Top Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents Across California

California’s highways are filled with commercial trucks transporting goods from ports, warehouses, and factories to destinations across the state and country. While these vehicles are essential to the economy, they also pose significant risks to other road users. Due to their size and weight, the consequences are often devastating when a truck is involved in a crash. 

Common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, improper maintenance, and overloaded vehicles. Additionally, factors such as inclement weather and poor road conditions can exacerbate these risks. 

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, understanding the most common causes can help clarify what happened and whether someone may be held legally responsible for the harm you’ve suffered. It’s essential to gather evidence and seek legal guidance to navigate the complexities of these cases effectively.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compared to the average passenger vehicle, which weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, the force of impact in a collision with a big rig is enormous. This often results in severe injuries, long-term disability, or even death for those in smaller vehicles.

In 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported over 5,700 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in the U.S. (a significant increase from previous years). California consistently ranks among the top states for truck-related fatalities and serious injuries.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents Across California

Truck accidents in California are often the result of a combination of factors that significantly escalate the risks on the road. Given the state’s vast network of highways and the prominence of commercial trucks transporting goods, understanding these common causes is essential.

1. Driver Fatigue

One of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers often spend long hours behind the wheel, trying to meet tight delivery schedules. Despite federal regulations that limit driving hours, many drivers still push themselves beyond safe limits, especially under pressure from employers or clients.

Fatigue can impair reaction times, reduce attention, and increase the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, often with catastrophic results.

2. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Truck drivers are often under strict deadlines, leading some to drive faster than is safe for the road, traffic, or weather conditions. Speeding reduces a truck’s ability to stop quickly and increases the severity of any collision.

Aggressive behaviors like unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or failing to yield also contribute to serious accidents, especially on congested California freeways like the I-5 or the 101.

3. Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo

Trucks that are overloaded or have improperly secured cargo can easily become unbalanced. This raises the risk of rollovers, jackknife accidents, or lost loads spilling into traffic.

Improper loading is not just a driver error; it can involve negligence on the part of shipping companies, loaders, or other third parties responsible for preparing the truck for transit.

4. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem across all types of vehicles, and commercial trucks are no exception. Using a phone, adjusting a GPS, eating, or even just daydreaming can take a driver’s focus off the road for critical seconds.

According to the FMCSA, distracted driving is a factor in a significant number of large-truck crashes every year.

5. Inadequate Training or Driver Inexperience

Driving an 18-wheeler requires extensive training and experience. Unfortunately, some companies put drivers on the road without proper preparation. Inexperience can lead to poor judgment, incorrect turns, or failure to react appropriately in dangerous situations.

In some cases, the trucking company may be held liable for failing to train or vet their drivers properly.

6. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Commercial trucks are driven for thousands of miles each month and require regular maintenance to remain safe. Brake failures, worn tires, faulty lights, and steering issues are all common causes of preventable accidents.

The trucking company or maintenance provider may bear legal responsibility when a mechanical failure leads to a crash.

7. Driving Under the Influence

Although less common, some truck accidents are caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications that impair judgment or reaction times. These cases are especially serious due to the clear negligence involved.

Trucking companies are expected to perform regular drug testing and enforce strict policies to prevent impaired driving. If they fail to do so, they may also be liable.

8. Dangerous Road Conditions

California’s diverse terrain includes mountain passes, urban sprawl, and desert highways, all of which come with their own challenges. Weather-related hazards like fog, rain, and wind, along with poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or tight turns, can all contribute to truck crashes.

Even in cases involving dangerous roads, a lawyer may be able to investigate whether government negligence or construction company oversight played a role.

How Liability Works in California Truck Accident Cases

California follows a fault-based system, which means you can pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance or through a lawsuit. But in truck accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loading company
• A maintenance provider
• A vehicle or parts manufacturer
• Government entities (in cases involving road hazards)

Determining who is liable often requires a thorough investigation, access to trucking logs and maintenance records, and sometimes expert testimony.

We Understand This Is a Difficult Time; We Are Here to Offer Guidance

Being involved in a truck accident can be traumatic and life-altering. You may be facing long recovery times, mounting medical bills, and the uncertainty of how to move forward. During this overwhelming period, it helps to have someone you can trust to protect your rights and fight for your future. Having a truck accident attorney on your side can change it all.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in California, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. The earlier you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call Countrywide Trial Lawyers at 844-844-9119 today to schedule a free consultation. We have the experience, resources, and dedication to stand up to trucking companies and insurers and to help you recover the compensation you deserve.