Semi-Truck Drove Through Median Before Hitting Buick in Opposing Lanes of Traffic on Highway 101 in San Ardo
SAN ARDO, CALIFORNIA (April 16, 2025) – At least two women were seriously injured in a San Ardo semi-truck accident along Highway 101.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:00 AM on April 9. A Freightliner truck was traveling northbound on Highway 101 when it drove through the median and began traveling the wrong way.
That truck ended up colliding with a Buick driven by a 47-year-old woman with two passengers. A 45-year-old and a 75-year-old woman were passengers in the Buick.
Both were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The status of the Buick driver remains unknown at this time.
Southbound lanes of Highway 101 were briefly closed as police investigated the San Ardo crash. It remains unclear if the truck driver involved will face any citations.
Liability for San Bernardino County Semi-Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks are involved in many fatal and serious injury collisions every year. The number of collisions has increased in recent years. According to the National Safety Council, “in 2022, 120,200 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury, a 2.5% increase from 2021. Since 2016, the number of trucks involved in injury crashes has increased 18% and the involvement rate per 100 million large truck miles driven has increased 5.7% to 37.” There are many factors that could contribute to a semi-truck collision.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers routinely work long hours at all times of the night and day. It is easy for truck drivers to become naturally fatigued during these long delivery routes.
- Poor Road Conditions: Commercial trucks are much more difficult to operate than passenger vehicles. They can also be more susceptible to poor road conditions, such as improperly banked turns.
- Inclement Weather: Any type of inclement weather can dramatically increase the odds that a crash will take place. Snowy conditions can create slick roadways that dramatically increase stopping distances for trucks.
- Speed: It has been estimated that nearly a third of all fatal collisions involve a speeding driver. Truck drivers are much more likely to lose control of their vehicle at higher speeds.
Truck drivers are required to get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must operate their vehicles with an abundance of caution in order to avoid a collision. Many truck accidents occur when truck drivers speed. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing weather and traffic conditions. There is a presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that crosses into opposing lanes of traffic and collides with another vehicle.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for a truck accident. For example, the company that owns or operates the truck could face some degree of liability. As a general principle, companies are vicariously liable for the tortious actions of their employees—insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. This could include situations where a truck driver was delivering packages before they crashed.
In certain cases, a municipal entity responsible for maintaining a stretch of highway could face liability if a semi-truck crosses through a center median. Municipal entities in California can be held liable for a dangerous condition on public property that contributed to an accident. Consider, for example, Ducey v. Argo Sales Co. (1979). The California Supreme Court held that the California government had a legal obligation to protect against cross-median accidents under Government Code § 830. This should be done by installing adequate median barriers that are routinely inspected and repaired. Several steps should be taken after any truck accident in California.
- Accident victims should seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible. This is important even if a person involved in an accident feels as though they are alright. Many of the injuries associated with truck accidents are not immediately obvious.
- All medical records related to the accident should be preserved. These will be very useful later on if injured parties choose to pursue a civil claim.
- All documents and records related to the crash should be collected. This will include photos that victims may take at the scene. It can also include any police reports that are produced.
- An experienced California freeway truck accident attorney should be contacted. Attorneys can help ensure that key pieces of evidence related to the crash are adequately preserved and that deadlines are met if victims choose to pursue a claim.
The vast majority of truck accidents are entirely preventable. They tend to involve situations where truck drivers are either speeding or not following traffic regulations. Overworked truck drivers are another major problem. Indeed, 1 in 10 truck drivers involved in a fatal collision reported feeling under pressure from their carrier. It is important that accident victims understand that they do have legal options. They are able to recover damages through a bodily injury claim. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, an attorney can evaluate your case free of charge and let you know if you have a claim that can be pursued.
Investigating San Bernardino County Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this truck accident near San Ardo. It is our sincere hope that they are able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. This was a preventable crash that should not have taken place.
Have you been injured in a California truck accident? Our team of highly experienced truck accident attorneys is here to help you. We are committed to helping accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Our legal team will do everything in their power to hold the truck driver and truck company that harmed you fully accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
