Recent California Truck Accidents 

Truck crashes are a real problem in California. Roughly 7% of all fatal truck accidents in the U.S. occur in the state. Hundreds of people die each year in California truck crashes that our attorneys believe could have been prevented. 

If you or a family member sustained injuries in a California truck crash, you need an experienced lawyer to help you through the legal process. While nothing can undo the harm you and your family have suffered, filing a truck accident lawsuit can help you obtain justice and maximum compensation. 

Wisner Baum is a California law firm with offices throughout the state to meet our clients' needs. With over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements across all practice areas, our firm has what it takes to win big cases against any corporate opponent. 

California Truck Accident Today

POSSIBLE MAJOR INJURY IN BYSTROM TRUCK CRASH | STANISLAUS COUNTY, CA 

• Date: November 16, 2024 
• Time: 6:20 a.m. 
• Crash Site: South 9th Street and Pecos Avenue 

A collision involving a big rig and another vehicle occurred Friday morning in the Bystrom area of Stanislaus County. California Highway Patrol officials reported that the crash occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. at South 9th Street and Pecos Avenue. In their report, CHP said the accident may have caused major injuries. 

While the exact cause of the Bystrom accident remains under investigation, authorities seek eyewitnesses to provide additional information about the incident. In truck accidents involving commercial vehicles, victims and their families may be able to pursue a legal claim if negligence caused or contributed to the collision. 

TWO INJURED IN OVERTURNED SEMI-TRUCK CRASH | TIPTON, CA 

• Date: November 4, 2024 
• Time: Evening 
• Crash Site: Avenue 152 and Road 96 near Tipton

A traffic collision involving a semi-truck resulted in two reported injuries Monday evening in Tulare County. Officials say the crash occurred at Avenue 152 and Road 96 intersection, with fire department photographs revealing an overturned semi-truck and another vehicle on the dirt shoulder. While the extent of injuries remains undetermined, the incident highlights the potential dangers of commercial vehicle accidents. In semi-truck collisions, damage to passenger vehicles is often extensive, and injuries are often serious. 

Victims may be eligible to pursue justice and compensation in a lawsuit if negligence or mechanical issues contributed to the crash. The Tulare County Fire Department continues to investigate the cause of this collision, with more information expected to be released in the coming days.

ONE PERSON KILLED IN TANKER TRUCK ROLLOVER CRASH | LOS ANGELES, CA 

• Date: November 2, 2024 
• Time: 10:55 p.m. 
• Crash Site: Northbound Harbor (110) Freeway at Manchester Boulevard

A fatal tanker truck rollover crash on the Harbor Freeway resulted in one fatality and two injuries, with approximately 500 to 1,000 gallons of aviation fuel spilled onto the roadway. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel discovered one person deceased beneath the overturned tanker truck, while a 30-year-old woman sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. 

Firefighters conducted a complex recovery operation, including drilling holes in the tanker to offload fuel and using a redwood plug to stop leakage from the truck carrying an estimated 8,000 gallons of aviation fuel. The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert closing both northbound and southbound lanes, with the southbound lanes reopening at 7 a.m. and northbound lanes clearing by 12:20 p.m. 

The cause of the Los Angeles crash remains under investigation. Truckers and trucking companies hauling hazardous materials must abide by complex compliance requirements. If they fail to adhere to safety standards and an accident happens, they may be liable for damages. 

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN COLLISION WITH SEMI-TRUCK | INDIO, CA

• Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
• Time: Approximately 7:00 p.m.
• Crash Site: Indio Boulevard and Tamarisk Avenue

A fatal collision between a motorcycle and a semi-truck claimed the life of a biker Tuesday evening in Indio, California. The crash occurred just before 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Indio Boulevard and Tamarisk Avenue, according to local authorities. Emergency responders pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver remained at the crash location and is cooperating with investigators. 

