Trucks play an important role in transporting goods between businesses and cities in California, but they can also cause accidents that have far-reaching effects. Keeping up with California truck accident statistics can help you stay informed about potential dangers on the road.

When a truck is involved in an accident, the heavier weight of these vehicles can cause serious injury to any drivers or passengers caught up in those collisions.

California Truck Accident Statistics

California has some of the most trucks on the roads, with nearly 16 million trucks registered to the Golden State. California’s trucks traverse more than 175,000 miles of state roads and highways every year. There are nearly 2,000 zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks on California’s roads, and those numbers are increasing to meet the state’s strict emission guidelines.

Nearly 400 large California trucks were involved in fatal car crashes last year, while 12,752 were involved in non-fatal crashes. There were 394 people fatally injured as a result of a collision with a large truck last year, and 5,297 people injured from truck-related accidents.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck driver error accounts for nearly 90% of truck-related collisions. The report found four main causes of truck-related accidents.

  • -Recognition: When a driver fails to recognize changing driving conditions or obstructions on the road, they may fail to observe the situation and cause an accident.
  • -Non-performance: The driver fell asleep, had a heart attack or seizure, or was otherwise physically impaired.
  • -Decision: The driver drove too fast for conditions, misjudged the speed of other vehicles, or followed too closely.
  • -Performance: The driver panicked, overcompensated, or lost control of the vehicle

Other factors include traveling too fast for conditions, brake malfunctions, roadway issues, traffic congestion or a previous crash, fatigue, and failure to carefully monitor the road.

In 2023, an estimated 40,990 people died in motor vehicle crashes, marking a 3.6% decrease from the 42,514 fatalities reported in 2022. The fourth quarter of 2023 continued a trend of declining fatalities, making it the seventh consecutive quarter with fewer deaths since the second quarter of 2022.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Many of the causes of traffic accidents, in general, are also behind truck collisions. Excessive speeding can lead to dangerous situations on the road. When a truck driver passes the posted speed limit, they are not as able to react to changing road conditions. High speeds can also increase the severity of collisions.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of truck and car accidents, and smartphones are a common cause of distracted driving. Texting or messaging people can lead to brief lapses when drivers are no longer watching the road.

Weather conditions can also play a role in truck accidents. When fog or rain impairs visibility on the road, truck drivers should slow down and remain highly vigilant. Slick road conditions can also greatly reduce the braking distance for trucks, which are heavier and generally require longer braking distances.

Mechanical failures can play a significant role in truck-related accidents. Trucks require regular maintenance due to their size and weight. When truck drivers fail to properly inspect their vehicles or conduct routine maintenance, that can cause a brake failure or other mechanical issues that can lead to a preventable collision.

How an Attorney Can Find Compensation for People Injured in Truck Accidents

Following a truck accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer should be your top priority. Your attorney can review your case and investigate the cause of the accident. Compensation may come from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. An attorney can handle the settlement negotiations on your behalf so you can focus on recovering.

If the truck driver is underinsured or uninsured, your lawyer can take additional steps by taking the at-fault driver to court by filing a personal injury case. A successful case can result in a favorable settlement that fully covers your financial losses.

FAQs

Do Commercial Trucks Carry Special Liability Insurance?

Large commercial trucks are required under federal law to maintain large insurance policies. These minimum liability insurance policies are larger than private car insurance requirements because heavy commercial trucks can cause significantly more damage than small passenger vehicles. In the event of a serious accident, these insurance policies can cover the damage caused by the truck driver.

What Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents in California?

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of car and commercial truck accidents. Any time a driver takes their attention off the road, they endanger themselves and those around them. Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their hands off the wheel or attention off the road. Social media and smartphones are a common source of distracted driving these days.

How Is Fault Determined Following a Truck Accident?

Fault can be determined through several means following a truck accident. The insurance carriers tied to the crash may conduct their own investigations into the cause of the collision. Major car accidents often lead to a police report, which may provide details about who may have been at fault. Anyone who is injured in a truck accident can hire an attorney who can conduct their own investigation into the events that led to the accident.

Are Trucks Safer Than Cars in an Accident?

In general, truck drivers are more shielded from serious injury than drivers and passengers in cars. Part of this is due to the height of trucks and the increased protection afforded by larger vehicles. Semi-truck cabins, in particular, afford high levels of relative safety for commercial truck drivers. However, large trucks can cause considerable damage to smaller passenger vehicles.

Schedule Your Truck Accident Consultation

If you were injured in a truck accident, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to hold the at-fault party accountable. Having legal representation can greatly improve the chances that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries. Compensation can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates brings decades of experience to your case. Our law firm always takes a client-focused approach that puts your interests first. To schedule your truck accident consultation, contact our office today. We look forward to serving you.