Fatalities on the Road: Analyzing America’s Deadliest Cars and Trucks

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Law Leaders Editor

When people think about dangerous driving, they often think of reckless drivers, hazardous weather conditions, or distracted driving. However, the type of vehicle on the road can also play a significant role in determining the likelihood of a crash resulting in a fatality. Some vehicles are involved in significantly more fatal crashes than others, often due to design flaws, safety deficits, or the types of roads they frequent. In 2022 alone, the United States witnessed 39,221 fatal traffic accidents, involving 60,501 vehicles, according to recent data.

We will discuss the deadliest vehicles on America’s roads and why certain cars and trucks are more prone to accidents. We’ll also discuss the broader implications of vehicle safety, what happens when a crash occurs involving a known dangerous vehicle, and what steps can be taken, including seeking legal counsel from top-rated personal injury attorneys at Law Leaders.

The Deadliest Vehicles in America: Key Models

America’s top-selling trucks and sedans may be loved for their performance, reliability, or ruggedness, but they also rank high in fatal crash involvement. Below are some of the vehicles most commonly found in deadly accidents, according to 2022 data:

Ford F-Series Trucks: The Ford F-Series has been America’s best-selling vehicle for decades. However, with 2,418 fatal crashes in 2022 alone, it holds the grim distinction of being the deadliest vehicle on U.S. roads. The high fatality rate may be attributed to the sheer number of these trucks on the road, their frequent use in rural or off-road environments, and their large size, which can lead to severe crashes.
Chevrolet Silverado: The Chevrolet Silverado, another top-selling truck, is almost as dangerous, with 2,271 fatal crashes reported in 2022. These heavy-duty trucks are often involved in accidents that are more severe due to their mass and size. While they are built for strength and durability, this can work against them when it comes to crash dynamics, where they tend to cause more damage than smaller vehicles.
RAM/Dodge Ram: The RAM pickup series, with 1,450 fatal crashes in 2022, is similarly deadly. These trucks are often used for commercial purposes and frequently travel at high speeds on highways, increasing the risk of fatal crashes.
Freightliner Trucks (Medium or Heavy-duty): Freightliner trucks, integral to the transportation industry, were involved in 1,201 fatal crashes in 2022. Given their size and weight, when accidents occur, they are far more likely to result in fatalities than those involving standard passenger vehicles.
Toyota Camry and Honda Accord: Popular sedans such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are involved in numerous accidents simply because of their ubiquity. In 2022, 1,086 Camrys and 1,174 Accords were involved in fatal accidents. These cars are typically safer than larger trucks or SUVs, but their involvement in high-speed collisions or accidents with larger vehicles can still be deadly.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles (750cc+): Motorcycles present a unique risk. With little to no protective barriers, Harley-Davidson motorcycles with engine sizes of 750cc or more were involved in 785 fatal crashes in 2022. Motorcycle riders face higher risks of severe injury or death due to their exposure on the road, making this vehicle class one of the most dangerous.

Why Vehicle Safety Matters: Design, Safety Features, and Real-World Consequences

When a fatal crash occurs, it is often due to a combination of factors: driver error, environmental conditions, and the vehicle’s design and safety features. Vehicle safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and electronic stability control, play a significant role in determining the outcome of a crash. Vehicles that lack advanced safety features or are poorly designed are more likely to cause injury or death.

In trucks like the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and RAM trucks, their size and weight make them much more dangerous during a collision. Larger vehicles create more force during impact, increasing the severity of the crash, especially when the accident involves smaller cars or motorcycles.

For motorcycles, the issue is entirely different. The absence of a protective enclosure makes any collision far more likely to result in serious injury or death. Even with helmets and protective gear, motorcyclists are highly vulnerable, and safety improvements in vehicle design have done little to reduce the inherent dangers of riding.

What Happens When a Known Troublesome Vehicle is Involved in a Crash?

When a crash involves a vehicle that is statistically more likely to be in fatal accidents, such as a Ford F-Series or a Freightliner truck, the consequences can be devastating for all parties involved. These vehicles tend to cause more severe injuries due to their size, weight, and crash dynamics.

Potential Consequences Include:

Severe Injuries or Death: Occupants of smaller vehicles or pedestrians involved in accidents with larger trucks or poorly designed vehicles are at much higher risk of fatal or severe injuries.
High Medical Costs: Injuries sustained in accidents with these vehicles can lead to skyrocketing medical expenses, extended recovery periods, and in many cases, long-term disabilities.
Vehicle Defects or Recalls: Sometimes, crashes can be traced back to vehicle defects or recalls. Design flaws, such as faulty brakes, poorly implemented airbags, or structural weaknesses, can turn a minor accident into a fatal one. In these cases, manufacturers may be held liable.
Insurance Battles: When serious accidents occur, victims often face long, drawn-out battles with insurance companies over coverage and compensation. The complexities of insurance law and liability often make it difficult for victims to get the full compensation they deserve.

Steps to Take After a Crash Involving a Known Dangerous Vehicle

If you are involved in a crash with a known troublesome vehicle, such as a large truck or a vehicle with a history of high fatality rates, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your rights:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries appear minor, it is essential to seek medical evaluation as some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
Document the Scene: Take photographs, record videos, and collect contact information from witnesses. This evidence may be critical in determining liability later on.
File a Police Report: Having an official report on file is important for insurance claims and potential legal action.
Contact a Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorney: After any serious accident, especially one involving a known dangerous vehicle, it is crucial to seek legal counsel. A top-rated personal injury attorney from Law Leaders can help victims understand their rights, assess the situation, and navigate the often-complicated legal process to pursue compensation.

Why Call a Personal Injury Attorney?

A crash involving a dangerous vehicle often results in complex legal battles, whether it’s with insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers, or at-fault drivers. A personal injury attorney can help victims:

Assess Liability: Attorneys can help investigate the accident and determine if the vehicle’s design or manufacturing defects contributed to the crash.
Negotiate Settlements: Experienced attorneys understand how to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Pursue Legal Action: In cases where vehicle manufacturers are at fault due to defective parts or design flaws, a personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit to seek additional compensation for the victim.

At Law Leaders, our network of top-rated attorneys specializes in handling cases involving serious accidents with high-risk vehicles. With our extensive knowledge of vehicle-related injury law and our commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for clients, we stand as a trusted resource for those navigating the aftermath of a tragic accident.

Why Vehicle Safety Should Be a Priority for Consumers

With the high rates of fatalities linked to specific vehicle models, it’s clear that safety should be a top priority for consumers when selecting a new car or truck. Popularity and brand loyalty should never overshadow the need for robust safety features. Consumers should research safety ratings and consider the impact of their vehicle’s size and weight on their own safety and the safety of others.

Things to Consider When Buying a New Vehicle:

Safety Ratings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provide safety ratings that can help consumers make informed choices.
Advanced Safety Features: Vehicles with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring systems offer additional protection.
Size Considerations: While larger vehicles might feel safer for the driver, they pose increased risks to other road users, especially pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of smaller vehicles.

With millions of vehicles on American roads, it’s critical to prioritize safety in our vehicle choices and driving habits. Though some models have proven to be more dangerous, understanding these risks can help us make better choices and avoid preventable accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash with one of America’s deadliest cars or trucks, contacting a top-rated personal injury attorney at Law Leaders can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve and ensuring justice is served.

If you’ve been injured in an accident on the road, call us for a free consultation today at 800-529-5323.