The circumstances leading to the collision are currently under investigation by local law enforcement. If negligence was a factor in this motorcycle vs. big rig crash, the family of the motorcyclist may have a claim for wrongful death. 

ONE DEAD, THREE INJURED IN EARLY MORNING I-5 TRUCK COLLISION | OCEANSIDE, CA

• Date: October 23, 2024
• Time: 1:30 a.m.
• Crash Site: Southbound Interstate 5, five miles south of Las Pulgas Road

A pre-dawn collision involving a passenger vehicle and a big rig on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries early Wednesday morning. The crash, which occurred on the southbound lanes approximately five miles south of Las Pulgas Road, prompted authorities to temporarily close the 5 South. 

Three individuals were transported to nearby trauma centers for treatment. The identity of the deceased victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. 

As authorities investigate this crash in Oceanside, the attorneys at Wisner Baum extend our condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as those who sustained injuries in this incident. If you would like to learn more about your legal rights after a semi crash, give us a call today at (855) 948-5098. We offer free case evaluations for truck crash claims. 

DRIVER KILLED AS JEEP COLLIDES WITH SEMI-TRUCK | FONTANA, CA

• Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
• Time: 1:15 a.m.
• Crash Site: Whittram Avenue and Calabash Avenue

A fatal collision between a Jeep and a semi-tractor trailer truck in Fontana claimed at least one life early Sunday morning. The incident occurred at the intersection of Whittram Avenue and Calabash Avenue, where the Jeep became lodged beneath the truck's trailer. Emergency responders arriving at the scene confirmed at least one occupant of the Jeep had succumbed to their injuries. California Highway Patrol officials are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the deadly crash. The identities of those involved have not been released pending notification of family members.

Underride crashes are a serious problem. When passenger vehicles slide underneath tractor-trailers, injuries are severe and often fatal. At Wisner Baum, our tractor trailer attorneys have been advocating for increased oversight when it comes to underride guards for many years. We believe underride guards have the capacity to save lives. 

POSSIBLE FATALITY IN MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH INVOLVING BIG RIG | MANTECA, CA

• Date: October 15, 2024
• Time: 12:59 p.m.
• Crash Site: Eastbound Highway 120 at Main Street

A severe collision involving a big rig and up to five other vehicles on Highway 120 has resulted in at least one fatality in Manteca. The incident, which occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, prompted an immediate response from California Highway Patrol officers to the eastbound lanes near Main Street. 

Emergency crews worked diligently at the scene while the roadway remained blocked, causing significant traffic delays. Local authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. 

A truck crash lawsuit may be possible for victims to seek justice and compensation if investigators find negligence was a factor. 

OVERTURNED BOX TRUCK CAUSES MAJOR DELAYS ON US-101 | SAN FRANCISCO, CA

• Date: October 2, 2024
• Time: Around 4:30 p.m.
• Crash Site: US-101 southbound, south of Cesar Chavez Street on-ramp

On Wednesday afternoon, a multi-vehicle collision involving an overturned box truck snarled traffic for nearly two hours on southbound 101 in San Francisco. The incident, which blocked lanes 2 through 5 just south of the Cesar Chavez Street on-ramp, drew immediate response from CHP officers and emergency personnel. Crews worked methodically to right the overturned truck and clear the affected lanes as traffic backed up during the evening commute. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by California Highway Patrol officials.

MOTORCYCLIST SEVERELY INJURED IN COLLISION WITH SEMI-TRUCK | CORNING, CA 

• Date: September 26, 2024
• Time: 4:15 a.m. 
• Crash Site: Intersection of Gyle Road and Highway 99W

A serious collision between a semi-truck and a motorcycle in the early hours of the morning caused major injuries to the biker. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene at approximately 4:15 a.m. at the intersection of Gyle Road and Highway 99W. According to CHP reports, the semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Gyle Road and was in the process of turning northbound onto Highway 99W. At the same time, the motorcycle was heading northbound on Highway 99W and collided with the front fender of the semi-truck. The motorcyclist, who suffered major injuries, was airlifted to Enloe Health for treatment. The investigation into the cause of the fatal semi crash is ongoing. 

