If you’ve ever been on the road in Southern California, it’s likely you’ve seen trucks weaving through the lanes. Though many drivers avoid commercial trucks like the plague, occasionally, the unthinkable happens. A Los Angeles commercial truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights.
According to the National Highway Transit System Administration (NHTSA), in 2024, California reported 3,583 accidents. Out of those accidents, 482 of them were on interstates, 799 of them were on state highways, 132 were on U.S Highways and 1,780 of them were listed as ‘other’. By ‘other’, NHTSA means local roads.
If you find yourself in an accident involving a semi truck, delivery truck, or sprinter van, contact your Los Angeles commercial truck accident lawyer for a consultation.
Dangerous Highways
In California, 1,413 accidents occur on highways and interstates. That’s a little bit less than half of the accounted accidents in the state. These are the most accident-prone highways and interstates:
The 5
Starting from San Ysidro, CA, and ending in Blaine, WA, the 5 allows drivers to travel across the West coast with ease. Because of its length, it’s no surprise there are bubbles of heavy traffic. In certain areas, the 5 becomes the epicenter of turtle-paced traffic and accidents caused by frustrated or reckless drivers.
The 110
Running from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro to Pasadena, CA, the 110 is often congested at rush hour. It’s expected as it passes through many of Los Angeles’s business areas. Commercial trucks transport cargo from the ports into the city though the 110, so it’s common to see people drive recklessly to avoid getting caught behind one of them, which often leads to a collision.
The 101
Starting from Los Angeles and ending in Tumwater, Washington, the historic 101 is often called the road of the stars as it passes through Hollywood and Universal Studios. Like any long road, there are moments where congested traffic areas can increase the odds of an accident happening.
The 10
Stretching from Santa Monica, CA, to Jacksonville, FL, it’s no surprise it’s on this list. Commercial trucks use this road to traverse the country. However, within California alone, it’s one of the top 3 roads with the most accidents in 2024. Like all the roads on this list, there are pockets of heavy traffic that can create the perfect storm for an accident.
The 405
Arguably, every Angeleno hates the 405 as much as they hate the 5, and for good reason. As one of California’s moving parking lots, it’s the perfect example of overcrowded and slow traffic. With a start in Long Beach, it’s also one of the many highways that commercial trucks use to transport cargo in and out of the San Pedro port.
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Dangerous Streets
1,780 accidents reported in California in 2024 happened on local streets. The following are the streets that reported the most accidents:
Foothill Blvd
Foothill Blvd, also known as the legendary Route 66, runs for 60 miles, starting from Newhall Pass and ending in San Bernardino. It’s no surprise that a road that stretches this long is prone to various accidents.
Central Ave
Starting from the Los Angeles Civic Center and ending in Carson, CA, Central Ave gives people a way in and out of the center of Downtown Los Angeles. However, like the 405, getting in and out of Downtown Los Angeles can be the perfect storm for an accident during rush hour.
Florence Ave
Florence Ave runs for 20 miles, connecting the various cities between Inglewood and Whittier. As it’s near So-Fi Stadium, The Forum, and various train stations, it’s no surprise that Florence Ave sees a lot of accidents.
Crenshaw Blvd
Spanning 23 miles, Crenshaw Blvd starts near Wilshire Blvd and ends in Ranchos Palos Verdes. As it also runs past So-Fi Stadium and through the center of various cities, Crenshaw has a growing reputation for accidents.
Sherman Way
Sherman Way, or The Way, is a 16-mile road that connects the San Fernando Valley to the Hollywood Burbank Airport. As it connects various airports together, it’s no wonder this road is the location for various accidents throughout the year.
FAQ
What Do I Do in an Accident Involving a Commercial Truck?
The same process with any car accident applies to this scenario. Exchange driver and insurance information, collect evidence, and report it to the police and your insurance provider. Complications may arise depending on whose insurance you will be dealing with to resolve the accident. If you contact a Los Angeles commercial truck accident lawyer quickly, they can help you take the next steps to ensure your safety and security.
Who Pays in a Los Angeles Commercial Truck Accident?
Much like a third-party delivery driver, you’d be surprised to learn it depends on the relationship between the truck driver and their employer.
Driver – Some commercial truck drivers operate as independent contractors. This means that if they are involved in a car accident, the responsibility falls on their insurance and not the company they work for.
Trucking company – If the driver is an official employee, and if the accident was a result of a company’s failure to properly perform maintenance on a truck or provide proper training, then the company would be held liable after a thorough investigation.
Truck Lease or Owner-Operator – If a truck is owned by a different party, that party would be responsible for the accident if it was caused by a problem with the truck itself.
How Common Are Commercial Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents have been on the rise in recent years according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Truck and bus accidents increased 25 percent between 2016 and 2022. From 2016 to 2022, large truck and bus injury crashes increased 11 percent.
What’s the Mortality Rate of a Commercial Truck Accident in Los Angeles?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatal crashes involving large trucks often happen in rural areas or on interstate highways. 54 percent of all lethal crashes involving trucks happen in rural areas, and 27 percent happen on interstate highways.
Why Rural Areas?
Rural areas aren’t maintained like city roads and often have less lighting. The natural terrain can also cause obstructions, making it harder to see ahead and react in time.
What Are the Most Common Accidents?
Truck Rollovers – These are caused when the truck loses its balance and topples over. These accidents happen most often to larger commercial vehicles rather than smaller ones.
Rear-end and Head-on Collisions – Directly hitting a car from the front or the back can happen for various reasons. It’s best to avoid this by driving safely and staying aware of your surroundings on the road.
Jackknife – These accidents occur with commercial vehicles that have articulated joints, which allow the trailer to swing behind the driver’s part of the truck. When you see one of these vehicles turning or switching lanes, it’s best to give them the space for the cargo to settle before driving past.
How Can I Stay Safe on the Road?
Drive as safely as you can. Many people try to race against a commercial truck to avoid getting stuck behind one. This is dangerous and can lead to an accident. Commercial trucks can range from a typical truck to a freight load. It’s never wise to drive recklessly, especially in heavily congested areas. If you find yourself in an accident involving a commercial truck, contact your local Los Angeles commercial accident truck lawyer today.
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Vaziri Law, LLP, is dedicated to helping its clients gain the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been in an accident involving a commercial truck, contact Vaziri Law to find out what you can gain.
