Surprising Commercial Vehicle Accidents Throughout Los Angeles

Although commercial vehicles are tightly regulated and require special commercial driver’s licenses, these large vehicles are often at fault for causing serious injuries across Los Angeles. On any given day, there may be surprising commercial vehicle accidents throughout Los Angeles. Being aware of what types of collisions are possible can help you stay alert and prepared when on the road.

Stolen Truck Causes Widespread Damage

In March of 2025, a stolen pickup truck caused a high-speed pursuit that tore through several Los Angeles County cities before culminating in a violent crash in Long Beach. The driver hit multiple vehicles and struck pedestrians as the vehicle reached speeds topping 80 mph. The chase ended with the truck slamming into two cars near E. 7th Street and Termino Avenue before rolling into a paint store lot. Several people were hospitalized.

Truck Carrying Lithium-Ion Batteries Catches Fire

In late September 2024, a truck carrying a massive 60,000-pound lithium-ion battery overturned near the Port of Los Angeles and caught fire. The blaze burned for days and forced the closure of the highway and port terminals as firefighters waited for the flames to subside.

Pepe’s Towing captured the incident on video. Images show melted stacks of battery cells and the challenging recovery process. The fire is a reminder of the potential fire hazards posed by large-scale lithium-ion batteries.

Semi-truck crashes off Highway 99

A semi-truck crashed off southbound Highway 99 near Lodi on the morning of April 23, 2025. The cab was left hanging over a barrier near the Armstrong Road onramp. No injuries were reported, but cleanup crews closed the number 3 lane for several hours due to potentially hazardous materials. The California Highway Patrol urged drivers to use caution in the area. The exact cause of the crash was not immediately known and remains under investigation.

Overturned Semi-Truck Carrying Coconut Oil Shuts Down Part of Highway

On April 8, 2025, a semi-truck overturned on the southbound 110 Freeway transition to the eastbound 91 in Gardena, spilling its load of coconut oil across the roadway. The crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. when the driver lost control and struck the center divider. A SigAlert was issued, and the transition was closed for roughly eight hours as crews worked to clear the scene. The driver escaped without injury.

Fuel Tank Explosion Injures Firefighters

In early 2024, nine Los Angeles firefighters were injured (including two critically) when a compressed natural gas truck exploded in Wilmington, sending a fireball into the sky. The explosion happened just six minutes after firefighters arrived.

The injured were taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and one was airlifted to Los Angeles General. Officials said the blast occurred near the ports of LA and Long Beach, damaging nearby infrastructure. Mayor Karen Bass and Fire Chief Kristin Crowley praised the responders.

U-Haul Truck Crashes into Orange Apartment Complex

In April 2025, police investigated after a U-Haul driver crashed into a townhome in Orange and fled the scene in April 2024. The incident occurred late at night at the 2800 block of North Palm Avenue. Authorities said the male driver, who was traveling with a dog, abandoned the vehicle soon after the collision. A video shows the truck crashing into the living room. One person sustained a minor injury from broken glass. The cause of the crash is still not known.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Commercial Vehicle Accidents

What Was One of the Worst Truck Accidents in U.S. History?

On September 17, 1963, in Chualar, California, a freight train struck a flatbed truck that was occupied by 58 migrant farmworkers, killing 32 and injuring 25. This tragedy, known as the Chualar bus crash, remains one of the deadliest vehicle accidents in U.S. history. It exposed unsafe labor transportation practices and contributed to the termination of the Bracero Program, reshaping farmworker rights nationwide.​

What Is the Most Common Type of Accident Involving Trucks?

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident involving large trucks. These often happen when truck drivers follow too closely or cannot brake in time due to speed, weight, or road conditions. Other frequent crash types include rollovers, jackknifes, and lane-change collisions. In all cases, the size and momentum of a truck significantly increase the risk of injury or death in a crash.

Why Should You Be Cautious When Passing an 18-Wheeler on the Right?

You should be careful when passing an 18-wheeler on the right because truck drivers are positioned on the left side of their cabin, and they have limited visibility on that side of their vehicle. If the truck turns right or changes lanes, they may not be able to see you as well. These blind spots are known as “no-go” zones, and drivers should avoid staying in these areas whenever possible.

Can I Pass an 18-Wheeler on the Right?

You can legally pass an 18-wheeler on the right, but you should avoid it when possible. Passing on the right side of an 18-wheeler is dangerous because truck drivers have large blind spots along that side. If the truck turns right or changes lanes, the driver may not see your vehicle, leading to a serious collision. These blind zones are known as “no-zones.” Always pass on the left, where visibility is better, and truckers are more likely to notice you.

How Can I Find Trucking Companies With High Accident Rates?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides public data on trucking companies’ safety records, including crash statistics and safety ratings. You can access this information through the FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system. By reviewing these records, you can identify companies with higher accident rates and make informed decisions regarding transportation safety.

Work With a Trusted Injury Law Firm by Contacting Heimanson & Wolf Today

Commercial vehicle crashes happen in unexpected places and often cause devastating injuries. Whether the collision involves a delivery truck, semi, or construction vehicle, you deserve legal representation that understands how to pursue accountability in complex cases.

At Heimanson & Wolf, we treat our clients with honesty, care, and relentless focus. We are prepared to stand up to trucking companies and insurers alike. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward securing full compensation for the physical and emotional harm you endured.