Intersections are among the most common places where motorcycle crashes occur. If a truck driver fails to properly judge a motorcycle's speed and distance when entering an intersection, it creates a dangerous condition that could lead to a crash. 

LOMPOC WOMAN KILLED IN HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH FREIGHTLINER | KERN COUNTY, CA 

• Date: September 23, 2024 
• Time: 3:40 p.m. 
• Crash Site: Highway 166 on Grocer Grade

A head-on collision on Highway 166 claimed the life of a 70-year-old Lompoc woman on Monday afternoon. The California Highway Patrol reported that a southbound Freightliner truck, driven by 24-year-old Harpreet Singh of Bakersfield, veered into oncoming traffic for reasons still under investigation, striking a northbound Toyota Tundra pickup. The pickup's driver, 72-year-old Paul M. Insch of Lompoc, suffered significant injuries and was airlifted to Kern Medical for treatment. The deceased woman, whose name has not been released, was a passenger in the Tundra. Singh sustained minor injuries. Authorities have stated that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this devastating collision. 

If negligence was a factor in this fatal semi-truck accident, those affected might be able to file lawsuits for damages. 

THREE WOMEN KILLED IN MULTI-VEHICLE COLLISION ON 215 FREEWAY | SAN BERNARDINO, CA 

• Date: September 14, 2024 
• Time: 11:30 p.m. 
• Crash Site: Northbound 215 Freeway, south of University Parkway

A multi-vehicle crash on the 215 Freeway in San Bernardino claimed the lives of three women late Saturday night. According to CHP officials, a 2018 Toyota Corolla struck a tractor trailer parked on the shoulder before careening across the highway and colliding with other vehicles.

The Corolla, left disabled in the middle lanes, was struck by a northbound Ram 3500. Three women in the Corolla were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released. Authorities reported minor injuries to the drivers of the other vehicles involved. As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, CHP urges anyone with information to come forward, highlighting the ongoing efforts to piece together the circumstances surrounding this devastating crash.

PAT LAFORTUNE, FORMER HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER, KILLED IN DUMP TRUCK CRASH | SANTA ROSA, CA

• Date: August 29, 2024
• Time: 11:50 a.m.
• Crash Site: Highway 112 and Fulton Rd.

A fatal multi-vehicle collision occurred on the westbound side of Highway 12 in Santa Rosa on Thursday. The crash involved a dump truck striking numerous vehicles waiting at a red light. One person was killed and nine others were hospitalized, including three with major injuries.

Here's what to know about the Santa Rosa dump truck crash:

• The deceased was 78-year-old Pat LaFortune, a former history teacher and track coach at Cardinal Newman High School.
• LaFortune was driving a pickup truck that caught fire in the crash. 
• The highway closed for several hours and reopened at 4:10 p.m.
• The cause of the fatal crash is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
• No information yet on potential alcohol or drug involvement regarding the dump truck driver.

If negligence was a factor in this crash, the family of the deceased may be able to pursue a lawsuit for damages. 

51-YEAR-OLD KEVIN GATELY JR. KILLED IN LARGE TRUCK ACCIDENT | LANCASTER, CA

• Date: August 16, 2024
• Time: 9:40 p.m.
• Crash Site: Longview Road and East Avenue J

A crash involving a large truck and a passenger vehicle killed one person on Friday. Authorities arrived at the scene to find a gray Toyota passenger vehicle wedged underneath the large truck. Gately Jr., the driver of the Toyota, was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, the cause of the crash remains under investigation. If negligence was a factor in the crash, Mr. Gately’s family may be able to pursue a lawsuit. 

