# Are Pickup Trucks More Dangerous Than Other Vehicles? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Recent Statistics About Pickup Trucks 2. What Makes Pickup Trucks So Dangerous? 3. Pickup Truck Safety Ratings 4. Staying Safe After a Pickup Truck Crash 5. Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Are Pickup Trucks More Dangerous than Other Vehicles? ](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Are-Pickup-Trucks-More-Dangerous-than-Other-Vehicles-300x200.jpg) As one of the largest passenger vehicles on the roadways, pickup trucks are a common sight on the highways and back roads around the [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/), [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), area. When many people think of pickup trucks, they generally think that they are safe and very useful. Riding higher off the ground than a car and with a larger cargo-hauling capacity than an SUV, it’s easy to see why. But the aspects that make a pickup so appealing to many drivers also make it more dangerous. ## Recent Statistics About Pickup Trucks In a recent year, more than 1,300 Texans were killed in a pickup [truck accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), and a further 4,400 were seriously injured. This is higher than deaths and serious injuries from any other type of vehicle crash, including motorcycles. [One in every five pickup trucks](https://www.autoblog.com/2016/09/29/why-texas-special-edition-trucks-exist/) sold in the [United States](https://www.usa.gov/) is sold in Texas, which means they’re more common here than in any other state. Understanding what makes them more dangerous than other vehicles and what to do after a collision can help keep you and your family safe. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## What Makes Pickup Trucks So Dangerous? Many pickup trucks, especially extended cab or extra cargo bed models, have a higher center of gravity than a car or smaller SUV.  Although they’re higher on the road than other vehicles and enable the driver to see slow traffic or road hazards before other drivers, this higher center of gravity also makes them more likely to suffer a rollover accident, especially in inclement weather or high winds. The weight distribution in a pickup truck can also make it more hazardous. Since most of the vehicle’s weight sits over the front wheels, while the rear wheels propel the vehicle, pickups are more likely to lose traction and fishtail due to slippery road conditions. Additionally, the cargo itself could easily pose a hazard, especially if it’s not properly secured or consists of loose materials, like construction debris, that could blow out and hit other vehicles. Some pickup drivers may overload the cargo bed, too, which makes it more dangerous, especially in a truck collision. ## Pickup Truck Safety Ratings In 2019, over half of the new models of pickup trucks were [rated “marginal” or “poor”](https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2019/04/02/pickup-safety-lags-behind-cars-suvs-safety-ratings/39291477/) for passenger safety.  Compared to cars and SUVs, pickups generally scored lower in all aspects of driver and passenger safety, and none of the five most popular models were rated with top safety marks by the [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety](https://www.iihs.org/), while many of the top five ranked cars and SUVs were.  Pickup trucks simply can’t compare to other types of cars or SUVs in terms of basic safety, either. The frame and chassis of a pickup are designed to be more rigid than other cars, which, while ideal for hauling, also makes it less likely to crumple safely in a front-end collision. Modern cars are now designed with “crumple zones,” which absorb much of the energy from a collision impact, collapsing in such a way as to protect the passengers inside. Pickup trucks don’t have this, which means that a lot of the inertia from the crash hits the passengers. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Staying Safe After a Pickup Truck Crash If you’ve been involved in a [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) with a pickup truck, it’s important to seek [medical attention](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/how-do-doctors-bills-get-paid-after-an-accident/) right away. A larger vehicle has the potential to do more damage than a smaller one, so you could be hurt worse than you think.  Calling the police is another good idea, so there is an official report that contains information about the crash and even a narrative of how it happened. Finally, seeking legal advice can help protect your rights when you file a claim for damages. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / Linkedin Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![Understanding The Basics of At-Fault Insurance In Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Understanding-The-Basics-of-At-Fault-Insurance-In-Texas-1-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-basics-of-at-fault-insurance-in-texas/) [Understanding the Basics of At-Fault Insurance in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-basics-of-at-fault-insurance-in-texas/) States determine their own auto insurance laws. Two systems are prevalent: at-fault and no-fault. Texas, like most [![Houston Texas Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jtna-vsw-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-process-of-a-personal-injury-claim/) [The Process of a Personal Injury Claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-process-of-a-personal-injury-claim/) Once you’ve been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, an overwhelming process begins. [Links in the Chain of Causation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/links-in-the-chain-of-causation/) For any number of reasons, many people believe that recovering compensation after an accident with injury is a quick [![Eye Injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/eye-injury/) [Eye Injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/eye-injury/) Injuries to the eyes are among the most serious. When your vision is compromised, so, too, can be your --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/are-pickup-trucks-more-dangerous-than-other-vehicles/