California’s freeways are among the busiest in the country, with thousands of commercial trucks moving goods daily. While essential for the economy, large trucks also pose serious dangers on the road due to their size, weight, and blind spots. When accidents happen, they often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Here are 20 truck accident statistics in California for 2025, based on state and national data.

General Truck Accident Data

1. California ranks among the top three states for fatal large-truck crashes in the U.S. (Source: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts)
2. Truck accidents account for over 10% of all traffic fatalities in California each year.
3. Nationwide, more than 5,700 people died in large-truck crashes in 2022, marking a steady increase over the past decade.
4. Over 70% of those killed in truck crashes are occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.

California Freeways & High-Risk Areas

5. The I-5, I-10, and I-405 are consistently ranked as the most dangerous freeways for truck accidents.
6. Los Angeles County reports the highest number of truck crashes in California annually.
7. Rural highways, especially those with high-speed limits, account for nearly 40% of fatal truck crashes.
8. Heavy traffic zones, including port routes in Los Angeles and Long Beach, see some of the worst congestion-related truck collisions.

Causes of Truck Accidents

9. Driver fatigue is a major factor, contributing to nearly 13% of truck crashes nationwide. (See: https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/fatality-analysis-reporting-system-fars)
10. Speeding is involved in nearly 1 in 4 fatal truck crashes.
11. Distracted driving, such as phone use, accounts for 9% of large-truck collisions.
12. Mechanical issues (like brake failures) are responsible for about 10% of truck accidents.
13. Alcohol or drug impairment is involved in 5% of fatal truck crashes, lower than passenger vehicles but still deadly.

Injury & Fatality Impact

14. Truck crashes are 3 times more likely to cause fatal injuries compared to car-only collisions.
15. Survivors of truck accidents face severe injuries, with head trauma, spinal cord damage, and crush injuries among the most common.
16. The average settlement value of truck accident claims in California is significantly higher than car accidents, often exceeding $500,000.
17. Wrongful death lawsuits make up a large portion of California truck accident cases due to high fatality rates.

Trends & Safety Measures

18. Large-truck crash deaths in the U.S. have increased by 50% since 2009.
19. California’s implementation of electronic logging devices (ELDs) has reduced some fatigue-related accidents but enforcement challenges remain.
20. Advanced safety technology (automatic braking, lane departure systems) is projected to reduce truck accidents by 20–25% over the next decade. (Industry data: https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks)

Final Thoughts

Truck accidents in California carry devastating consequences due to the sheer size and force of these vehicles. From fatigued drivers on long hauls to congested freeways in Los Angeles, the risks are clear. At Hillstone Law, we fight for victims and families who have suffered life-changing injuries or losses in truck crashes, ensuring they get the justice and compensation they deserve.