ALBERTO HERNANDEZ, 21, KILLED IN GARBAGE TRUCK CRASH | Santa clarita, ca

• Date: August 9, 2024
• Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Crash Site: Galeton Road near Soledad Canyon Road

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has identified the victim of a crash involving a trash truck and a gold Honda Accord. Alberto Hernandez, 21, from Santa Clarita, was pronounced dead at the scene after a crash with a trash truck at approximately 8 a.m. on 17909 Galeton Road in Canyon Country, near Soledad Canyon Road.

Fire Department officials reported that a second person, whose identity remains undisclosed, was hospitalized. This individual's current condition is unknown.

Authorities have not said whether any arrests have been made in connection to the fatal crash. 

Law enforcement officials are investigating the cause of this crash. If negligence is involved, Alberto Hernandez’s family may be able to pursue a truck crash case against the responsible party (or parties). 

CalTrans Worker Alexander Rodish Struck and Killed by Tow Truck | San Clemente, CA

• Date: July 22, 2024
• Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Crash Site: Interstate 5 and Ave. Palizado

A Caltrans worker, Alexander Rodish, was fatally struck by a tow truck while working along the I-5 Freeway in San Clemente on Monday. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway near Avenue Palizado. Rodish was one of two Caltrans workers who had stopped on the shoulder to pick up debris when a freeway service patrol tow truck veered off the road, hitting the Caltrans vehicle and running over Rodish. 

CHP Officer Brian Kinney explained that the impact pushed the Caltrans vehicle onto the Palizado onramp. Rodish, 55, who had been with the company since 2021, is survived by his two children, a sister, and a brother.

The cause of the tow truck crash in San Clemente is under investigation. If negligence was a factor in the crash, Mr. Rodish's family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. 

Big Rig Crashes Into Multiple Vehicles on I-680, Killing One and Injuring Others | Fremont, CA

• Date: July 18, 2024
• Time: 7:05 a.m.
• Crash Site: I-680 near Mission Blvd.

A fatal crash involving five vehicles, including a big rig, shut down the southbound side of Interstate 680 in Fremont for about six hours on Thursday. The incident occurred around 7:05 a.m. before Mission Blvd. when a big rig could not stop and crashed into the rear of a Toyota Venza. The big rig then hit three other vehicles and went down an embankment. The Toyota driver died at the scene, while two other individuals suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospitals. Authorities closed multiple lanes for investigation and cleanup, and the highway reopened later Thursday afternoon.

An investigation into this multi-vehicle crash in Fremont is underway. If negligence was a factor in this incident, a truck crash lawsuit may be initiated by the injured victims and the family of the deceased. 

David Bell Killed in Crash with Propane Truck | Johnson Valley, CA

• Date: July 15, 2024
• Time: 2:25 p.m.
• Crash Site: Old Woman Springs Rd. near Rattlesnake Canyon Rd.

An 84-year-old man named David Bell died after his Prius crossed into the path of a propane truck on Old Woman Springs Road. The collision occurred around 2:25 p.m. and involved Bell's 2024 Toyota Prius and a 2019 Ford F550 propane truck. The impact ejected Bell from his car, while the truck caught fire after multiple propane tanks exploded. Bell was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The truck's driver, Gabriel Trujillo, and his passenger, Steven Borrego, suffered moderate injuries and were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center.

5-Year-Old Sustains Severe Injuries in Tractor Trailer Crash | San Bernardino County, CA

• Date: June 20, 2024
• Time: 12:30 a.m.
• Crash Site: Highway 395 and Celleja Rd.

A five-year-old girl named Dalilah Coleman sustained skull fractures and a broken leg during a six-vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer in San Bernardino County. The crash happened at approximately 12:30 a.m. on June 20 at Highway 395 and Calleja Road in Adelanto. Dalilah and her mother's ex were driving to visit the girl’s stepsister when the incident occurred due to the tractor trailer driver allegedly ramming their vehicle in a construction zone. Delilah’s father, Marcus Coleman, believes the truck driver may have fallen asleep before the collision. Authorities are still investigating the cause and have not confirmed if the truck driver fell asleep.

