One of the top destinations for sightseeing and beaches, California is also home to three of the top ten most dangerous roads to travel in the United States. Highways I-5, I-15, and I-80 offer drivers direct travel routes north-to-south, and east-to-west across the state. Commuters, tourists, and large commercial vehicles heavily populate these roads that cover large, densely populated sections of the state. As the number of vehicles on roads increases with the population, car and truck fatalities on California highways continue to trend upward.
If a family member has been wrongfully killed in a California car or truck highway accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages incurred by medical expenses or pain and suffering. Understanding your legal rights and how to approach the complexities of a fatal auto accident is essential to the success of your case.
Rodriguez & Associates is an established personal injury law firm in Bakersfield, California with a team of diligent car and truck accident attorneys ready to help your family on the road to recovery. Serving the Southern San Joaquin Valley for over two decades, Rodriguez and Associates has established itself as a leading personal injury firm with more multi-million dollar verdicts than any other law firm in the area.
California Highway Fatality Statistics
- The most recently available statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show traffic fatalities nationwide have continued to increase from 2014-2022.
- Deaths caused by car and truck accidents on California roads were up significantly from 3,485 deaths in 2018 to 4,109 deaths in 2022.
- Further analysis by the CA Office of Traffic Safety found that speeding was the primary factor in 47% of California accidents in 2022.
- I-5 is ranked as the third deadliest road in the United States by NHTSA.
- From 2021 to 2023, Kern County has averaged 184.7 traffic fatalities annually, according to Berkley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System.
Truck Accident Highway Fatalities
Deadly truck accidents remain a constant concern for Kern County residents who commute daily on the I-5. The increased presence of commercial vehicles on major roadways contributes to the number of highway fatalities in the region.
In its 2022 report, the NHTSA identified 5,837 fatalities involving at least one commercial truck nationwide. Of those, 436 deaths took place on California roads, accounting for just over 10% of traffic fatalities in California that year. Accidents caused by truck drivers are devastating and can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles.
Truck accidents are particularly challenging as they require an in-depth understanding of trucking regulations, detailed investigations, and considerations of many factors including multiple at-fault parties including manufacturers, loaders, drivers, truck owners, and supervisors. The truck accident attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates have access to logistical and mechanical experts who can assist in identifying significant evidence
How California Laws May Impact An Auto Accident Claim
Strict California laws can directly impact claims surrounding car and truck accidents. Working with an experienced attorney will ensure your needs are understood and met, and justice prevails.
In the case of most auto and truck accidents, the California statute of limitations requires the plaintiff to file their lawsuit within two years from the date of the injury. Cases of wrongful death, cases involving minors, and cases involving a government entity may create exceptions to these laws.
As a comparative negligence state, more than one party may be found liable for causing an auto accident in California. This leaves the potential for an at-fault driver to be entitled to damages, adding to the complexity of an auto accident case.
As with any severe accident, it’s best to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to learn how California laws will impact your claim.
Trusted by Californians
Rodriguez & Associates, Bakerfield’s top personal injury firm, has over 100 years of experience handling many types of motor vehicle accidents across the state. Families seek the help of our experienced team in navigating serious and complex trucking, auto, and motorcycle accidents. When tackling the overwhelming concerns of a fatal accident, Rodriguez & Associates is the recognized personal injury firm in California trusted by locals.
Our car and truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and their families recover fair compensation for their injuries and losses. We aggressively pursue justice and do not settle for anything less. Rodriguez and Associates holds records for the top 3 highest personal injury verdicts in Kern County history.
In 2020, Rodriguez & Associates recovered a $70.5 million record verdict, the highest personal injury verdict in Kern County history at the time, for a mother and her two children, who were driving in an SUV when a big rig ran a red light and slammed into her car. Although the truck driver lied about running the light, the Rodriguez & Associates team was able to prove his complete fault in the incident and uncover his negligence in fourteen other accidents.
Contact a Bakersfield Car and Truck Accident Attorney
We understand that the loss of a family member due to a tragic traffic fatality is devastating. With the right guidance and representation, you can navigate the legal system to obtain the justice and the compensation your family requires to move forward.
Contact our Bakersfield office today to schedule a free consultation of your case.