What Is Considered A Medium Truck vs A Heavy-Duty Truck?

A medium truck is defined as any truck, excluding buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds. These large trucks include both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. However, in 2020 72% of the trucks involved in fatal traffic crashes were heavy-duty trucks that had a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) > 26,000 lbs.

United States

In the U.S. in 2021, the number of large trucks involved in accidents causing injuries increased by 12% from 2020. In addition, the number of large trucks involved in accidents that resulted in death increased by 18% from 2020.

From 2019 to 2020, there was a 9% increase in the number of nonoccupants (pedestrians, pedal cyclists, or other nonoccupants) that were killed in large truck accidents in the entire country.

Large-truck drivers had the highest percentage (21.3%) of previously recorded crashes compared to drivers of other vehicle types (motorcycles, 20.5%; passenger cars, 19.7%; and light trucks, 17.3%).

Arkansas
Deaths from motor vehicle accidents: Motor vehicle deaths by population have been increasing since 2018, with 2021 seeing 731 motor vehicle deaths among Arkansas residents (683 in 2020)
In 2020, the percentage of heavy duty-trucks involved in fatal crashes, as a proportion of all vehicles, was 9.9% in Arkansas
Cross-referencing data with the population of Arkansas, led to Arkansas being ranked as the 3rd worst state in truck accidents, with 2.8 people per 100,000 people dying from a large truck accident. The only 2 states worse are Mississippi and Wyoming.
Potential causes that can explain the increase in
Truck Accident Occurrences
Substance Abuse
27.6% Of Truck Drivers Reported Using Drugs

Alcohol abuse and drug/substance misuse is a common occurrence among truck drivers. In a self-reported survey, 27.6% of truck drivers reported using drugs

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/truck-drivers

Fatigue
High Stress Work Hours Lead To Fatigue

Increases in high-stress work hours due to e-commerce and shipping/transporting growth have led to truck drivers operating while fatigued.

Danger
Arkansas Ranks 7th In States With Poorest Road Conditions

Poor road conditions on I-40, I-49, and I-540 are very dangerous interstates that run through Arkansas.

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If you are ever involved in an accident, the first thing to do is make sure everyone involved is accounted for and safe. Afterward, it is important to get to a safe area away from the road and wreck scene, since there are still fast-traveling vehicles and a chance of combustion from the wreck.
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When all people are safe and the scene is controlled, call 911 immediately for help. The police officers will be able to interview witnesses and make observations about the accident scene, which will later be used in the police report that can be helpful should you file a claim for compensation.
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As you are trying to recover, it is important to consult an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as you are able to. Many commercial insurance companies would take the first action by reaching out to victims to pressure them into a lowball settlement. It is important not to sign any papers or admit any guilt to them.

The Reed Firm and head attorney Tim Reed have decades of experience helping distraught motor vehicle and specifically truck accident victims gain the compensation they deserve while holding the applicable parties accountable for their actions.