Law enforcement is investigating the cause of the tractor trailer crash in Adelanto. If the truck driver fell asleep behind the wheel, the family of Delilah Coleman may be able to pursue a truck accident lawsuit for negligence. 

13-Year-Old on E-Bike Sustains Injuries in Accident with Box Truck | Millbrae, CA

• Date: June 4, 2024
• Time: 3:00 p.m.
• Crash Site: Taylor Blvd. and El Camino Real

A 13-year-old boy on an e-bike was taken to an area hospital after an accident with a box truck. The collision occurred Tuesday afternoon at El Camino Real and Taylor Boulevard in Millbrae. Authorities say the teen collided with the back of the box truck for unknown reasons. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and provided first aid to the teen before he was rushed to the hospital. This accident remains under investigation. 

Clifton Gore Jr. and Unidentified Woman Killed in 405 Big Rig Crash | Culver City, CA

• Date: May 31, 2024
• Time: 2:00 a.m.
• Crash Site: 405 Freeway near National Blvd. exit

A 74-year-old man and an unidentified woman were killed early Friday morning in a crash with a big rig in Los Angeles. The California Highway Patrol responded to a call at around 2:00 a.m. of an accident involving a commercial truck and a Toyota Prius. Emergency responders arrived to find the Prius engulfed in flames. The Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner identified the male victim as 74-year-old Clifton Gore, Jr. 

The cause of the semi truck crash in Culver City remains under investigation. If negligence played a role in the crash, the families of the deceased may have grounds to pursue a truck accident lawsuit. 

Driver of Pickup Truck Hospitalized After Collision Involving Multiple Big Rigs | Fresno, CA

• Date: May 15, 2024
• Time: 4:10 p.m.
• Crash Site: Highway 99 and Highway 41

A pickup truck driver was trapped underneath a big rig after being rear-ended by another semi on Wednesday afternoon.  

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the truck accident at around 4:10 p.m. on the northbound section of Highway 99 and Highway 41 in Fresno. The incident involved two semi-trucks and a Ford F-250 utility truck. 

CHP reports indicate that a semi-truck was stopped in front of the Ford truck due to heavy traffic. Another big rig traveling behind the Ford failed to stop in time, leading to a collision that pushed the pickup into the semi-truck in front of it. 

The Ford truck driver was pinned and suffered major injuries. Emergency crews worked to extricate the pickup truck driver, who was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. 

While the cause of the truck crash on Highway 99 remains under investigation, there may be grounds for the hospitalized victim to pursue a lawsuit if the investigation concludes negligence was a factor in the crash. 

Pickup Truck Involved in Tractor-Trailer Underride Crash | Bellflower, CA

• Date: May 10, 2024
• Time: 6:00 a.m.
• Crash Site: 91 Freeway west of 605 Freeway

A fiery crash involving a tractor-trailer and a black pickup truck left one person with injuries. The victim was taken to an area hospital with unknown injuries. Authorities say the crash happened after the tractor-trailer stalled in eastbound lanes. The cause of the crash is under investigation. 

Cedric Gonzalez, 21, Tragically Killed in 18-Wheeler Accident | Fresno, California

• Date: May 9, 2024
• Time: 9:45 p.m.
• Crash Site: Highway 41 and South Avenue

Authorities have identified 21-year-old Cedric Gonzalez of Fresno as the victim of a crash involving a passenger vehicle and an 18-wheeler near Easton. The truck wreck occurred at 9:45 p.m. when a semi hauling a trailer loaded with grapefruit attempted to enter Highway 41 from South Ave. As the truck joined Highway 41, the trailer reportedly blocked northbound lanes. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicated that a Nissan passenger vehicle collided with the trailer. Mr. Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The accident is under investigation. If authorities find that the truck caused or contributed to the crash, the family of Mr. Gonzalez may be able to pursue a lawsuit for wrongful death.  

