Updated September 2026 | Legally reviewed by Greg Baumgartner
Quick answer Harris County led every Texas county with 5,913 commercial motor vehicle crashes in 2025. Those crashes included 41 fatal crashes, 43 deaths, and 125 suspected serious injuries. Harris County accounted for about 15 percent of all reported CMV crashes in Texas.
The numbers show how often commercial vehicle crashes occur in the Houston area. They do not prove why a particular crash happened or who was at fault. That takes a case-specific investigation. It must cover the driver, motor carrier, truck, and trailer. The cargo, route, and other companies may also matter.
Were you hurt in a serious commercial vehicle crash? Our Houston truck accident lawyer page explains how we preserve evidence. It also shows how we identify every responsible party.
What the Latest Houston Truck Accident Data Shows
TxDOT published its 2025 county report in 2026. Harris County remained the state leader in reported CMV crashes. The county had 5,913 crashes, compared with 3,778 in Dallas County and 2,581 in Bexar County. That works out to about 16 reported CMV crashes each day in Harris County.
Commercial motor vehicle crash data
|
Measure |
2024 |
2025 |
Change |
|
Texas CMV crashes |
39,393 |
38,533 |
Down 2.2% |
|
Harris County CMV crashes |
6,313 |
5,913 |
Down 6.3% |
|
Harris County fatal crashes |
41 |
41 |
No change |
|
Harris County fatalities |
41 |
43 |
Up 2 |
|
Harris County suspected serious injuries |
112 |
125 |
Up 13 |
Sources: TxDOT 2025 Commercial Motor Vehicle Crashes and Injuries by County and TxDOT 2024 Commercial Motor Vehicle Crashes and Injuries by County. Percentages are calculated from the reported totals.
The year-over-year picture is mixed. Harris County recorded 400 fewer CMV crashes in 2025, a 6.3 percent decline. Fatal crashes remained at 41, but fatalities increased from 41 to 43. Suspected serious injuries increased from 112 to 125. A lower overall crash count did not mean fewer devastating outcomes.
“The countywide numbers show the scale of the problem. They do not prove fault in one family’s case. A careful investigation must examine the driver and motor carrier. It must also cover the truck and each company that controlled the trip.”
Greg Baumgartner Founder of Baumgartner Law Firm
What the TxDOT Numbers Include
TxDOT uses the term commercial motor vehicle, or CMV. The category includes more than tractor-trailers. It may include delivery trucks, dump trucks, and buses. It may also cover tow trucks, work vehicles, and other commercial vehicles. The 5,913 figure should not be described as 5,913 crashes involving only 18 wheelers.
The figures are also county-level data. Houston lies mainly in Harris County. The city and county are not the same geographic area. The accurate statement is that Harris County recorded more CMV crashes than any other Texas county in 2025.
For statewide comparisons and additional county data, see our updated Texas truck accident statistics.
Why Houston Has So Much Commercial Truck Traffic
Houston has a major port and a large commuter population. It also has petrochemical plants, refineries, warehouses, construction sites, and distribution centers. Commercial trucks move between these locations and area highways throughout the day. High truck volume does not excuse unsafe driving. It does put more trucks next to smaller vehicles.
Port Houston and the Ship Channel
Port Houston published its 2023 Goods Movement Emissions Inventory. The report estimated 3,775,730 truck trips tied to its terminals and facilities. About 84 percent were container-truck trips serving the Barbours Cut and Bayport terminals. That freight then moves onto public roads near the port and through the broader highway network.
Freight Corridors and Local Distribution
The TxDOT Houston District Truck Mobility Study reviewed heavy-truck travel between regional gateways and Port Houston terminals. It found heavy activity on I-10 and I-45. It also tracked I-69, US 290, and routes near the port. It also studied daily trips at Jacintoport, Barbours Cut, and Bayport. About 75 to 85 percent began or ended within 15 miles of the terminal.
Houston’s truck traffic is not limited to long-haul rigs passing through town. Much of it is local freight traffic. These trucks serve nearby warehouses, industrial sites, rail yards, and distribution centers.
Congestion and Complex Interchanges
Houston’s freight routes also carry heavy commuter traffic. A truck driver may move from highway speed into stopped traffic with little warning. Merging lanes and short entrance ramps leave less room for a late decision. Construction zones, frontage roads, and large interchanges add more hazards. A driver who is tired, distracted, or speeding may react too late. An 80,000-pound tractor-trailer needs far more room to stop than a car.
