Semi-truck accidents are on the rise across the U.S., and California is no exception. While general motor vehicle accidents have declined in some areas, collisions involving large commercial trucks have increased by over 20% in the past decade. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, especially for those in smaller passenger vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, the legal team at Hillstone Law is here to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Due to their massive size and weight, semi-trucks can cause devastating damage in a collision. Victims in passenger vehicles typically suffer the most serious injuries ranging from broken bones and spinal injuries to traumatic brain injuries or fatalities.
To better understand these crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted the Large Truck Crash Causation Study. They found that in the vast majority of fatal semi-truck accidents, the truck driver was at fault.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
From the study of 120,000 fatal truck accidents, here are the primary causes when truck drivers were responsible:
- Poor Decisions (38%)
Speeding, tailgating, and making unsafe lane changes are among the top risky decisions made by truck drivers that contribute to fatal crashes. - Lack of Attention (28%)
Distractions such as using GPS, adjusting controls, eating, or simply not paying attention to the road have led to many preventable accidents. - Performance Errors (9%)
Overreacting to a situation, panicking, or losing control of the vehicle especially on curves or during evasive maneuvers can lead to rollovers and jackknife accidents. - Nonperformance (12%)
This includes drivers falling asleep, suffering medical emergencies, or being impaired while behind the wheel.
What To Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in California
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, here are immediate steps to take:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor at first, they can worsen over time. Always get checked by a medical professional. - Report the Accident
Ensure the crash is reported to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the official accident report. - Gather Evidence If You Can
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles. Get witness contact information if possible. - Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company or Their Insurance Adjusters
They may try to get you to settle quickly or admit fault. Instead, refer them to your attorney. - Contact Hillstone Law Immediately
Trucking companies and their insurers often act fast to protect themselves. You need experienced legal representation on your side from the very beginning.
Why Choose Hillstone Law?
At Hillstone Law, we understand the complexity of truck accident cases. These involve multiple parties drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and insurers and require a thorough investigation. Our attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to hold negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable.
We’ll fight to recover full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident? Let Hillstone Law Fight for You.
Don’t wait. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident anywhere in California, call Hillstone Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