Box Truck Crash Kills One, Injures Two Others | Chino Hills, CA 

• Date: May 6, 2024
• Time: 9:37 a.m.
• Crash Site: 71 Freeway Near S. Euclid Ave.

A box truck crashed into a guardrail and struck three road workers on the 71 Freeway near Chino Hills. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two victims sustained injuries. 

Law enforcement officials said a Caltrans-hired cleanup was working behind the guardrail on the northbound lanes of the 71 Freeway, just past Euclid Avenue. The crew reportedly had their white Ford Transit van parked on the right shoulder with hazard lights flashing. All workers, except the van driver, 59-year-old William Hope of Beaumont, were outside the vehicle when the crash occurred.

The deceased victim was a 54-year-old man from San Bernardino. A 36-year-old San Bernardino man was hospitalized. Mr. Hope sustained minor injuries in the incident. 

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fatal crash in Chino Hills. 

Truck Crash Kills 57-Year-Old Leonardo Torres | Bakersfield, CA 

• Date: April 26, 2024
• Time: 5:58 p.m.
• Crash Site: Wible Rd. and Planz Rd. 

A 57-year-old man riding a bicycle was struck and killed by a semi-truck at the intersection of Wible Road. and Planz Road. The crash took place at 5:58 p.m. local time. Emergency responders pronounced Leonardo Torres of Bakersfield dead at the scene. 

The semi-truck was reportedly traveling north on Wible Road while Torres was cycling west on Planz Road when the collision took place. The truck driver initially left the scene but later returned and cooperated with authorities. While alcohol, drugs, and speed are not believed to have played a role in the crash, an investigation into the cause is ongoing. While it remains unclear whether criminal charges will be pursued against the truck driver, the family of Mr. Torres may explore filing a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice for their loss, pending the outcome of the investigation. 

Motorcyclist Ledontea Sellers, 36, Killed in Box Truck Crash | Los Banos, CA 

• Date: April 7, 2024
• Time: 11:53 p.m.
• Crash Site: Interstate 5 at Canyon Rd. 

Motorcyclist Ledontea Sellers from Contra Costa County tragically lost his life in an accident involving a tractor-trailer. The incident occurred near Los Banos at around 11:53 p.m. Authorities say Sellers was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle on the northbound side of Interstate 5 just north of Canyon Road when two tires from the truck broke off the vehicle and struck the motorcycle. Mr. Sellers was ejected from the motorcycle, sustaining fatal injuries. 

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the tire detachment from the trailer, a crucial factor in the crash. The responsibility for the tire failure and subsequent accident may fall on the trailer manufacturer or the trucking company in charge of maintenance. If either was negligent, there may be grounds for the victim’s family to pursue a lawsuit against the responsible entity (or entities).

Grant Gosch Critically Injured in Semi Crash | Willits, CA 

• Date: April 3, 2024
• Time: 1:38 a.m.
• Crash Site: Willits Bypass (Highway 101)

A collision involving a stationary van and a semi truck left a Cottonwood man with critical injuries. The crash, which occurred around 1:38 a.m. on the Willits Bypass section of the 101, involved an Econoline van that was stationary without any lights on. Authorities say a semi truck driven by Geovanny Larreynaga rear-ended the van. Mr. Gosch was airlifted to Enloe Hospital in Chico for critical care. Mr. Larreynaga was unharmed in the crash. 

The crash investigation will review the actions of both vehicle drivers. The findings will inform whether a lawsuit for damages is possible. 

Isaias Morales Bairan, 35, Killed in Glendale Big Rig Accident | Los Angeles, CA 

• Date: April 2, 2024
• Time: 4:53 a.m.
• Crash Site: 134 Freeway at Glendale Ave.

