California is a hub for trucking, with major interstates and freeways carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily. While trucks keep goods moving, their sheer size and weight make accidents especially devastating. Understanding the risks can help drivers stay safe and protect their rights after a collision. Here are the 20 biggest truck accident risks on California highways.
1. Driver Fatigue
Long hours on the road cause drowsy driving, one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
Source: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
2. Speeding
Large trucks traveling over the speed limit take longer to stop, increasing the risk of deadly collisions.
3. Distracted Driving
Cell phone use and in-cab electronics contribute to dangerous inattention behind the wheel.
Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
4. Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Shifting or overweight loads can cause rollovers and jackknife accidents.
5. Brake Failures
Mechanical problems or poor maintenance often lead to catastrophic brake failures.
Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
6. Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage involving trucks are particularly dangerous.
7. Poor Weather Conditions
Rain, fog, and mountain conditions reduce visibility and stopping distances.
Source: https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/
8. Blind Spots (“No Zones”)
Cars lingering in truck blind spots are at high risk for sideswipe accidents.
9. Jackknifing
Sudden braking or slippery roads can cause a truck’s trailer to swing out of control.
10. Tire Blowouts
Worn or defective tires can explode, scattering debris and causing rollovers.
11. Improper Turns
Trucks making wide right turns often collide with cars, pedestrians, or cyclists.
12. Intoxicated Driving
Though less common among truckers, alcohol and drug impairment can have devastating consequences.
13. Mechanical Failures
Faulty steering, suspension, or coupling systems can lead to accidents.
14. Construction Zones
Narrow lanes and abrupt speed changes create high crash risks for large trucks.
15. Unqualified or Inexperienced Drivers
Trucking companies sometimes hire poorly trained drivers to meet demand.
16. Lane Departure
Crossing into other lanes or off-road areas is a major factor in truck accidents.
17. Sudden Stops in Traffic
Heavy trucks cannot stop quickly, making rear-end collisions especially severe.
18. Dangerous Intersections
Busy intersections on routes like I-5, I-10, and SR-99 are hotspots for truck crashes.
19. Reckless Passenger Cars
Cars cutting off or brake-checking trucks often trigger catastrophic chain-reaction accidents.
20. Inadequate Inspections
Skipping daily or routine inspections increases the likelihood of mechanical-related crashes.
Source: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
What to Do After a Truck Accident in California
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties — the driver, trucking company, and even manufacturers. If you’re involved in a crash:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Get medical treatment.
- Take photos and gather witness info.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without a lawyer.
- Contact an experienced California truck accident attorney.
At Hillstone Law, we have the experience to take on trucking companies and their insurers. We fight for maximum compensation for accident victims.
Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, call Hillstone Law today for a free consultation.
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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.
