Bakersfield, CA (February 15, 2025) – A major injury collision occurred on southbound State Route 65 (SR-65) just north of Lerdo Hwy on Saturday morning, leaving at least one individual seriously hurt.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash happened at approximately 8:54 AM and involved a semi-truck pulling a box trailer and a smaller work truck. Initial reports indicate that the driver of the work truck was pinned inside their vehicle with lower extremity injuries.
Emergency responders, including Golden Empire first responders and local paramedics, arrived swiftly at the scene to assist the injured victims. The injured individual was extricated and transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
For a period following the crash, both lanes of southbound SR-65 were blocked, causing traffic delays in the area. As of 9:49 AM, authorities confirmed that southbound lanes had reopened, but northbound traffic remained temporarily held.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash. No further details about the victims or potential contributing factors have been released.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident, and we hope for a full recovery for the injured individual.
Truck Accidents in California
California experiences a high volume of truck accidents due to its extensive highway system and heavy commercial traffic. Collisions involving large commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks and work trucks, often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California ranks among the top states for truck-related accidents, with hundreds of fatal crashes and thousands of injury collisions reported annually. Many of these accidents occur on major highways like SR-65, where high-speed travel and frequent merging zones increase the risk of collisions.
Truck accidents in California may be attributed to various factors, including driver fatigue, which is a leading cause of trucking collisions as long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving and slow reaction times. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering issues, can also contribute to serious accidents when proper maintenance is neglected. Distracted driving remains a significant concern, as truck drivers who use cell phones or engage in other distractions are more likely to cause collisions. Additionally, improper lane changes pose a hazard since large trucks have extensive blind spots that make lane shifts dangerous, especially on high-speed roads.
Given the severity of injuries in truck crashes, victims often require extensive medical treatment and may face long-term consequences. Those involved in such accidents are encouraged to seek legal guidance to understand their rights and options.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, reaching out to Local Accident Reports can provide valuable resources and support in the aftermath of a collision.