EspañolSemi-Truck Caused Bridge Beam to Fall Onto 10 Freeway in Ontario Prior to Fatal Collision
ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA (January 15, 2026) – One person has died and multiple people were injured in a multi-vehicle car accident with a bridge beam on the 10 Freeway in Ontario.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:19 AM on Thursday. A semi-truck was traveling down the 10 freeway when it collided with the steel girders that were acting as a support structure for the 15 freeway express lanes.
The force of the impact caused one of the beams to become dislodged and fall onto the freeway. Multiple vehicles ended up colliding with that falling beam.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help all of the victims. Several people were transported to nearby hospitals to receive treatments.
Sadly, one of those patients later died as a result of their injuries. A full investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing.
Liability for Ontario Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck drivers are expected to operate with an abundance of caution to avoid collisions. This necessitates that they maintain a safe speed at all times. 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.” There are several other factors that could contribute to a truck accident.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers are often pushed to complete their routes as quickly as possible and may naturally become fatigued.
- Intoxication: Truck drivers may become intoxicated by a variety of different substances. Even prescription medications can seriously impair a person’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.
- Visibility: Truck drivers are much more likely to be involved in collisions during periods of reduced visibility.
- Experience: Truck drivers are more likely to be involved in a collision when they are younger and less experienced. Driving a commercial truck is substantially more difficult than driving a passenger vehicle.
If a truck driver fails to slow down and collides with fixed objects that fall into the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There is a presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that fails to slow down to avoid an accident. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond any driver deemed to be at fault. The company that a truck driver worked for could be vicariously liable. Generally speaking, employers can be liable for the wrongful conduct of their workers operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After Ontario Semi-Truck Accidents
Many people are seriously injured or killed in accidents with commercial trucks every year. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 8.4% decrease from 2022 but a 43% increase in the last 10 years. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is down 8% from 2022, but up 22% in the last 10 years.” Several steps should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Medical Attention: Victims should seek medical attention as early as possible. Many of the injuries associated with an accident will not be immediately obvious.
- Evidence Preservation: All of the evidence associated with the collision should be collected and preserved. This will include photos of the accident site and debris that may have been left over after a crash.
- Event Data Recorder: The event data recorder from the truck involved should be reviewed. This device contains critical information about how a truck was being handled prior to a crash.
- Legal Review: Victims should seek the legal guidance of an experienced truck accident attorney. An attorney can review the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any truck accident. Victims are often left with catastrophic injuries that impair their ability to be gainfully employed. Sadly, many people do not survive their injuries. Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a civil action. This right extends to the family of a person who died in a truck accident. They can pursue damages through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Ontario Truck Accidents
We at the Carrillo Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who died in this collision. It is our sincere hope that the other victims will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.
Have you or someone you care about been injured in an Ontario semi-truck accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
