Multi-Vehicle Pileup in Ontario That Killed Three People Involved Four Tractor-Trailer Trucks and Four Passenger Vehicles
ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA (October 22, 2025) – Three people have died and several others were hospitalized after a semi-truck caused a multi-vehicle pileup on the Interstate 15 freeway in Ontario.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that the collision occurred just before 1:00 PM on Tuesday. A 21-year-old truck driver was heading down the interstate and directly into bumper-to-bumper traffic.
That truck driver failed to slow down and collided with multiple other vehicles. The collision resulted in a massive fireball.
One photo of the accident site shows a sedan with catastrophic damage to the rear of the vehicle. Unfortunately, three people died due to their injuries.
Two other people were taken to the hospital to receive treatment. Police arrested the truck driver on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Liability for Accidents Involving Truck Drivers
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in California and across the United States. According to the National Highway Transportation Association, “Every day, about 34 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 42 minutes. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.” Even a modest amount of alcohol can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to drive safely.
- Alcohol can result in a loss of motor control.
- Alcohol can lead to a decline in visual function and ability to track moving objects.
- Alcohol can reduce a person’s ability to maintain their lane position and brake for slowing traffic.
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In particular, no person shall drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are held to an even stricter standard. They must not operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or higher. Truck drivers that caused accidents while under the influence may be subject to criminal and civil liability for any accident resulting in damages.
Third-Party Liability for Ontario Semi-Truck Accidents
Accidents with intoxicated truck drivers are more common than many people may realize. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “In 2021, 310 of the 5,634 large truck drivers in fatal crashes (6 percent) tested positive for at least one drug, although 62 percent of them were not tested.” There could be numerous liable parties for any accident involving an intoxicated truck driver.
- Truck Company: The company that a truck driver worked for could bear some responsibility for a collision. Generally speaking, employers can be liable for the wrongful actions of their workers.
- Truck Rental Company: The company that rented a truck could be liable for a collision under the legal theory of negligent entrustment if a truck driver was visibly intoxicated before taking over a vehicle.
- Cargo Loader: The company that loaded a truck could be liable for a collision if the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded. Overloading a truck can substantially lengthen the time it takes for a driver to stop.
There is simply no excuse for truck drivers to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. In many circumstances, alcohol may not be the primary intoxicant. A truck driver could easily be impaired by prescriptions or over-the-counter medication. This is why it’s so important for truck drivers to consult with their doctors about how any medication may affect their ability to drive.
Investigating San Bernardino County Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to all of the families who lost loved ones in this fatal crash. This was a senseless tragedy that should’ve never taken place. This accident also raises a number of important questions. What is the safety record of the company that owned this truck? Was the involved truck driver tested for drugs and alcohol prior to their shift?
Do you need more information about a San Bernardino County truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to support you in any way that we can. We are committed to helping victims get the information and resources that they are owed under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering what your legal options are, we are here to help you. You can contact us anytime at 949-727-9300.