A 35-year-old man was killed in a Glendale crash early Tuesday morning. The incident happened when a white Honda Civic collided with a big rig on the westbound side of the Ventura Freeway near the Glendale Avenue exit. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, the vehicles were found blocking the middle lanes of the 134 Freeway. The deceased victim was identified as Isaias Morales Bairan by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. The family of the deceased may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court, pending the outcome of the accident investigation. 

Motorcycle vs Truck Crash in Orange County Kills Stephen Douglas Sanders | Garden Grove, CA 

• Date: April 2, 2024
• Time: 1:00 p.m.
• Crash Site: Near 11700 Western Ave.

Stephen Douglas Sanders, 56, lost his life in a crash with a garbage truck in Garden Grove. The incident occurred on Tuesday at approximately 1:00 p.m. on the 11700 block of Western Avenue. Sanders, an Anaheim resident, was rushed to an area hospital after the crash where he later died of his injuries.  

The garbage truck driver remained at the scene of the crash and cooperated with the police investigation. Initial reports indicate that alcohol and drugs were not factors in the accident.

The crash investigation will focus on the actions of both Sanders and the garbage truck driver. If law enforcement finds that the garbage truck driver was negligent or violated traffic laws, Mr. Sanders’ family may be able to file a truck accident lawsuit for damages. In a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff may seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, lost income, future earnings, and more. 

Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward and provide information on this tragedy. 

Truck Wreck on Highway 40 Kills Edwin David Disbrow | Needles, CA 

• Date: March 15, 2024
• Time: 9:20 a.m.
• Crash Site: Interstate 40 and East Broadway 

A tractor-trailer and a pickup truck collided on Interstate 40 in Needles, killing one person. The two-vehicle incident occurred at approximately 9:20 a.m. near the East Broadway exit. Authorities say the tractor-trailer T-boned the dark gray Nissan Titan pickup truck for unknown reasons. Edwin David Disbrow a 58-year-old resident of Kingman Arizona, was killed in the truck crash and a child who sustained serious injuries was airlifted to a hospital. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. If authorities determine that negligence on the part of the truck driver was a factor, it may be possible for the victims and their families to pursue a lawsuit. 

Richard John Otte II Killed, 4-Year-Old Girl Injured in Semi Crash | Mojave, CA 

• Date: March 11, 2024
• Time: 8:20 a.m.
• Crash Site: Frontage Rd. and Dawn Rd. 

A 40-year-old man named Richard John Otte II was killed and a young child was hospitalized in a collision between a Kenworth tractor-trailer and a Dodge Ram truck. The fatal crash happened at 8:20 a.m. near the intersection of Frontage Road and Dawn Road in Mojave. According to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicles collided head-on for unknown reasons. The Dodge Ram driver, an unidentified 40-year-old man, was rushed to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where he later succumbed to injuries. A 4-year-old girl who was a passenger in the Ram sustained minor injuries in the crash. 

Driver impairment is not suspected to be a contributing factor in the Mojave crash. An investigation is underway. 

Crash in Humboldt County Kills 16-Year-Old Daniel Ramirez | Loleta, CA  

• Date: March 5, 2024
• Time: 8:20 a.m.
• Crash Site: Frontage Rd. and Dawn Rd. 

A crash between a 2001 Nissan Frontier and a 2017 Freightliner semi-truck towing unloaded double flatbed trailers resulted in the Nissan catching fire with two occupants trapped inside. The California Highway Patrol responded to the crash just before 8:00 p.m. at the intersection of Singley Road and Singley Hill Road. 

The driver of the Freightliner, 20-year-old Logan Morais from McKinleyville, was assisted by an eyewitness in rescuing 65-year-old Guadalupe Ramirez of Fortuna from the burning Nissan. Unfortunately, they could not rescue 16-year-old Daniel Ramirez from the burning Nissan. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. 

The California Highway Patrol is asking anyone who witnessed the truck crash near Loleta to call (707) 822-5981 with any information that could help the investigation. 

