As a state which moves a lot of goods across the country, California is home to one of the largest trucking industries in the US.
With such an enormous share of the industry, it’s no wonder that California sees more trucking accidents than any other state.
Around 3.5 million semi-trucks share US roadways with other vehicles. With the hundreds of miles of roads and highways going through the
Orange County area, there’s no doubt that many of those trucks make their way to Southern California.
With semis weighing up to 80,000 pounds and generally driven at speeds of up to 70 mph on freeways, the outcome of a big rig crash can be devastating. This is particularly true if the truck collides with smaller vehicles, like a sedan or a motorcycle.
A truck accident is more likely to cause costly property damage, serious injuries, and fatalities than a typical car accident. Because of their huge mass, many tractor-trailers end up injuring other drivers as well as pedestrians.
If you’ve been in a truck accident in Orange County, an experienced truck accident lawyer can help.
Recent Semi-Truck / Big Rig Accidents in Orange County, CA
Choking Semi-Truck Driver Crashes Rig on I-96
April 30, 2021 – A semi-truck driver ran off the roadway and crashed his rig into a ditch on West Bound I-96 near M-100 after choking on some fruit he was eating.
The driver made it out on time and was reported unharmed. Authorities had to close the right lane to get the semi-truck removed.
Wrong-Way Driver on Suspicion of DUI Hits Big Rig on 91 Freeway
April 8, 2021 – A man driving in the wrong direction caused two vehicles to crash on the 91 freeway in Anaheim on early Thursday morning, April 8, according to the California Highway Patrol.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after the Mercedes-Benz he was driving crashed head-on into a big rig near Lemon Street. A man in one of the other vehicles was treated for minor injuries, and no one else was injured.
Fiery Crash Kills Big Rig Driver on 91 Freeway in Anaheim
January 8, 2021 – A semitrailer driver was killed on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim when his rig crashed into the center divider and burst into flames, according to the California Highway Patrol. The car-hauling big rig driver’s identity was not immediately known.
At least five other vehicles sustained damages, including flat tires, when debris flew to the other side of the freeway. A SigAlert issue shut down all eastbound lanes for about two hours as crews cleared the fiery scene.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
Semi Trailer Kills Mini-Bike Rider in Orange Truck Collision
December 17, 2020 – A male mini-bike rider was killed when his gas-powered bike collided with a semi-trailer truck in Orange Wednesday, Dec. 16 at about 9:30 a.m., Orange police Sgt. Phil McMullen said.
The collision occurred when the semi-truck, with two trailers attached to it, began turning from Taft Avenue onto Leslie Way. The rider, whose name and age were not released by the authorities, was traveling on Taft in the same direction. He crashed into the area where the trailers are joined, got run over, and was pronounced dead at the scene, McMullen said.
Though wearing a helmet, the male fatality rode a mini bike that was not street legal.
Drugs and alcohol were ruled out as a factor, and no arrests were reported.
Semi-Trailer Hits and Kills Pedestrian on 91 Freeway in Anaheim
November 27, 2020 – A pedestrian was fatally struck by a semi-trailer on the 91 freeway in Anaheim at 11:05 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27. The tragic accident led to the shutdown of some lanes, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The semi-truck hit the pedestrian in the westbound lanes at Brookhurst Road and then pulled over. The CHP reported that there were no vehicles in the lanes when the accident occurred.
Caltrans was called for the closure of three lanes. The coroner was also called to the scene. It was not known right away if the victim was a man or woman.
Motorcyclist Killed After Crashing Into Semi Truck in San Bernardino
Nov 30, 2020 – A motorcyclist traveling south on Mountain View Avenue at a high rate of speed was killed after crashing into a big rig at about 5:38 a.m. Monday.
Victor Navarette, 48, of San Bernardino was thrown from his motorcycle when he crashed into the rear of a semi-truck. He sustained serious injuries and died at the scene.
The semi-truck driver, Mawlad Guled, 34, of Minneapolis, wasn’t speeding at the time nor driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the San Bernardino Police Department said.
It was not determined if Navarette was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Northbound 405 Freeway Momentarily Closed in OC After Semi-Truck Crashes into Bridge Construction Supports
September 28, 2020 – A semi-truck transporting a forklift smashed into the wooden support structures under the Bolsa Avenue bridge that is currently under construction in Westminster.
The crash, which occurred at around 7:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, left wooden debris strewn all over several lanes and an offramp. This resulted in the closure of the 405 Freeway’s northbound side for a few hours, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The bridge construction support received only minor damage and will not affect the timetable for the bridge widening, the Orange County Transportation Authority said.
No one was reported injured since no workers were at the construction site when the crash occurred.
Semi-Truck Driver Killed in Fiery 22 Freeway Crash in Garden Grove, DUI Suspect Arrested
June 10, 2019 – A United States Postal Service semi-truck driver, believed to be a contractor carrying U.S. mail, was killed in a fiery two-car crash involving his rig and a Honda on the eastbound side of the 22 Freeway in Garden Grove at about 4 a.m. Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP determined the Honda passenger vehicle swerved and landed on the wrong lane. The USPS semi-truck then collided with the Honda and went over the center divider. The arriving officers found the semi-truck covered in flames and leaking fuel.
The 26-year-old male Honda driver, suspected of driving under the influence, was held in custody, the CHP said.
Motorcyclist Dies After Crashing With Fire Truck in Orange
June 6, 2019 – A motorcyclist died after colliding with a fire truck near E. Collins Avenue and Roberto in the city of Orange at about 4:41 p.m. Wednesday.
According to responding Orange police officers, the seriously injured motorcyclist was taken to the hospital where he later died. Three firefighters were also transported to the hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.
Big Rig Crashes Into Center Divider in Anaheim 91 Freeway
January 17, 2019 – A semi-truck collided with a vehicle and crashed through a center divider on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities said the semi-truck traveling on the eastbound lane hit the vehicle next to it after the driver lost control of his vehicle. The big rig then swerved left and crashed through the center divider onto the 91’s westbound lanes.
Two other vehicles were damaged by the debris from the wreck. One person was treated in a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
Semi-Truck Collides with Car In Northeast OC, Two Hurt
August 14, 2018 – A crash between a semi-truck and a car on Monday sends the big rig hurtling off the Imperial Highway in Yorba Linda.
Two women were injured in the crash, according to Orange County Fire Authority. They were both transported as trauma patients to the hospital just before noon.
The semi-truck, which was tilting to one side of the steep hill, was stabilized by three Orange County Fire Authority trucks as a heavy wrecker tow truck moved it to safety.
Man Killed After Car Rams Rear of Semi Truck on 91 in Anaheim
March 4, 2018 – A man was killed when his car slammed into the back of a semi-truck on the 91 freeway in Anaheim around 11:40 p.m. Friday. Witnesses said the big rig was stalled on the eastbound shoulder when the car zigzagged in and out of the emergency lane. The weaving vehicle slammed into the semi’s rear and burst into flames.
CHP said two good Samaritans tried to help extinguish the fire and get the driver out of his vehicle. Unfortunately, the driver was stuck inside and the rescuers had to wait for the fire truck to arrive. The trapped car driver died at the scene.
CHP investigators said rain was not a factor in the mishap.
Contact a Big Rig Accident Lawyer in Orange County Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a big rig or semi-truck accident, working with an experienced Orange County lawyer can help save you time and energy dealing with the insurance company while ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Don’t wait to get legal help. Call a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to defend and protect your rights.
Contact us online now or call at (714) 515-9696 for your free initial consultation.
