Oceanside, CA (March 24, 2025) – A crash involving a semi-truck and multiple vehicles caused major traffic disruptions and sent at least two people to the hospital Monday morning on State Route 78 in Oceanside.
Accident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident began around 7:40 a.m. when a semi-truck traveling westbound near Jefferson Drive collided with a car. The truck then swerved left, struck another vehicle, and rolled over into the center divider. The crash impacted vehicles in both directions of the freeway.
Debris from the rollover struck at least two more vehicles, and the semi-truck — a cement hauler — came to rest along the divider, blocking multiple lanes. Two people were taken to the hospital in unknown condition. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Crashes involving large trucks and multiple vehicles often require in-depth investigation to determine liability. In this case, reports indicate that the semi-truck struck a car before swerving and triggering a chain-reaction collision. Investigators will examine why the truck veered off course — whether due to driver error, distraction, fatigue, speeding, mechanical failure, or unsafe lane changes.
The event data recorder (black box) from the semi-truck can provide key information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and steering inputs before the crash. Authorities may also review driver logs to confirm rest break compliance, maintenance records, and cargo details to determine whether the truck was operating safely and legally. Witness accounts and any available dashcam footage may help clarify what happened in the moments before impact.
Depending on the investigation, the injured victims may have the right to pursue personal injury claims to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
My thoughts are with those injured in this serious crash, and I wish them a swift recovery.
Source: NBC San Diego