California Truck Accident Statistics [2025 Guide]

Most drivers in California encounter large trucks on the road without issue, but it’s possible for accidents to happen unexpectedly, and truck accidents are often severely damaging. California truck accident statistics indicate that the state sees a high number of truck accidents each year, with most resulting in severe or fatal injuries. It’s vital for all drivers to understand the risks they face when they drive near commercial trucks in California.

Recent California Truck Accident Statistics

Many state and federal agencies track and collate accident data from across the country. According to the National Safety Council, there were 114,552 large trucks that were involved in crashes resulting in nonfatal injuries throughout the United States in 2023. That same year, there were 5,375 large trucks involved in fatal accidents across the country. 

California had the second-highest number of truck accident fatalities in the United States in 2023, with 392 deaths. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that in 2024, there were 12,243 large trucks involved in crashes throughout the state, resulting in 321 deaths and 5,097 nonfatal injuries. 

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California 

The vast majority of motor vehicle accidents in California are the result of driver negligence. This is a general term that can define any situation in which a driver fails to meet their duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and attentively. Truck drivers who operate commercial trucks have a higher duty of care to drive safely than private individuals because they are driving as their primary job duty, and these large vehicles are inherently dangerous due to their size.

While many truck accidents happen for similar reasons as most standard passenger vehicle accidents, it is also possible for crashes to occur for specific issues unique to commercial trucks. Some of the most commonly cited causes of commercial truck crashes in California include: 

• Distracted driving, which is a major cause of all vehicle accidents in the United States each year.
• Moving violations, such as improper lane changes, speeding, running red lights, or failure to yield the right-of-way.
• Intoxicated driving. This can lead to criminal charges for the at-fault driver, and penalties can increase dramatically if they hurt or kill someone. If a truck driver causes an accident this way, they are likely to lose their commercial driver’s license.
• Fatigued driving. Truck drivers are required to abide by hours-of-service rules to ensure they get adequate rest between driving shifts, and trucking companies must enforce these rules.
• Improperly loaded cargo. Failure to pack a tractor-trailer correctly could leave it off balance, potentially resulting in a serious accident. Special types of cargo also often require specific security measures and must be carefully inspected before transport.
• Poor truck maintenance. Large commercial trucks have more complex maintenance requirements than the average passenger vehicle, and they also spend more time driving; thus, they require more frequent and more careful maintenance. The party responsible for maintaining a truck could face liability for an accident if they fail to ensure the truck is in full working order, and this results in an accident. 

These are only a few examples of the most commonly reported causes of truck accidents throughout California each year. If you were recently injured in such an accident, you need to hire a truck accident lawyer right away so they can help you determine your most viable recovery options. 

Recovering from a truck accident in California begins by establishing fault for the accident. Whoever is responsible is liable for the resulting damages. You may be able to file an auto insurance claim after a truck accident, but dealing with insurance company representatives can be challenging without an attorney’s help. Hire a truck accident lawyer you trust to help you with your insurance claim and/or personal injury suit after an accident. 

FAQs

Q: Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in California? 

A: Liability for a truck accident in California may fall to the truck driver, the driver of another vehicle, or a combination of multiple liable parties. It is also possible for the truck driver’s employer to share fault under certain conditions. Your California truck accident attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove the exact cause of your accident and hold the appropriate party or parties accountable for your damages. 

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Truck Accident? 

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a truck accident will depend on several factors. You have the right to claim compensation for any economic losses you suffered, such as your vehicle repair costs, medical bills, and lost wages, and you also have the right to claim pain and suffering compensation. Your attorney can estimate the total potential value of your case. 

Q: Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney? 

A: You should hire a truck accident attorney because your case is likely to be more challenging than it appears at first, and truck accident cases can raise difficult questions of liability you wouldn’t be likely to encounter in a standard passenger vehicle accident case. These accidents also tend to cause significant damage, so you have the greatest chance of proving fault and maximizing your compensation if you hire a truck accident lawyer to assist with your case. 

Q: What Happens if a Truck Accident Causes a Fatal Injury? 

A: If a truck accident causes a fatal injury, the party responsible for causing the accident could be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. The family of the victim could file a wrongful death claim against them, and it is also possible for the defendant to face criminal charges depending on how they caused the accident. 

The attorneys at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, have extensive experience representing injured clients in a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including truck accident cases. While knowing California truck accident statistics can help you be more aware of the risks you face from commercial trucks on the road, it’s vital to hire a truck accident lawyer if you are hurt in an accident. Contact us today and schedule a consultation to learn how we can help with your case.