There are approximately half a million truck and trailer accidents nationwide each year, and they account for nearly 15 percent of all traffic deaths. Vehicle accident claims are complicated and typically involve multiple layers of local, state, and federal laws and often multiple parties. Working with a skilled San Luis Obispo truck accident attorney is your best option to obtain maximum compensation.

How Common Are Truck Accidents in California?

Accidents involving 18-wheelers, also known as semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, are among the most serious and potentially deadly incidents on the road. Due to their large size and weight, these vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries and devastating damage in the event of a collision. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), ten states account for almost 50% of all fatal truck cases in the United States. Top-ranking states include California, Texas, and Florida. Here are some recent statistics published in 2023:

• California averages over 14,000 truck accidents annually.
• Approximately 370 fatalities occur each year in California due to truck accidents.
• Over 5,900 injuries are reported annually, many of which are severe and life-altering.

Common Causes of California Truck Accidents

Many different factors cause or contribute to trucking accidents on California roads. While some of them are out of the driver’s control, many of these accidents could be prevented. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Distracted driving:  Distracted driving, such as talking on the phone and reaching for food and drinks in the vehicle, can cause serious injury and even death. Many of these distracted driving behaviors are a violation of trucking safety regulations, but they do occur regularly.  
• Driving under the influence: Despite regulations against it, truck drivers do take unlawful drugs to stay alert. And some also drive while under the influence. It has been reported that approximately 3 percent of accidents were caused by drunk truck drivers. 
• Driver fatigue: Trucking companies want their drivers to be efficient and meet on-time metrics. But drivers who feel undue pressure to arrive in a timely fashion often drive when fatigued, resulting in slower reflexes. FMCSA has promulgated explicit regulations regarding hours-of-service regulations that include mandatory rest periods, and drivers who break these rules may be held liable for their negligence if a crash occurs on California roadways.
• Speeding: According to data compiled by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, speeding is common by truck drivers, and more than 20 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes were previously charged for speeding violations. 

Contact A San Luis Obispo Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But don’t delay! California has time limits on when you must file a legal claim. Normally, this is a two-year period from the time of the accident. You and your lawyers will need this time to gather all relevant information, such as driver logs, the driver’s medical certification, data from the truck’s onboard computer, and similar types of evidence. We’re the premier San Luis Obispo personal injury law firm to go to. Contact us today for a free consultation.