Losing a loved one in a trucking accident is devastating. At Los Justicieros, we understand how painful it is to face the aftermath of a tragedy like this – especially when it was caused by someone else’s negligence.
You deserve a partner who not only listens but also knows how to fight for justice. Our legal team has specialized in truck accident and personal injury law since 2012, and we’ve secured successful outcomes for 98% of our clients. Led by Payton Kashani – recognized among the Top 10% Attorneys by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys – Los Justicieros is one of the fastest-growing law firms in the U.S.
If you’re unsure where to turn, we’re here to help you take the next step forward with care, clarity, and legal precision.
Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 5,788 fatal large truck crashes in 2021 – it was the second highest on record since 1980. View the FMCSA report here. California alone saw 437 fatal trucking accidents, which was more than any other state except Texas.
Fatal passenger car accidents are much more common than truck accidents, but the latter tend to be more catastrophic. In 62% of fatal trucking accidents in 2021 there were at least two cars involved.
And, statistically, in 83% of fatal two-vehicle crashes the victim is in the passenger vehicle – not the truck.
There are nearly 15 million registered commercial trucks in the United States. It’s a tragedy, but fatal accidents happen every year. In many cases the truck driver or the commercial trucking company is liable for wrongful death, and will often pay compensation to the families or other passengers of victims.
Let’s look at some of the leading causes of fatal truck accidents:
- Alcohol use: 4.9% of truck drivers in fatal crashes had a detectable blood alcohol level, while 2.7% were legally over the limit in California.
- Night driving: 37% of fatal crashes happen between 6 PM and 6 AM. This suggests driver fatigue and low visibility play major roles.
- First collision types: In 74% of cases, the crash begins with a collision between two vehicles in transit. This is followed by the truck hitting a fixed object (9.4% of cases), a truck striking a pedestrian (8.8% of cases), a truck rollover (3.9%) and the truck hitting a cyclist or scooter (2.3%).
- Road design: 47.2% happened on undivided two-way roads – where there’s often no barrier to prevent head-on collisions.
- Point of impact: In 57.8% of fatal accidents, the front of the truck was the first point of contact.
How To Start a Lawsuit
Wrongful death trucking crashes are not rare, and they are not always accidents. Many are preventable. And in many cases someone must be held accountable.
If your accident involved a clear driver-related error like such as drunk driving or driver fatigue, then filing a lawsuit can be straightforward. These behaviors are dangerous and trucking companies may be legally liable.
But it’s not always that simple. Commercial trucking have skilled legal teams who will try to fight payouts. This is why you need a legal team that understands commercial truck accident liability. If you’ve lost a loved one or were injured in a trucking accident, you should know that At Los Justicieros, we work on a no-win-no-fee basis.
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.
