7 Types of Truck Accidents in California

Truck collisions make up a very small percentage of total vehicle crashes, but they also account for a disproportionate amount of serious injuries and deaths. In 2023, California Highway Patrol recorded over 14,000 truck accidents on state highways, leading to more than 5,900 injuries and around 377 deaths… California ranked among the top 5 states nationally for large-truck crash fatalities. In 2023 alone, 392 people died in crashes involving large trucks—a figure second only to Texas. With so much of the state’s population center in Southern California, and major shipping ports in LA and Long Beach it should come as no surprise that many of those accidents occurred in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties.

Truck Accident Types

Rear-End – When people think about car accidents, they generally think of rear-end accidents as minor. This isn’t the case with truck accidents. High-risk even at lower speeds—smaller vehicles crushed by massive rigs. Often due to truck braking delays, tailgating, or distraction.. The smaller vehicle may be crushed and its occupants may be seriously or fatally injured.

Rollover – Due to high center of gravity—triggered by windy conditions, unbalanced loads, or overcorrection. Training and enforcement of FMCSA rollover prevention rules are key. This is why Entry-Level Driver Training, as required by the FMCSA, includes education on rollover prevention. Rollovers are more likely to happen in windy conditions, when a truck is overloaded, or when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle and overcorrects. The consequences can be devastating, especially if a truck rolls over onto another vehicle or rolls off of an overpass.

Jackknife – Jackknife accidents are unique to tractor-trailers. Tractor-trailers fold into a 90° angle during sudden braking or slippery conditions—risking secondary collisions or highway blockages. The much-heavier trailer pulls the tractor along, causing the driver to lose control. Until it comes to a stop, the truck may hit other vehicles, force other drivers to take evasive action or cause damage to roadway structures. These truck accidents are often the result of drivers braking too suddenly or on wet and slippery roads.

Wide Turn – Wide turn accidents are fairly common among truck drivers. The data from the California Highway Patrol shows that unsafe or poorly executed turns were a common cause of injury-causing accidents. This type of accident occurs when a truck driver swings left before turning right. Trucks may swing wide to navigate tight turns. Miscalculation can result in striking vehicles in adjacent lanes or cyclists. If they don’t go far enough left, they may hit someone or something on their right side. The only upside is that these truck crashes generally occur at very low speeds, and other drivers may have plenty of time to take evasive action and protect themselves.

Sideswipe – Sideswipe accidents, much like rear-end collisions, are usually considered minor when they involve two passenger vehicles. But when a tractor-trailer is involved, the outcome is often very different. Common in highway merges—blind spots on both sides lead to severe side impacts, often dragging smaller vehicles underneath. If a driver doesn’t know this and they stay in a truck’s blind spot, they risk being hit. Depending on the structure of the truck and how long it takes them to swerve back into the regular lane, the damage could be severe. In some cases, the smaller vehicle gets stuck underneath the side of the truck and gets pulled along until the truck comes to a stop.

Tire Blowout – Excessive weight, poor maintenance, or worn tires can cause catastrophic loss of control. When a blowout happens, the vehicle often swerves out of control until the blown-out wheel forces it to stop.

Underride – Underride collisions are among the most deadly types of truck accidents. Among the deadliest—passenger vehicles slide under rear or side of trailers. Heightened risk at nighttime or poor visibility conditions. These collisions often end in fatalities.

Truck Accidents are Common in California

There are several reasons why there may be a higher incidence of truck accidents in California compared to other states. These factors include:

• High volume of freight traffic through major ports (LA, Long Beach) and busy interstates.
• Dense urban areas and heavy commuter flow in LA, San Diego, Fresno, San Jose.
• Complex terrain: mountain passes and winding highway sections increase rollover and braking risks.
• Driver error accounts for nearly 90% of California truck crashes-fatigue, speeding, impairment, distraction being primary contributors.

Determining Financial Responsibility

Investigating liability in a truck wreck is multifaceted:

• Police crash reports and witness statements.
• Driver logs and electronic on-board recorders (ELDs) verifying hours.
• Maintenance and inspection records of vehicle and cargo.
• FMCSA infractions: hours-of-service violations, drug/alcohol testing results.
• Load securement, training compliance, and company safety policies.

An experienced California personal injury attorney can help navigate the maze of legal and regulatory issues.

Ultimately, determining liability in a truck accident often requires a comprehensive investigation and evaluation of all available evidence. It is advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in California who can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact an Experience Truck Accident Lawyers Now

Truck accidents cause devastating physical and financial damage, and you need a truck accident attorney who’s ready to advocate for you.