Large truck accidents are on the rise. The long-term trend is alarming. According to data provided by the National Safety Council (NSC), the number of large trucks involved in fatal highway collisions has increased by more than 40 percent since 2010. California is no exception. The preliminary data from 2021 suggests a rise in all types of motor vehicle collisions, including in semi-truck accidents. In this blog post, our Stockton truck accident lawyers provide an overview of the key things to know about tractor-trailer accidents in California in 2021.
Preliminary Data: Large Truck Crashes are on the Rise
The preliminary data indicates that catastrophic and deadly motor vehicle accidents spiked in the most recent year. Unfortunately, this has been a trend for several years and it has gotten worse since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that highway fatalities were up 18.4 percent nationwide in the first half of 2021 when compared to the previous year. California was no exception to the nationwide trend. The NHTSA’s initial estimates project that California saw a 20 to 25 percent spike in fatal accidents in 2021.
Large commercial trucks continue to be responsible for a disproportionate share of serious highway collisions in California. Roughly 12 percent of all fatal collisions reported in California involve a semi-truck. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) estimates that an average of 320 people are killed and 7,000 are hurt in big rig accidents in the state each year. A comprehensive 2021 highway safety report for California is expected to be released by state officials later this year.
Notable Commercial Truck Accidents in California in 2021
Large truck accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. Though, as with other types of automobile crashes, most large trucking accidents could and should have been prevented with proper care. Here are four notable tractor-trailer accidents in California in 2021:
- More than a Dozen Killed in an SUV-Truck Crash: One of the most tragic truck accidents in the United States in 2021 occurred in Southern California. According to reporting from the Los Angeles Times, 13 people were killed when a tractor trailer collided with an SUV. The fatal semi-truck collision happened in Holtville, near the United States-Mexico border. The SUV was reportedly carrying 25 passengers.
- Two Hospitalized after Tractor Trailer Tire Failure: As reported by News Channel 3, two people were hospitalized with serious injuries after a tractor trailer tire failure crash. The CHP told reporters that the crash occurred on Interstate-10, after the truck’s tires became detached. Tire failures and tire blowouts remain one of the leading causes of avoidable truck accidents.
- Fatal Head-On Truck Accident: Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of highway crashes—even more so when one of the vehicles is a large commercial truck. According to U.S. News & World Report, two people were killed and two more were seriously injured after a head-on truck accident in Southern California.
- Semi-Truck Rolls Over Shutting Down Traffic Flow: Tractor trailer rollover accidents remain a serious public safety concern in California and throughout the United States. Serious injuries can happen and these accidents can stop traffic flow. ABC 30 reports that this happened early this year when a semi-truck overturned near Fresno.
Truck Accident Victims Deserve Justice and Full Compensation
Following a serious semi-truck crash in California, injured victims need money to pay their bills and support the people they care about most. Under state law, you can hold a negligent truck driver or trucking company legally liable for the full extent of damages. Depending on the nature and severity of your tractor-trailer accident, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for the following types of losses:
- Automobile repairs or automobile replacement;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Other health-care related bills;
- Physical therapy and mental health counseling;
- Loss of current and future earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional hardship;
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement;
- Long-term physical impairment; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Truck Accident Lawyers for Immediate Assistance
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton commercial truck accident attorneys fight tirelessly to get justice, accountability, and the maximum available financial support for injured victims. Get in touch with us by phone at 209-267-4589 or contact us through our website to set up your no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation. Our law firm represents truck accident victims throughout California, including Stockton, Sacramento, Roseville, Davis, Folsom, Elk Grove, Manteca, Modesto, and Turlock.