A semi-truck crash and a passenger vehicle occurred on northbound U.S. Highway 101 near Tully Road in San Jose, resulting in injuries and significant traffic disruptions on Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025. The incident, which involved a big red rig and a gray Honda sedan, left two occupants of the passenger vehicle injured and caused extensive damage to the smaller vehicle.
Details of the Semi-Truck Crash
The crash was first reported at approximately 12:58 p.m. when an automated iPhone crash detection notification alerted emergency dispatch to a possible collision on northbound Highway 101 near the Tully Road off-ramp. This technology, which detects severe impacts and automatically contacts emergency services, provided crucial early notification to first responders.
According to the California Highway Patrol dispatch log, the collision involved a red semi-truck and a gray Honda sedan. The impact was severe enough that the Honda came to rest facing the wrong direction in the center divider of the highway, indicating the violent nature of the collision. The positioning of the vehicle suggests the Honda may have spun or been pushed across multiple lanes following the initial impact.
By 1:07 p.m., approximately nine minutes after the initial report, CHP officers arrived on scene and confirmed that both the driver and a passenger in the Honda had sustained injuries. Officers immediately requested ambulance transport, and the incident was upgraded to a traffic collision requiring emergency medical response. Fire crews from the San Jose Fire Department arrived shortly after 1:11 p.m. to assist with medical care and scene management.
Extent of Vehicle Damage and Injuries
The California Highway Patrol’s assessment of the collision scene revealed significant damage to the Honda sedan. Officers documented that the vehicle sustained moderate front-end damage along with significant rear-end damage, suggesting the possibility of multiple impacts or a complex collision sequence. This damage pattern could indicate the Honda was struck from behind or became caught between the semi-truck and another object during the crash.
The two injured parties—identified as the driver and a passenger in the Honda—received medical attention at the scene before being transported by ambulance to a local medical facility. As of this report, authorities have not released information regarding the severity of their injuries, their current medical conditions, or their identities. The driver of the semi-truck’s condition and whether they sustained any injuries has not been disclosed.
The extensive damage to the Honda, combined with the vehicle’s final resting position in the center divider, suggests this was a high-impact collision that could have resulted in serious injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Traffic Impact and Scene Clearance
The collision created significant traffic disruptions for northbound Highway 101 travelers during the midday hours. Multiple lanes were blocked while emergency responders worked to provide medical care to the injured parties and secure the crash scene. The presence of a large commercial truck and a disabled passenger vehicle in active traffic lanes created hazardous conditions that required careful management by the California Highway Patrol.
Officers worked to move both vehicles to the right-hand shoulder of the highway to restore traffic flow. Tow trucks were dispatched to the scene to remove the damaged Honda and the semi-truck, with coordination efforts causing delays for northbound drivers traveling just south of the Tully Road exit. The lane closures and emergency response activity resulted in backups that extended for several miles during the Thursday afternoon commute period.
Traffic conditions gradually improved as vehicles were cleared from the roadway, though residual delays persisted. In contrast, standard traffic patterns resumed on this busy stretch of Highway 101, which serves as a central north-south corridor through the South Bay region.
Ongoing Investigation by California Highway Patrol
The California Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this collision. As of this report, authorities have not released details about what caused the crash, including factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, road conditions at the time, whether any traffic violations occurred, or the sequence of events that resulted in the Honda ending up in the center divider facing oncoming traffic.
Investigators will likely examine several key factors as part of their inquiry, including statements from both the semi-truck operator and the Honda occupants, physical evidence at the crash scene, vehicle damage patterns, any available dashcam footage or surveillance footage, and witness accounts from other motorists who may have observed the collision. The semi-truck’s electronic logging device and any onboard camera systems may also provide valuable data about the truck’s speed, braking, and movements immediately before and during the crash.
Determining the cause of collisions involving commercial trucks is particularly important given the size and weight disparity between large trucks and passenger vehicles. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to a typical sedan, which weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. This massive weight difference means that impacts involving commercial trucks often result in more severe damage and injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents on California Highways
Collisions involving semi-trucks on busy highways like U.S. 101 can occur for numerous reasons. Driver error remains one of the most common contributing factors, including distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, following too closely, or failure to properly check blind spots before changing lanes. Commercial truck drivers face unique challenges, including limited visibility, extended blind spots, longer stopping distances, and the demands of long hours on the road.
Mechanical failures can also contribute to truck accidents. Issues with brakes, tires, steering systems, or trailer attachments can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Federal and state regulations require regular inspections and maintenance of commercial trucks, but violations of these requirements do occur and can have devastating consequences.
