Maison Law can help you through the claims process if you’re hurt in a truck accident in California.
It’s pretty easy to look at a semi-truck and see why accidents with them are usually more serious. But the statistics around these accidents really drive the point home.
Our team will be there to support you and your family in the aftermath. Set up a free consultation today.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in California?
Living in California, you see semi-trucks on your commute everyday. Whether you live outside LA or are based in the Central Valley, semi-trucks are a part of life. One drawback of that is that it increases the likelihood of an accident. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), California has seen:
- 496 truck accidents so far in 2026.
But to really hone in on how common they are, it’s helpful to look at full data from the last few years:
- 2022 – 13,615 accidents
- 2023 – 12,222 accidents
- 2024 – 11,633 accidents
- 2025 – 9,889 accidents
While these figures show just how many truck accidents there have been in recent years, it doesn’t necessarily touch on why these accidents are so serious. That has more to do with the actual mechanics of them. Most semi-trucks are so much larger and heavier than a normal car that any collision is bound to cause more damage.
How Many Truck Accidents in California End Up Being Fatal?
Given all the different factors that go into a truck accident, it’s not hard to see why they’re usually so serious. Everything factors in when there’s such a wide disparity between the size of your car and the size of a big rig barreling down a highway. But no matter where they happen or what the circumstances are, a fatal truck accident is by far the worst outcome.
And the FMCSA data seemingly backs this up:
- 2022 – 465 accidents
- 2023 – 376 accidents
- 2024 – 342 accidents
- 2025 – 203 accidents
These numbers are obviously pretty striking. With so many trucks on the road throughout the state, any accident could end up being fatal. But what’s tough to think about is that the underlying causes of accidents are the same, usually involving:
- Brake problems, worn tires, or other mechanical issues can make a large truck much harder to control.
- Too much weight, or cargo that shifts during transport, can make a truck unstable.
- Long hours behind the wheel can leave drivers exhausted and slow to react.
- Looking away from the road, even briefly, can lead to devastating consequences.
- Tight delivery schedules can sometimes push drivers to go faster than they should.
With this, it’s easy to see why a truck accident is problematic. But there are more practical things to look at, like where accidents happen the most in the state.
Which California City Sees the Most Truck Accidents?
California’s infrastructure and diverse economy are two big strengths when it comes to trucking. There’s endless opportunity for companies to move freight here, whether it’s moving almonds from the San Joaquin Valley or consumer goods through northern California. But like anything else, the more trucks there are in a given city or area, the higher the probability of an accident.
According to the FMCSA data, of the 98,399 truck accidents that have happened between 2019 and 2026, here were the California cities that saw the most accidents:
- Los Angeles – 5,603 accidents
- San Diego – 1,520 accidents
- Sacramento – 1,393 accidents
- Ontario – 1,371 accidents
- Riverside – 1,330 accidents
- Anaheim – 1,205 accidents
The first thing that jumps out at you with these figures is the location. The vast majority of truck accidents during this timeframe in California happened in southern California. That’s not all that surprising when you consider population centers. Simply, the more traffic there is, the more likely it will be that semi-trucks will be included. That increases the probability of an accident, but again, it’s more personal when you’re involved. So if you’re in one of these accidents, it’s about getting the right information for a potential claim. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Pictures/videos of the scene
- Contact and insurance information from the truck driver (and anyone else involved)
- The accident report from local police or CHP
- Your own version of events and your medical records
These are all pretty standard, but remember that every situation is different. That’s why it’s important to look at the timing.
When Do Truck Accidents Happen the Most in California?
Large semi-trucks are constantly on the road in California. There’s really no downtime for these vehicles, and that’s where problems with maintenance and driver behavior creep in.
Looking at 2025 FMCSA data, truck accidents in California aren’t limited to certain days—they happen throughout the week:
- Sunday – 598 accidents
- Monday – 1,696 accidents
- Tuesday – 1,928 accidents
- Wednesday – 1,752 accidents
- Thursday – 1,804 accidents
- Friday – 1,764 accidents
- Saturday – 917 accidents
This data helps you understand when truck accidents are more common in California, and unfortunately, they’re far more common during busier times of your week. But again, it’s about knowing what to do when you’re in one of these accidents. That’s where our team at Maison Law can really help you.
How Will Maison Law Help Me After a Truck Accident in California?
Stats and figures on truck accidents in California are very helpful in shining a light on the issue. But they don’t necessarily touch on how personal these accidents really are. When you’re in one, you quickly realize that they’re different. They’re more serious and the injuries and other damage you’re left with can last a long time.
Even still, you don’t have to get a lawyer after one of these accidents. But when so many moving parts are involved, having someone help sort things out can make the process a lot easier. Here’s how our California truck accident lawyers at Maison Law can help you:
- Figuring out who’s responsible
- Gathering the evidence
- Dealing with the trucking company and its insurance reps
- Standing up for you through the process
No two truck accidents are exactly the same, and neither are the people involved. That’s why we take the time to understand your situation and shape our approach around what you need. The goal is simple: help you move forward while making the legal process as straightforward as possible. To get started, set up a free consultation today.
