In 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported over 490,000 large truck crashes in the U.S. Over 5,100 of these crashes were fatal, with California ranking as the second deadliest state for truck accidents. Between 2012 and 2021, the number of truck accident deaths in the state increased by more than 65%. When a loved one is lost in a wrongful death truck accident, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. While compensation can’t bring back a loved one, it can provide a sense of closure and may deter future negligent actions.
Losing a family member in a commercial truck crash is devastating. Large trucks are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than other vehicles, and this is often due to a trucking company’s or driver’s negligence. The FMCSA indicates that over 85% of fatal truck accidents are caused by driver-related issues.
Distracted Driving – Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS, is considered distracted driving. This is especially dangerous for large trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean they need significantly more time and distance to stop, making a collision with a smaller vehicle potentially fatal. After a fatal crash, attorneys often gather evidence like cell phone records, dash cam footage, and witness statements to prove distraction was a factor.
Driver Fatigue – Drowsy driving is another leading cause of truck crashes. Truckers are often pressured to meet tight deadlines, which can lead them to disregard FMCSA regulations designed to prevent fatigue. These regulations include a maximum 11-hour daily driving limit, a 70-hour maximum work week, and mandatory 30-minute breaks. However, because some companies pay drivers by the mile, there’s an incentive to ignore these rules and keep driving, even when tired. This negligence can lead to deadly crashes.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death truck crash, it’s crucial to seek legal help immediately. These claims are far more complex than standard car accident cases, often involving multiple at-fault parties. Trucking companies have their own legal teams working to minimize their liability and pay as little as possible.
We represent people injured as a result of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. Insurance companies have paid our clients hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation because we uncover the facts. When insurance companies fail to offer full compensation, we are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 916-714-7672 or visit www.gblegal.com