California’s Dedicated Attorneys for Freeway Crash Victims
California freeways, like the 405, 5, 99, and 80, are among the busiest and most dangerous roads in the nation. High speeds, congestion, and complex traffic patterns mean crashes on freeways often result in severe injuries or fatalities. At Hillstone Law, our freeway accident attorneys have deep experience handling complex freeway cases. We offer 24/7 availability, free consultations, and operate on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
How Common and Deadly Are California Freeway Crashes?
- In 2023, California recorded approximately 4,061 traffic fatalities, yielding a death rate of about 1.26 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and roughly 10.4 deaths per 100,000 residents.
- Between 2021–2022, annual deaths ranged from 4,000 to 4,465, placing California consistently among states with the highest fatal crash totals.
- Major freeways like Interstate 5, 405, and 99 rank among California’s deadliest. I‑5 alone saw 128 deaths on certain stretches in 2022, while SR‑99 averaged nearly 89 fatalities per year over a recent five-year span.
Why Freeway Accidents Are Especially Severe
Highways pose unique hazards:
- High-speed impacts, increasing force and injury severity
- Multi-vehicle “pile-ups” triggered by chain-reaction crashes often worsened by poor weather or limited visibility
- Vulnerable vehicles like motorcycles and trucks exposed to greater harm
- Common collision types: rear-end, rollover, left-turn merging, and roadside crashes at high speed
Common Causes of Freeway Crashes
Typical faults that lead to accidents include:
- Speeding above limits or through slow traffic zones
- Impaired driving, including alcohol, drugs, or fatigue
- Distracted driving, especially texting or phone use
- Vehicle defects, such as brake or steering failures
- Poor road design or maintenance, including unsafe merges or missing signage
Types of Injuries in Freeway Collisions
Victims may suffer severe and life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and intracranial trauma
- Spinal cord damage, paralysis, or other critical injuries
- Multiple bone fractures, internal organ damage, or hemorrhage
- Soft tissue injuries, PTSD, and psychological trauma
- Fatalities leading to wrongful death claims for surviving loved ones
What Compensation Is Recoverable in California
Injury victims and families may seek compensation for:
Economic Losses
- Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
- Property damage or vehicle repair/replacement
- Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
Non-Economic Losses
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life or enjoyment of activities
Wrongful Death Claims
Loved ones may recover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional damages.
California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if you bear partial fault, damages are adjusted accordingly.
Who Could Be Liable?
Liable parties may include:
- Other negligent drivers
- Commercial vehicle operators or trucking companies
- Manufacturers of defective vehicle parts
- Government agencies responsible for freeway design or signage
- Companies involved in improper road maintenance
How Hillstone Law Works for You
- Investigating with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and economists
- Negotiating fiercely with insurers, or taking cases to trial when needed
- Providing contingency-fee service and personalized support
- Representing clients across California, from urban freeways to rural highways
Legal Timing & Why Prompt Action Matters
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in California. Exceptions include:
- The discovery rule, if injury effects emerge later
- Cases involving minors may delay filing deadlines
Acting quickly preserves vital evidence, police reports, surveillance footage, vehicle data, witness contact, before it disappears.
What to Do After a Freeway Collision
- Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries are not obvious
- Gather evidence, including photos, videos, witness details, and vehicle damage
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements before legal guidance
- Retain all documentation, accident reports, medical bills, diagnosis records
- Contact Hillstone Law promptly to secure evidence and begin your recovery process
Freeway Accident Snapshot – Key Takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Annual Fatalities in CA | ~4,000+ per year |
| Crash Fatality Rate | ~1.26 per 100M vehicle miles |
| High-Risk Freeways | I-5, I-405, SR-99, I-80 |
| Leading Causes | Speed, DUI, distraction, defects |
| Potential Injuries | TBI, spinal injuries, fractures, death |
| Compensation Types | Medical, lost wages, property, pain & suffering |
| Statute of Limitations | 2 years (exceptions may apply) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I owe anything upfront?
No. We work on a contingency-fee basis, you pay only if we recover compensation for you.
Will my case go to trial?
We settle when possible, but we prepare every case for court to ensure your rights are protected.
What if I’m partly at fault?
You may still recover damages under California’s comparative negligence laws.
How do I know if I have a claim?
If another party’s negligence caused injuries or death, even partially, you likely have a claim. A free consultation can clarify your options.
Contact Hillstone Law Today
Freeway accidents can upend your life in seconds. If you or a loved one has been injured or worse, in a freeway collision, reach out to Hillstone Law for a free, no-obligation case review. We’ll help preserve evidence, identify fault, and pursue the maximum compensation allowed under California law, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.