California Commercial Truck Accident Statistics You Should Be Aware Of
California’s highways are among the busiest in the nation, making commercial trucking a critical part of the state’s economy. With the high volume of semi-trucks transporting goods across major corridors like I-5 and I-10, the risk of catastrophic truck accidents remains a growing concern.
The size and weight of large trucks make them especially dangerous in collisions, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities. Even a single miscalculation—whether due to driver fatigue, poor maintenance, or road conditions—can result in devastating consequences for motorists.
💡 A total of 5,936 people died in large-truck crashes in 2022. The number of deaths increased 2% from 2021 and is up 49% in the last 10 years. (National Safety Council)
Knowing truck accident trends is vital for improving road safety and ensuring victims know their rights when seeking compensation.
If you’ve been affected by a truck accident, our California truck accident lawyer will help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Many Semi-Truck Accidents Per Year Are There in California?
Large truck accidents are a major safety concern across the country, and their numbers have been rising over the past decade. In 2022, large trucks accounted for 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes and 10% of total vehicle miles traveled.
That same year, 120,200 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury, a 2.5% increase from 2021. These statistics highlight the ongoing risks posed by commercial trucks and reinforce the need for stricter safety measures.
California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of large truck accidents. The table below highlights comparisons with other states involved in fatal crashes in 2022:
| State | Percentage of Fatal Crashes Involving Large Trucks (2022) |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | 4% |
| Maine | 4% |
| California | 7% |
| Connecticut | 7% |
| Florida | 7% |
| Maryland | 7% |
| Michigan | 7% |
| Nevada | 7% |
| Rhode Island | 7% |
The growing number of injuries and fatalities underscores the importance of holding negligent trucking companies accountable and ensuring victims receive fair compensation.
How Many Truckers Die a Year in California?
There is no single comprehensive source tracking truck driver fatalities specific to California. However, federal data suggests that large trucks account for approximately 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes (Injury Facts).
Truckers face occupational dangers that extend beyond collisions, including fatigue, mechanical failures, and hazardous road conditions. Long-haul drivers often work under demanding schedules, increasing the risk of drowsiness, impaired reaction times, and even health complications from prolonged sitting and stress.
⚠️Despite federal Hours-of-Service regulations designed to prevent driver fatigue, enforcement gaps, and industry pressure often lead to violations of mandatory rest periods. When combined with maintenance failures or improperly secured cargo, these factors significantly increase the risk of serious truck crashes.
How Many Accidents Are Caused by Semi Trucks Per Year in California?
California’s highway infrastructure and high freight volume contribute to a disproportionate number of trucking-related crashes. Although large trucks make up a small percentage of all vehicles on the road, they are involved in a notable share of serious accidents. In 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, reflecting a 1.8% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years (National Safety Council).
- Driver Error: Fatigue, distraction, and impaired driving are leading causes of truck accidents, with human factors cited in nearly 90% of truck-related crashes.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and poor maintenance increase accident risks, often due to neglected safety protocols.
- Congested Routes: Major trucking corridors such as I-5, I-10, and Highway 99 experience heavy semi-truck traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions in urban areas and high-speed zones.
- Weather & Road Conditions: California’s mountainous terrain, dense fog, and high-wind areas add further risks for truck drivers and surrounding motorists.
Semi Truck vs. Car Accident Statistics in California
Collisions between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles often have devastating consequences—passenger vehicles bear the brunt of the impact with most deaths involving occupants of smaller vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians (Injury Facts). These accidents result in severe injuries, complex legal claims, and significantly higher settlements than standard car accidents.
Settlement Amounts: Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents in California
The financial impact of truck accidents is significantly greater than standard car accidents. While the average car accident settlement in California is approximately $23,900, recent settlements have reached as high as $697,000 for severe injuries. In contrast, semi-truck accident settlements typically range from $100,000 to over $1.5 million, depending on the severity of injuries, long-term medical needs, and liability factors.
Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Road User Type (2022 – California)
| Road User Type | Number of Fatalities | Percentage of All Traffic Fatalities in California (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Car Occupants | 1,481 | 33% |
| Large Truck Occupants | 31 | 1% |
Why Are Truck-Car Collisions More Severe?
The disparity in weight and size between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles makes these crashes particularly deadly. Contributing factors include:
- Longer stopping distances – Semi-trucks require up to 40% more distance to stop than passenger cars.
- Greater force of impact – A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, drastically increasing collision severity.
- Reduced maneuverability – Limited turning ability and large blind spots increase the risk of high-impact crashes.
💡 Semi-truck accidents result in higher fatality rates and significantly larger settlements than standard car crashes.
If you’ve been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, our Torrance truck accident attorney is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
High-Risk Areas for Commercial Truck Accidents in California
California’s highways are some of the busiest trucking corridors in the nation, contributing to high accident rates in both urban and rural areas. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that in 2022, the majority of motor vehicle crash fatalities in the state occurred in urban regions, while rural areas still accounted for a significant percentage.
Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Land Use
| Land Use | Number of Fatalities | Percentage of Total Fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 3,252 | 73% |
| Rural | 1,166 | 26% |
Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and the Bay Area consistently rank among the most dangerous regions for truck-related crashes due to heavy freight movement, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and high-speed freeway interchanges.
- I-5 (Los Angeles to San Diego): This north-south route is one of the busiest in the country, carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily. The mix of heavy truck traffic, high commuter volume, and frequent lane changes creates significant accident risks.
- I-10 (Los Angeles to Phoenix): A major trucking corridor for goods transported between California and the rest of the Southwest, this highway sees frequent semi-truck accidents due to long-haul routes and driver fatigue.
- I-80 (San Francisco Bay Area to Nevada): This east-west trucking route faces hazards from steep inclines, adverse weather conditions, and congested urban areas.
💡Final Takeaway: California’s busiest trucking routes present unique risks for commercial truck drivers and passenger vehicles alike. Urban congestion increases crash frequency, while rural highways pose dangers like high speeds, poor lighting, and limited emergency response times. Knowing these high-risk areas can help injured victims establish liability and pursue fair compensation.
Don’t let trucking companies or insurers minimize your injuries—speak with our dedicated truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino today to protect your rights.
Preventing Truck Accidents: Safety Measures & Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces national trucking laws, while California state laws impose additional restrictions to enhance road safety. Recent advancements in trucking technology are also helping mitigate risks, but challenges remain in ensuring compliance and enforcement.
Key Safety Regulations & Measures
- California’s truck speed limits: Trucks are restricted to 55 mph on highways, reducing the risk of high-speed collisions. However, speed differentials between trucks and other vehicles can still create hazardous conditions.
- FMCSA Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations: Limits on daily and weekly driving hours help prevent fatigue-related crashes. Drivers must take mandatory rest breaks and log their hours electronically.
- Mandatory truck inspections: California requires frequent safety inspections to check brakes, tires, and other mechanical components. Poor maintenance is a leading cause of truck-related accidents.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): These devices track a driver’s hours to prevent violations of HOS regulations, ensuring compliance with federal fatigue-prevention laws.
- Weight restrictions and cargo securement: Trucks must comply with weight limits and secure cargo properly to prevent rollovers and shifting loads that can cause accidents.
- Alcohol and drug testing: Random and post-accident drug testing is required to deter impaired driving among commercial truck drivers.
- Collision avoidance systems: Trucks equipped with automatic braking, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring help prevent common crash scenarios.
- Strict liability for trucking companies: Employers can be held responsible for accidents if they pressure drivers to exceed legal limits or neglect truck maintenance.
Reach Out to Feher Law if You’ve Been Involved in a Truck Accident in California
Experiencing an injury from an accident that wasn’t your fault can be devastating. At Feher Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take. Our team is committed to providing compassionate guidance while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve.
With decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases, we investigate every detail to hold negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable. From negotiating with insurers to taking your case to trial if necessary, we stand by your side every step of the way.
Don’t wait to get the legal support you need—call us today at (866) 646-6676 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Key Takeaways on California Truck Accident Statistics
- Truck accidents are increasing – Fatal truck accidents have risen by 49% in the past decade.
- Passenger vehicle occupants face the highest risk – In 2022, 33% of all traffic fatalities in California involved car occupants, while only 1% involved large truck occupants.
- California ranks among the highest states for truck accidents – With 7% of fatal crashes involving large trucks, California remains a high-risk state for commercial trucking collisions.
- Major trucking corridors contribute to high accident rates – I-5, I-10, and Highway 99 see the most truck-related crashes due to congestion, speed, and heavy freight movement.
- Strict regulations and legal action are key – Enforcing trucking safety laws and holding negligent parties accountable can help prevent accidents and protect victims’ rights.
FAQs
How common are truck accidents in California compared to other states?
California consistently ranks among the top states for truck accidents due to its extensive highway network and high freight volume. With 436 fatal truck crashes reported in 2022, California had the second-highest number of large truck-related fatalities in the U.S., highlighting the state’s trucking risks.
How can I find out if my area has a high number of truck accidents?
Certain highways, such as I-5, I-10, and Highway 99, are known for high truck accident rates due to congestion and freight traffic. You can check reports from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or California Highway Patrol (CHP) for updated crash data in your area.
If I'm involved in a truck accident, what should I do next?
Seek medical attention immediately, document the accident scene, and obtain a police report. Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before consulting our lawyer. Our truck accident attorneys will help investigate liability and guide you through the claims process to protect your right to compensation.
How can I seek compensation if I’m injured in a California truck accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Filing a personal injury claim against the truck driver, trucking company, or other liable parties is often necessary. Our legal team will assess your case and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
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