Traffic conditions on Highway 101, especially during peak travel times, can increase the risk of collisions. The highway sees heavy volumes of commuter traffic, delivery trucks, and long-haul commercial vehicles throughout the day. Congestion, sudden slowdowns, and merging traffic at on-ramps and off-ramps create situations where drivers must remain constantly alert and responsive.
Weather and road conditions, although not reported as factors in this particular incident, can also increase the risk of collisions. Wet pavement, reduced visibility, or debris on the roadway can make it more difficult for drivers of large commercial vehicles to maintain control or stop safely.
Legal Rights of Semi-Truck Crash Victims in California
Individuals injured in collisions involving semi-trucks have necessary legal rights under California law. When a truck accident results from negligence—whether by the truck driver, the trucking company, or another party—injured victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the crash.
California law imposes specific duties on commercial truck drivers and trucking companies. These include compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations that limit driving time to prevent fatigue, proper vehicle maintenance and inspection, adequate driver training and qualification, and adherence to all traffic laws. When these duties are breached and an accident results, the responsible parties can be held accountable.
Determining liability in truck accident cases often requires thorough investigation and analysis. Multiple parties may bear responsibility, including the truck driver for operational errors, the trucking company for inadequate training or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations, maintenance providers for failing to properly service the vehicle, or manufacturers if a defective truck component contributed to the crash. In some cases, another driver’s negligence may have caused the collision involving the truck.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that even if an injured party bears some responsibility for an accident, they may still recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. This ensures that victims are not completely barred from compensation even in complex accident scenarios involving multiple contributing factors.
Victims of truck accidents should be aware that insurance companies representing trucking companies often have significant resources and experienced legal teams working to minimize payouts. Commercial trucking policies typically carry much higher liability limits than standard auto insurance due to the severe damage that truck accidents can cause. However, obtaining fair compensation often requires skilled legal representation to navigate the complexities of these cases.
Preserving Evidence After a Semi-Truck Crash
Time is critical when it comes to investigating truck accidents and preserving crucial evidence. Commercial trucks are equipped with various electronic systems that record data about the vehicle’s operation, including electronic logging devices (ELDs) that track hours of service, engine control modules that capture speed and braking information, and, in many cases, dash cameras or onboard video systems.
This electronic data can be crucial in reconstructing how an accident occurred, but it may be lost if not preserved promptly. Trucking companies are required to maintain specific records; however, some data may be overwritten or deleted in the normal course of business. An attorney can take legal steps to ensure this evidence is preserved through spoliation letters and other means.
Physical evidence at the crash scene, witness memories, and documentation of injuries are all time-sensitive. Skid marks fade, debris is cleared, witnesses become harder to locate, and memories of the event become less clear as time passes. Photographs of vehicle damage, the accident scene, visible injuries, and road conditions provide essential documentation that may not be available later.
Medical documentation is also essential. Injured parties should seek immediate medical attention following a truck accident, even if injuries seem minor initially. Some serious injuries may not exhibit symptoms immediately, and insurance companies can use gaps in medical treatment to argue that injuries were not severe or were not caused by the accident. Keeping detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and the impact of injuries on daily life helps establish the full extent of damages.
California Trucking Regulations and Safety Standards
California and federal regulations establish comprehensive safety standards for the commercial trucking industry designed to prevent accidents and protect the traveling public. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) govern interstate trucking operations and set requirements for driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and other critical safety factors.
Hours-of-service rules limit the amount of time truck drivers can operate their vehicles without taking rest breaks. Under current federal regulations, drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. These regulations aim to prevent the hazardous effects of driver fatigue, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
California also enforces state-specific regulations and has some of the nation’s strictest standards for commercial vehicle operations. The California Highway Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Section conducts regular safety inspections and compliance reviews of trucking companies operating in the state. Violations of safety regulations can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and, in severe cases, criminal charges.
Despite these regulatory frameworks, violations continue to be common in the trucking industry. Economic pressures, tight delivery schedules, and competitive market conditions can incentivize cutting corners on safety. When trucking companies or drivers prioritize speed and efficiency over compliance with safety regulations, the results can be catastrophic for other road users.
Understanding Semi-Truck Accident Injury Claims
Injuries sustained in truck accidents are often more severe than those in typical passenger vehicle collisions due to the enormous size and weight disparity. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries from violent impacts. These spinal cord injuries may result in paralysis, broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage, severe lacerations, and psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
The economic impact of these injuries can be substantial. Medical treatment for severe truck accident injuries may include emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, ongoing therapy, prescription medications, and assistive devices. Many victims face permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work and earn a living, requiring compensation for both past and future lost income and diminished earning capacity.
