According to estimates by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, when the 2018 statistics are finalized, the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents involving at least one semi-truck will show a 3% increase. A preliminary NHTSA report indicates that the number of car accident fatalities fell from 2017 to 2018 by 1% even though the total number of miles traveled increased by .4%. Drivers should be aware of large trucks on Connecticut roadways as truck accidents tend to be more severe than other motor vehicle crashes.

The preliminary data shows an estimate of 36,750 deaths due to motor vehicle accidents during the year 2018. The data does not break down to show the number of people killed in crashes where trucks were involved, but the NHTSA says it estimates a 3% increase. The agency also estimated that cyclist fatalities increased 10% and pedestrian fatalities rose 4%. Previous data indicated a 9% increase in truck accident deaths between 2016 and 2017.

The number of car accident deaths decreased in most regions of the country. The Upper Midwest saw a decrease of 5% from 2017 to 2018. The largest increase was in New England where the number of traffic accident deaths increased 4%. If the overall estimates turn out to be correct, 2018 will join 2017 as years that saw decreases in the number of car accident fatalities after 2015 and 2106 saw significant increases.

When a person is killed in a motor vehicle accident, his or her estate and family members may have claims for damages. An attorney who practices personal injury law may be able to help in such cases by identifying parties who could be liable and gathering evidence to build a claim. An attorney might draft a complaint for wrongful death or work to negotiate a settlement with adverse parties.