According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the 405 was the 4th most-traveled road in the nation in 2019, with 383,500 vehicles per day. It’s not only a lifeline for commuters but also a critical route for 18-wheelers carrying goods across Southern California. That mix of heavy freight and dense traffic makes crashes both common and dangerous.
The 405 Freeway: Why It’s So Dangerous for Trucks
The 405 Freeway is not only one of the busiest in the nation but also one of the most unpredictable. Commuters, visitors, and commercial trucks compete for limited space across its crowded lanes. In such conditions, even a minor error can lead to a serious accident.
The crash statistics highlight the risks:
- Los Angeles County (405 Freeway, 2023): 61 truck crashes, 2 deaths, 82 injuries
- Orange County (405 Freeway 2023): 14 truck crashes, 21 injuries
- California Overall (2023): Over 12,000 truck crashes, 412 fatalities, 5,312 injuries
Provided by UC Berkeley Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS)
For anyone driving in Los Angeles or Orange County, these numbers show just how dangerous the freeway can be. That’s why victims often turn to an experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer after a serious crash.
Here are some of the main reasons why the 405 is especially dangerous for 18-wheelers:
- Congestion: Stop-and-go traffic makes it harder for big rigs to brake in time.
- Frequent lane changes: Cars weaving through traffic create sudden hazards.
- Mix of vehicles: Passenger cars, delivery vans, and freight haulers all crowd the same lanes.
Why Truck Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Crashes with 18-wheelers often cause far more harm than regular car accidents. The sheer size and weight of a truck make even low-speed collisions life-threatening. In these crashes, smaller vehicles almost always take the worst damage.
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The average car weighs about 4,000 pounds. In a collision, that weight difference explains why victims often face catastrophic injuries.
These 18-wheeler crashes often lead to:
- Severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or head trauma.
- Long recovery times and high medical bills.
- Fatal outcomes for drivers and passengers in smaller cars.
Injured in a Truck Accident?
The Leading Causes and Risk Factors Behind Serious Truck Accidents
Truck accidents rarely happen without warning signs. Most can be traced back to common risks that greatly increase the chance of a crash. With vehicles this large, there’s no such thing as a “minor” mistake; every error carries serious risks.
A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) examined over 141,000 truck crashes to identify the specific issues that increase the likelihood of accidents. The results showed that while road and vehicle issues matter, most crashes are caused by driver errors or unsafe driving conditions.
The top risks associated with the 141,000 truck accidents include:
Brake Problems
The most common issue; faulty or poorly maintained brakes prevent safe stopping and make crashes 2.7 times more likely.
Speeding
Failing to slow down in heavy traffic or bad weather often leads to collisions and makes accidents nearly 8 times more likely.
Unfamiliar Roads
Drivers misjudge exits, curves, or traffic flow when they don’t know the area.
Roadway Issues
Hazards like construction zones, poor signage, or potholes increase crash risk.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Not checking blind spots often leads to sideswipe crashes, making accidents 9 times more likely.
Driver Fatigue
Long hours behind the wheel cause slow reactions or even falling asleep.
Workload Demands
Tight deadlines from trucking companies push drivers into unsafe choices.
Shifting Cargo
Improperly secured loads can cause rollovers or jackknifes and make crashes 56 times more likely.
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Truck accidents can happen in many different ways, but some crash types are especially common on the 405. From rear-end collisions in rush hour traffic to jackknife accidents during sudden stops, each type carries serious risks.
On the 405, truck crashes can happen in many ways:
- Rear-End Collisions – Often occur in stop-and-go traffic when a truck cannot stop in time, striking the vehicle ahead.
- Jackknife Accidents – Happen when a trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, usually during sudden braking or loss of control.
- Rollover Crashes – Caused by sharp turns, shifting cargo, or excessive speed, leading a truck to tip onto its side.
- Blind Spot Collisions – Result when cars are caught in a truck’s “no-zones” and struck during lane changes or merging.
- Underride Accidents – Occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck’s trailer, often with fatal results.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups – Chain-reaction crashes that involve several cars and trucks, often triggered by one truck accident in heavy traffic.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Unlike standard car accidents, liability in truck crashes is often more complex. These cases typically involve multiple layers of responsibility, detailed regulations, and extensive evidence, all of which make determining fault and securing fair compensation more challenging.
Liability is often shared among multiple parties, such as:
- Truck driver – for speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
- Trucking company – for poor training, bad scheduling, or pushing unsafe deadlines.
- Cargo loaders – for not securing loads properly.
- Manufacturers – for defective brakes or tires.
- Government entities – for poorly maintained roads or missing signs.
The Key Ways a Truck Accident Lawyer Protects Your Rights
After a truck crash, victims often feel powerless against large trucking companies and insurers. These corporations have teams working to protect their profits, not your recovery. A skilled truck accident attorney ensures you have someone fighting for you, not against you.
Here’s what a truck accident lawyer does:
- Conducts a thorough investigation – reviewing black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and company documents to uncover the truth.
- Determines liability – identifying all responsible parties, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or manufacturers.
- Deals with insurance companies – protecting you from pressure tactics and negotiating for fair compensation instead of lowball offers.
- Seeks maximum recovery – pursuing payment for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
- Navigates complex trucking laws – applying knowledge of state regulations and federal trucking rules to strengthen your case.
Best of all, our truck accident attorneys work on a no-win, no-fee basis. You only pay if we win your case.
Your Next Step After a 405 Truck Accident Starts Here!
Every crash on the 405 isn’t just a number; it’s a life turned upside down in an instant. Taking action quickly after a truck accident is the best way to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need for medical care, lost wages, and recovery. Waiting only gives trucking companies and their insurers the upper hand.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we’ve stood beside thousands of Californians, helping them rebuild after devastating accidents. Our team is ready to fight for your justice and your future.
Call us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.