Non-economic damages are also significant in truck accident cases. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and the impact on relationships and quality of life all represent real losses that California law recognizes as compensable. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as a truck driver operating while intoxicated or a company knowingly allowing unsafe vehicles on the road, punitive damages may also be available.
Calculating the full value of a truck accident claim requires a comprehensive analysis of both current and future impacts. Injured victims should not accept quick settlement offers from insurance companies before understanding the full extent of their injuries and how those injuries will impact their lives in the long term. An experienced attorney can help ensure that all damages are appropriately valued and that victims receive fair compensation for their losses.
Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Accident
If you are involved in a collision with a commercial truck, specific immediate steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t believe you are seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and documenting your medical condition right after the accident is essential for both health and legal purposes.
If you are physically able, gather information at the scene. This includes the truck driver’s name and contact information, the trucking company’s name and contact details, insurance information, the truck’s license plate and DOT number, and contact information for any witnesses. Take photographs of all vehicles involved, showing damage from multiple angles, the positions of vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs and signals, and any visible injuries.
Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report. The official accident report provides essential documentation of the incident. Be cautious in your statements to insurance adjusters. While you should report the accident to your own insurance company, avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents from the trucking company’s insurer without first consulting an attorney.
Preserve all evidence related to the accident and your injuries. Keep damaged clothing, maintain a journal documenting your pain levels and how injuries affect your daily activities, save all medical bills and records, document lost wages from work you’ve missed, and keep receipts for any expenses related to the accident. This documentation helps establish the full impact the collision has had on your life.
Finally, consult with an attorney experienced in truck accident cases as soon as possible. These cases involve complex regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and insurance companies with substantial resources. Having knowledgeable legal representation levels the playing field and ensures your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help Truck Accident Victims
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the devastating impact that truck accidents can have on victims and their families. Our experienced legal team has successfully represented numerous clients injured in collisions involving commercial vehicles throughout California, securing the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
We handle all aspects of truck accident claims, from conducting thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and preserve critical evidence, to negotiating with insurance companies and their legal teams to secure fair settlements, to litigating cases in court when necessary to protect our clients’ interests. Our attorneys have the resources and expertise to take on major trucking companies and their insurers.
Our approach is comprehensive and client-focused. We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, economists, and other specialists to construct robust cases that thoroughly document our clients’ losses. We understand that every truck accident case is unique, and we tailor our legal strategies to the specific circumstances and needs of each client.
Managing partner Andy Gillin emphasizes the importance of holding trucking companies accountable when their negligence causes harm. When commercial trucking companies and their drivers fail to follow safety regulations or operate negligently, innocent people suffer serious, life-changing injuries. GJEL’s job is to ensure that victims receive full and fair compensation for their losses and that responsible parties are held accountable. These cases convey a crucial message about the importance of safety in the trucking industry.
GJEL handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only collect attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation for our clients. There are no upfront costs for our services, and no fees unless we win. This ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand the path forward. Time limits apply to filing injury claims in California, so it’s essential to act promptly to protect your rights.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“If you or someone you love was injured in this Highway 101 collision, I want you to know that you have rights and you don’t have to face this alone. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, and the financial burden can be overwhelming when you’re trying to focus on recovery. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, but remember—you’re under no obligation to give recorded statements or accept early settlement offers before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and losses. These cases involve complex federal and state regulations, and having an experienced attorney on your side ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future needs. At GJEL, we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there’s no cost to you unless we win your case. Please reach out to us for a free consultation—we’re here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.”-Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
The November 20th collision between a semi-truck and a Honda sedan on Highway 101 near Tully Road serves as a sobering reminder of the serious risks that truck accidents pose on California’s busy highways. The injuries sustained by the two occupants of the passenger vehicle and the significant traffic disruptions caused by this incident highlight the need for constant vigilance and strict adherence to safety standards by all who share the road, particularly operators of large commercial vehicles.
As the California Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the cause of the crash, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and on understanding the factors that contributed to this collision, so that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. Anyone with information about this crash is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol San Jose Area Office.
For those injured in this collision or other truck accidents in Northern California, understanding your legal rights and options is an essential step in the recovery process. The experienced attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys are available to provide guidance and representation to help accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Contact us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our San Francisco office.
