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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has reported a 5 percent decline in fatalities resulting from truck accidents in 2014. However, drivers in Pennsylvania might be concerned to learn that the agency recorded a 21 percent increase in truck-related crash injuries.

Over the course of several years, the average numbers for truck-related deaths and injuries have strongly fallen. Large declines occurred during the recession, increases occurred when traffic rebounded and then the numbers started to level off. There was, however, a notable decline in crash-related injuries in 2013, but then a complete switch happened in 2014.

A representative for the FMCSA spokesperson explained that the decrease in deaths and increase in injuries is not unexpected. He said that new vehicle technologies, including automatic braking and lane departure systems, are preventing deaths and making truck accidents more survivable when they were not before.

However, American Transportation Research Institute vice president believes that there is another reason for these numbers. Citing changes to restart provisions, he explained that with trucks being moved during daytime rush hour periods, the number of property damage accidents significantly increases. Since the trucks are moving much slower than the usual 55 mph, he explained, the number of deaths substantially decreases.

Motor vehicle crashes that involve tractor-trailer trucks can cause serious injuries for the victims involved. Injured victims may be entitled to personal injury compensation for damages such as medical care costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages and other expenses directly related to their injuries, and they may decide to seek assistance from an attorney who focuses on personal injury cases.