One Person Died, Multiple Injured in Fresno County Multi-Vehicle Collision With Semi-Truck on Highway 99 Near Cedar Avenue
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA (January 27, 2026) – One person has tragically died, and multiple others were injured in a Fresno County semi-truck accident on Highway 99.
Fresno County officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:15 a.m. on January 12. A semi-truck and multiple other vehicles were involved in a collision on the southbound lane of Highway 99.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the crash to help all the victims. Sadly, a 61-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Several other people were transported to local area hospitals with major injuries. Authorities believe there may have only been 10 to 15 feet of visibility on the road at the time of the crash.
In all, 17 vehicles were involved. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Liability for Fresno County Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial license and must operate with an abundance of caution to avoid causing accidents. According to California Vehicle Code 22350, “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” Several factors may contribute to a truck accident.
- Weight: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds. When these vehicles are traveling at freeway speeds, they can take the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers are often asked to work long hours and may naturally become fatigued. They are required by law to take periodic rest breaks.
- Inclement Weather: Poor weather conditions are a leading cause of truck accidents. Fog and rain can dramatically reduce visibility.
If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with another vehicle, this could be construed as negligence. Liability for any collision could extend beyond a driver deemed to be at fault. In particular, the company that a truck driver was working for could also be responsible. Employers are typically liable for the negligent actions of their workers operating within the course of their job duties. However, truck companies will often hire their drivers as independent contractors to limit their legal exposure in the event of a crash.
Steps to Take After Fresno County Truck Accidents
Many people are killed or seriously injured every year in collisions with commercial trucks. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,354 people died in large truck crashes in 2023. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 65% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 17% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” Several actions should be taken after any truck accident.
- Medical Treatment: Victims should seek medical treatment as early as possible. Many of the injuries associated with a truck accident will not be obvious.
- Police Report: The police report for the accident should be sought and carefully reviewed. These reports may contain errors. But they can otherwise be very helpful.
- Eyewitnesses: People who may have witnessed the crash should be interviewed as soon as possible while their memories are still fresh.
- Legal Review: Any person injured in a truck accident should seek the guidance of an experienced truck accident attorney. An attorney can help preserve evidence and hold all liable parties responsible.
Car accidents are often highly preventable. In fact, it’s estimated that 93% of collisions involve some amount of human error. Victims of truck accidents are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measures of accountability through a personal injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Investigating Fresno County Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who died in this Fresno County truck accident. It is our sincere hope that all of the other victims will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should contact the California Highway Patrol.
Do you need more information about a Fresno County truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are protected through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at 949-727-9300.
