California is home to some of the busiest highways in the nation. Every day, thousands of semi-trucks, delivery vans, and commercial vehicles move across the state’s freeways. While trucking is essential for commerce, it also presents serious dangers to other motorists. Even a minor mistake by a truck driver can lead to catastrophic crashes.
Understanding the most common causes of truck accidents can help victims recognize when negligence is involved and strengthen their claim for compensation.
Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers often face long hours and strict deadlines. Despite federal Hours-of-Service regulations, many drivers are pressured by employers to push beyond safe limits. A tired driver has slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and may even fall asleep at the wheel.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving isn’t limited to passenger vehicles. Truck drivers may text, use GPS systems, or eat while driving. Because of the size of their vehicles, even a momentary distraction can cause a devastating accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Trucks require much more time and distance to stop compared to cars. When drivers speed or follow too closely, the results are often rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, or rollovers.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Trucking companies are legally required to maintain their fleets. However, some cut corners to save money. Worn brakes, defective tires, and engine issues are common causes of truck accidents. When companies fail to perform regular inspections, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
When cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to tip over or spill debris onto the roadway. Overloaded trucks also exceed safe weight limits, making them harder to stop and more prone to mechanical failure.
Driving Under the Influence
Although less common, some truck accidents involve drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol. Given the danger posed by trucks, even slight impairment is unacceptable and often leads to catastrophic crashes.
California’s Busy Roadways
California’s congested highways like the I-5, I-10, and Highway 99 increase the risk of truck accidents. Heavy traffic mixed with high-speed trucking creates conditions where even minor negligence can have major consequences.
Truck accidents in California are often caused by preventable negligence — from fatigued drivers to improperly maintained vehicles. Victims of these crashes should know they have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable for the harm they caused.
