recommended to seek legal counsel after one. They will be able to discuss your options and give guidance on what to expect from insurance companies. We cover some frequently asked truck questions here.