Northern California Resources for Accident Victims
Individuals affected by this collision or similar truck accidents in the San Jose area can access various resources and support services:
Emergency Services:
- San Jose Fire Department: (408) 277-8950 | 801 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95112 | www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/fire
- San Jose Police Department (Non-Emergency): (408) 277-8900 | 201 W Mission St, San Jose, CA 95110 | www.sjpd.org
- San Jose Police Department Traffic Investigations: (408) 277-4654
- Valley Medical Center (Level 1 Trauma Center): (408) 885-5000 | 751 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128 | www.scvmc.org
- Regional Medical Center of San Jose: (408) 259-5000 | 225 N Jackson Ave, San Jose, CA 95116 | www.regionalmedicalsanjose.com
- Good Samaritan Hospital: (408) 559-2011 | 2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124 | www.goodsamsanjose.com
California Highway Patrol:
- CHP San Jose Area Office: (408) 467-5400 | 565 Renz Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020 | www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/golden-gate-division/san-jose
- CHP Traffic Incident Information Line: 1-800-427-7623 (1-800-GAS-ROAD)
- CHP Online Traffic Incident Information: www.chp.ca.gov/traffic-incident-information-page
- CHP Accident Report Requests: www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/golden-gate-division/san-jose (visit office in person or mail request)
Transportation and Road Condition Information:
- Caltrans District 4 (Bay Area): 1-800-427-7623 | www.dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4
- 511 Bay Area Travel Information: Dial 511 or visit www.511.org (real-time traffic, road conditions, accidents)
- Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA): (408) 321-2300 | www.vta.org
- San Jose Department of Transportation: (408) 535-3850 | www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/transportation
Legal and Support Services:
- State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service: 1-866-442-2529 | www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Need-Legal-Help/Lawyer-Referral-Service
- Santa Clara County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (408) 971-6822 | www.sccba.com/lawyer-referral
- California Victim Compensation Board: 1-800-777-9229 | www.victims.ca.gov (financial assistance for crime and accident victims)
- California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline: 1-800-927-4357 | www.insurance.ca.gov
- Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County: (408) 998-5298 | www.legalaidsociety.org (free legal services for qualifying individuals)
Vehicle and Accident Reporting:
- California DMV Accident Reporting: 1-800-777-0133 | www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/titles/insurance-requirements/report-an-accident
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): 1-888-327-4236 | www.nhtsa.gov (vehicle safety complaints and recalls)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): 1-888-368-7238 | www.fmcsa.dot.gov (truck safety complaints and company records)
Medical and Mental Health Support:
- Santa Clara County Public Health Department: (408) 792-5040 | www.sccgov.org/sites/phd
- Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Crisis Line: (855) 278-4204 (24/7 mental health crisis support)
- Trauma Recovery Center: (408) 885-5766 | 2325 Enborg Lane, San Jose, CA 95128 | www.traumarecoverycenter.org
Towing and Vehicle Recovery:
- San Jose Police Department Towed Vehicle Information: (408) 277-4369 | www.sjpd.org/records/towed-vehicles
- Official Police Garage (OPG) San Jose: (408) 293-2424 | 3025 Kilo Way, San Jose, CA 95138
Additional Resources:
- GJEL Accident Attorneys: 1-866-218-3776 | www.gjel.com (24/7 availability for free case consultations, no fees unless we win)
- American Trauma Society: www.amertraumasoc.org (resources and support for trauma survivors)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Services: 1-877-623-3435 | www.madd.org (if applicable to your case)
Important Notes:
- For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 immediately
- California law requires reporting any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days.
- Obtain a copy of the CHP Traffic Collision Report (Form CHP-555) for your records and insurance claim.
- Document all medical treatment, expenses, and how your injuries affect your daily life
- California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.
These resources offer essential services to those affected by traffic collisions, including immediate medical care, law enforcement assistance, legal guidance, victim support programs, and practical help with insurance claims and vehicle recovery.
Emergency Services:
- San Jose Fire Department: (408) 277-8950
- San Jose Police Department (Non-Emergency): (408) 277-8900
- Valley Medical Center: (408) 885-5000, 751 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
- Regional Medical Center of San Jose: (408) 259-5000, 225 N Jackson Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
California Highway Patrol:
- CHP San Jose Area Office: (408) 467-5400, 565 Renz Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020
- CHP Traffic Incident Information: 1-800-427-7623 (1-800-GAS-ROAD)
Legal and Support Services:
- State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service: 1-866-442-2529
- Santa Clara County Bar Association: (408) 971-6822
- California Victim Compensation Board: 1-800-777-9229
- GJEL Accident Attorneys: 1-866-218-3776 (24/7 availability for case consultations)
Transportation and Road Conditions:
- Caltrans District 4 (Bay Area): 1-800-427-7623
- 511 Travel Information: Dial 511 or visit 511.org
- CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: cad.chp.ca.gov
These resources offer essential services to those affected by traffic collisions, including immediate medical care, law enforcement assistance, legal guidance, and victim support programs.
