Semi-trucks are a common sight racing along I-77 and I-79, as well as on state highways. These vehicles have two parts: the cab in the front, where the driver sits, and the trailer in the back, which holds freight. They are joined at a fifth wheel, which allows the trailer to swing to the side.
These trucks haul consumer goods, including produce and furniture, into West Virginia, often pulling into cities and towns at all hours of the day and night. These large vehicles can cause devastating injuries when they collide with passenger vehicles. Many people wonder how many accidents are caused by semi-trucks in the Mountain State. According to the best data, we see around 80-100 per month.
If you were hurt in a collision with a large vehicle, contact Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation with a West Virginia truck accident lawyer. We know these are hard accident cases to win.
How Many Semi Truck Accidents Per Year in West Virginia?
There are different sources we can use to find the number of commercial truck accidents.
Data provided by the state to the federal government shows that West Virginia averaged 2,192 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) accidents each year from 2018-2022. In 2022, there were 2,231 CMV accidents. These numbers include accidents involving other motor vehicles, such as buses, trucks, moving vans, and so on. Only some CMV accidents involve tractor-trailers or semi trucks.
Other data shows fewer accidents involving large trucks in our state. One report by the federal Department of Transportation shows that West Virginia experienced the following number of large truck accidents:
- 1,010 accidents in 2021
- 1,014 accidents in 2022
- 887 accidents in 2023
- 876 accidents in 2024
- 922 accidents in 2025
These numbers do not include buses or other commercial vehicles, like cement trucks or moving vans, which explains why they are lower. These numbers are probably closer to the real number of semi-truck accidents each year in Virginia.
Using this data, we get roughly 80 accidents per month over the past five years. The numbers have been dropping recently, which is good news for public safety.
How Many Truck Accidents Per Year Are Fatal
We can use DOT data to show that in 2025, there were 26 fatal crashes involving large trucks in West Virginia, leading to 29 fatalities (multiple people can die in one accident). These numbers were down compared to other years:
- 2024: 20 fatal accidents (and 22 deaths)
- 2023: 38 fatal accidents (42 deaths)
- 2022: 34 fatal crashes (and 36 deaths)
- 2021: 35 fatal accidents (with 42 deaths)
These numbers are what you would expect for a state with the population of West Virginia. More populated states experience a higher number of fatal accidents. For example, Texas saw 806 deaths in large truck accidents in 2021, with Ohio seeing 220 deaths. The more people in a state, the more traffic there is on the road and the greater risk of a fatal accident.
Fatalities are not surprising whenever a vehicle is struck by a large truck. Some of the most fatal accidents are overrides, where a truck rides over a smaller vehicle, and underrides. The passengers in the smaller vehicle are more likely to die than the occupants in the truck.
How Many Truck Accidents Per Year Are the Truck Drivers’ Fault?
We don’t know how many accidents are the fault of the trucker. However, other data suggests that most accidents are caused by:
- Driver distraction
- Going too fast for conditions
- Trucker fatigue (driving too long, fatigue early in the morning, etc.)
- Alcohol or drug use
- Brake failure or other mechanical failure
When a truck driver is at fault for a crash, we can sue for financial compensation. We can also file a wrongful death claim if the accident is fatal.
We can seek financial compensation to cover the cost of repairing your car, paying for medical bills, and replacing any lost income. We also fight for compensation to cover pain and suffering for the discomfort caused by significant injuries. We believe everyone deserves experienced legal representation when trying to take on a trucker. The trucking company is usually on the other side of these cases.
What to Do after a Semi Truck Accident
If you are injured, we recommend that you try to get to safety first. Ask anyone if they need an ambulance, and call one to take injured victims to the hospital.
If you can move, then ask the trucker for their personal information, including information about their employer or the company that owns the truck. There is a good chance you can sue the trucking company for an accident when the truck driver is negligent. You can streamline the process by obtaining this information at the scene.
Take photographs of the accident scene, paying attention to the vehicles. Also, speak with any witnesses who stop. You want their contact information in case we need to speak with them.
Avoid saying anything at the scene that sounds like you are admitting blame for the collision. Under West Virginia law, your own negligence can result in lessened compensation. (W.V. Code § 55-7-13c.) If the plaintiff’s fault is greater than the fault of all defendants, then you cannot receive any compensation. Avoid saying that you were tired or not paying attention, so those statements could negatively impact your case.
Contact Our Office and Speak with a West Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer
Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC, has handled truck accident cases for years. Our firm knows how to find relevant evidence and preserve it for use in settlement negotiations. Contact us. We are available to meet anyone injured in a truck crash for a free consultation.
Bringing a claim against a trucking company is an important way of preserving your finances after a crippling accident. You can also demand accountability and improve public safety at the same time. Reach out to learn more. Our firm has developed considerable experience with motor vehicle accidents in the 26330 zip code.
