If you or a loved one were recently involved in a freeway truck accident, we know how it can feel. Between the property damage, emotions, potential injuries and pressure from insurance companies, it’s hard to know what steps to take next.
At Los Justicieros, we specialize in helping victims of truck accidents across California get the justice and compensation they deserve. Since 2012, our firm has been dedicated to personal injury law – with a 98% case success rate, a no-win-no-fee promise, and attorneys ranked among the Top 10% in California by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.
Our firm earned national recognition as one of the fastest-growing law firms in the U.S. And most importantly – we treat every case like it’s personal.
Common Causes of Freeway Truck Accidents
California’s freeways are some of the busiest in the country. And with a high proportion of the nearly 15 million registered large trucks and buses in the U.S. working in California, large trucks are involved in thousands of accidents every year.
In 2021 alone, the FMCSA recorded: 119,000 injuries from large truck crashes, 5,904 fatalities and over 401,000 cases of property damage. Source: FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2021.
Official statistics on the causes of trucking accidents that happen on freeways focus on fatal accidents. This is to help regulators set rules for prevention. But nevertheless, understanding how fatal trucking accidents occur gives an insight into the causes of freeway accidents leading to property damage and injuries as well.
Below are the most common driver-related causes of commercial trucking accidents, which were identified in roughly one-third of all cases:
- Speeding of any kind: The leading factor, responsible for 7% of all truck crashes. Speeding on freeways greatly increases stopping distance and crash severity.
- Distraction/Inattention: In 4.9% of cases, drivers were distracted by cell phones, GPS, food, or even daydreaming.
- Careless Driving: Accounts for 4.7% of accidents. Examples include failing to check mirrors or making aggressive lane changes.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Caused 4.5% of accidents. On freeways, this may happen when a truck merges without checking for faster-moving vehicles.
- Impairment: Fatigue, illness, or substance use contributed to 4.2% of driver-related crashes.
How To Start a Lawsuit
If your accident involved a clear driver-related error like speeding or distraction, filing a lawsuit is typically more straightforward. These behaviors are dangerous – and when trucking companies fail to properly screen or supervise their drivers, they may be legally liable.
But even in the 68% of cases without an obvious driver error, you may still have a valid claim. For example, the crash may have been caused by poor truck maintenance, improper cargo loading, company scheduling practises that break HOS (Hours of Service) regulations, and more.
This is why you need a legal team that understands commercial truck accident liability. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident on the freeway, you should know that At Los Justicieros, we work on a no-win-no-fee basis – which means no upfront cost to you.
Any attorney fees are recovered from the trucking company as part of your settlement or court award.
Here’s how you get started:
- Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
- Talk through your experience so we can explain what to expect and determine the strength of your case.
- We’ll help gather evidence – from accident reports and medical bills to driver logs and company records.
- We build and present your case, seeking a fair settlement that covers your medical costs, lost income, and emotional trauma.
- If necessary, we take your case to court – and fight until you get the result you deserve.