Gaena Todd, 49, Struck by Garbage Truck | San Jose, CA

• Date: February 8, 2024
• Time: 9:40 a.m.
• Crash Site: South White Rd. and Tully Rd.  

Gaena Todd, a 49-year-old resident of San Jose, was struck by a garbage truck in East San Jose. The accident occurred at the intersection of South White Road and Tully Road. Authorities say Todd was walking across South White Road outside of a designated crosswalk when a 2008 Peterbilt garbage truck struck her while making a right turn.

Todd was rushed to a local hospital with critical injuries. The garbage truck driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with the investigation. 

[UPDATE] On June 6, 2024, Todd passed away from the injuries sustained in the East San Jose garbage truck accident. 

If authorities determine negligence contributed to this accident, Todd's family may have legal rights to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawsuit may allow the family to recover damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and the loss of companionship and support. 

18-Year-Old Rosa Cristina Almaraz Valencia of McFarland Killed in Truck Wreck | Wasco, CA 

• Date: February 1, 2024
• Time: 12:37 p.m.
• Crash Site: McCombs Rd. and Scofield Ave.

A truck crash in Wasco killed a young woman from McFarland. Rosa Cristina Almaraz Valencia, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which took place at approximately 12:37 p.m. at McCombs Road and Scofield Avenue. 

Ms. Valencia was one of two people in a passenger vehicle involved in the crash. The driver of the passenger vehicle was taken to an area hospital.  The cause of the Wasco accident is under investigation. 

Two Killed in Milk Truck Crash | Fresno, CA

• Date: February 1, 2024
• Time: 12:37 p.m.
• Crash Site: East Annadale Ave. and South Chestnut Ave.

A devastating collision between a pickup truck and a tractor trailer hauling milk killed a man and a woman on Monday morning. The crash occurred around 7:45 a.m. amidst dense fog at the intersection of Chestnut Ave. and Annadale Ave.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the semi-truck was heading westbound on Annadale Ave. and was in the process of making a left turn onto Chestnut Ave. At the same time, the pickup truck, traveling northbound on Chestnut, slammed into the semi-truck's trailer, resulting in the pickup becoming wedged underneath.

Authorities confirmed that a man and a woman, both occupants of the pickup truck, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was unharmed.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash in Fresno, though the fog appears to have been a factor. 

23-Year-Old Manny Camacho Killed in Logging Truck Accident | Chatsworth, CA

• Date: January 8, 2024
• Time: 9:00 a.m.
• Crash Site: 118 Freeway 

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal truck crash that killed 23-year-old Manny Camacho. Authorities say Camacho was fatally struck by a piece of wood from a lumber truck while driving a box truck. Camacho’s family has indicated that while it may appear this was a freak accident, “we think it's an accident that should have been avoidable considering how safe he was,” 

In the aftermath of Mr. Camacho’s sudden passing, over $15,000 was raised through a GoFundMe campaign. A recent graduate of Azusa Pacific University and a high school sports standout who boasted a 4.0 GPA, Manny Camacho is remembered as a responsible and accomplished young man that had a bright future ahead of him. 

The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. If negligence was involved in this crash, the Camacho family may be able to pursue a lawsuit for wrongful death. 

25-Year-Old Thomas McGregor Killed in Highway 101 Big Rig Accident | Santa Barbara, CA

• Date: January 5, 2024
• Time: 2:48 a.m.
• Crash Site: Highway 101 at Dos Pueblos Canyon Road

Thomas McGregor, a 25-year-old Santa Barbara resident, was identified as the individual who died in a head-on collision with a big rig. The fatal accident happened on the southbound side of Highway 101 at approximately 2:48 a.m. Authorities say McGregor's pickup truck collided with a commercial semi-truck, causing the latter to overturn on the side of the highway near Dos Pueblos Canyon Road. 

McGregor's vehicle was on fire as personnel from County Fire arrived at the crash scene. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck declined medical treatment.

The cause of the accident in Santa Barbara remains under investigation.