What the Crash Totals Do Not Prove
Raw crash totals measure frequency, not the crash rate for each mile driven. The TxDOT report does not rank counties by CMV crashes per truck mile. It shows that Harris County had the largest number of reported CMV crashes. That distinction matters when describing the data accurately.
Statistics also do not establish negligence in one case. A police report may cite an unsafe lane change or failure to control speed. The deeper cause may be company pressure or poor training. It may also involve bad maintenance, an overloaded trailer, or hours-of-service violations.
What Greg Baumgartner Looks at First
“After a serious injury or fatal truck accident, I start with why the crash happened and who had the power to prevent it. The answer is often found in electronic truck data and driver hours. Dispatch records and maintenance files may also help. Cargo papers and independent video may explain what went wrong.”
Greg Baumgartner Texas injury attorney licensed since 1984
A serious truck crash should not be handled as a larger version of a routine car claim. The driver may be responsible. The motor carrier or truck owner may also share fault. A maintenance company, cargo loader, broker, or other business may hold key records.
Our Houston truck accident investigation process explains how we identify the parties. It also shows why key evidence must be saved before it is lost or overwritten.
Evidence That Can Explain a Houston Truck Crash
The most useful evidence depends on the crash. In a serious injury or wrongful death case, the investigation may include:
- Engine control module and event data showing speed, braking, throttle position, and other vehicle activity
- Electronic logging device records showing driving time, on-duty time, and required rest periods
- Dispatch messages, GPS history, toll records, fuel receipts, and delivery schedules
- Dashcam, traffic-camera, business-security, and witness video
- Driver qualification, training, medical certification, and safety records
- Inspection reports, repair orders, maintenance files, and out-of-service history
- Bills of lading, cargo securement records, weight tickets, and loading instructions
- Photos, roadway marks, vehicle damage, debris, and crash-scene measurements
Federal rules limit driving and on-duty time for many interstate commercial drivers. The FMCSA hours-of-service summary explains the basic limits. Our guide to federal trucking regulations after a Houston truck accident explains how those rules may matter in a Texas claim.
Why Early Action Matters
Electronic information can be overwritten. Vehicles can be repaired or returned to service. Video from nearby businesses may be deleted within days or weeks. Witnesses may become harder to find, and road conditions may change. A preservation letter should identify the evidence and the companies that control it.
This does not mean collecting every company record. The goal is to save evidence tied to the cause of the crash and the harm it caused.
What to Do After a Houston Truck Accident
- Call 911 and request medical help when needed.
- Get medical care promptly and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Take photos if you can do so safely. Include the vehicles, road, debris, traffic controls, company markings, and visible injuries.
- Get the driver’s name, motor-carrier name, and USDOT number. Also collect insurance information and witness contacts.
- Do not rush into a recorded statement for the trucking company’s insurer. First, learn what the statement may be used for and understand your rights.
- Preserve your own photographs, videos, damaged property, medical records, and wage-loss information.
For a more complete checklist, read what to do after a truck accident in Houston.
Questions About Houston Truck Accident Statistics
Does Houston Have the Most Truck Accidents in Texas
Harris County had more reported CMV crashes than any other Texas county in 2025. The data covers the whole county. It also covers many commercial vehicles, not just 18-wheelers, within Houston’s city limits.
How Many Commercial Vehicle Crashes Occurred in Harris County in 2025
TxDOT reported 5,913 CMV crashes in Harris County during 2025. Those crashes included 41 fatal crashes, 43 deaths, 108 suspected serious-injury crashes, and 125 suspected serious injuries.
Are All Commercial Motor Vehicles 18 Wheelers
No. The CMV category can include tractor-trailers and other qualifying commercial vehicles. The exact vehicles covered depend on the reporting definitions and facts of the crash.
Why Are Truck Accident Cases Different From Car Accident Cases
Truck cases often involve several companies and insurance policies. Federal safety rules may apply. The motor carrier may also control key evidence. The injuries may be more severe because of the truck’s weight and force.
When Should a Truck Accident Investigation Begin
The investigation should begin soon after urgent medical needs are addressed. Electronic data and video may disappear. Vehicles may be repaired, and company records may change if they are not preserved.
Talk With Greg Baumgartner About a Serious Truck Crash
I have handled serious truck and commercial vehicle cases for more than 40 years. I represent injured people and families. Baumgartner Law Firm accepts a limited number of serious cases. Each client can speak directly with me, and each case receives personal attention.
Call Baumgartner Law Firm at 281-587-1111 for a free, confidential review. You can also contact us through our Houston truck accident lawyer page. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
