A serious truck accident on Highway 99 in Fresno County in the early morning hours of Friday, June 20, 2025, left one driver hospitalized and two others injured. The crash near Herndon Avenue resulted in a massive spill of 70,000 pounds of juice across the highway and caused significant traffic disruptions for commuters.
Details of the Highway 99 Accident
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the incident began at approximately 2:45 a.m. on northbound Highway 99 near Herndon Avenue. According to authorities, the driver of a semi-truck lost control of the vehicle and struck an embankment, causing the truck to overturn and completely block the two right lanes of the highway.
The primary collision set off a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles. A second semi-truck driver, attempting to avoid the overturned vehicle, was rear-ended by a Ford F-250 pickup truck, creating a multi-vehicle crash scene across the highway.
Injuries and Emergency Response
The crash resulted in injuries to three individuals, with varying degrees of severity:
- Semi-truck driver (primary collision): Sustained an arm injury and was transported to a local hospital for treatment
- Second semi-truck driver: Suffered mild injuries but did not require hospitalization
- Ford F-250 driver: Also sustained mild injuries and was treated at the scene
Emergency responders, including paramedics, firefighters, and CHP officers, quickly arrived to provide medical assistance and begin clearing the accident site.
The rapid response of emergency personnel was crucial in preventing more serious injuries and ensuring proper medical care for all victims. Paramedics conducted thorough evaluations of all individuals involved in the crash, with those suffering mild injuries receiving on-site treatment before being released.
The hospitalized truck driver’s arm injury, while requiring immediate medical attention, was not considered life-threatening according to initial reports from emergency responders.
Massive Cargo Spill Creates Additional Challenges
The overturned semi-truck carried a significant load of juice, with approximately 70,000 pounds of the liquid cargo spilling across Highway 99. This massive spill created additional hazards for other motorists and complicated cleanup efforts for emergency crews.
The juice spill required specialized cleanup equipment and procedures to safely remove the liquid from the roadway while minimizing environmental impact. Hazmat teams worked alongside standard cleanup crews to address the spill and ensure the highway surface was safe for vehicle traffic.
The sheer volume of the spill created slippery conditions that posed additional risks to passing motorists and emergency workers. Cleanup crews had to work methodically to absorb and remove the sticky residue while maintaining safe working conditions around ongoing traffic.
The organic nature of the juice cargo also raised concerns about potential drainage system contamination, requiring environmental specialists to monitor nearby storm drains and take preventive measures to protect local waterways.
Traffic Impact and Road Closures
The severity of the crash and the extensive cleanup required led to significant traffic disruptions during the early morning commute. Initially, all lanes of northbound Highway 99 were completely blocked, forcing authorities to divert traffic to alternate routes.
As cleanup efforts progressed, CHP was able to reopen one lane of traffic, providing some relief for backed-up commuters. At the time of the latest update, authorities estimated that full reopening of Highway 99 would occur within approximately three hours of the initial closure.
The accident’s timing during the early morning hours helped minimize the impact on peak commuter traffic. However, the closure still affected essential workers, delivery drivers, and early morning travelers.
CHP worked closely with Caltrans to establish detour routes through local surface streets, directing northbound traffic to alternate pathways around the crash site.
Electronic message boards throughout the region alerted drivers to the closure and recommended alternative routes, helping to prevent additional traffic backups on nearby highways and local roads.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
While the investigation into this specific crash is ongoing, semi-truck accidents often result from several common factors:
Driver Fatigue: Long-haul truckers face strict delivery schedules that can lead to exhaustion and reduced reaction times, particularly during early morning hours when this accident occurred.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Commercial trucks’ massive weight and constant use can lead to mechanical failures, including brake problems, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions.
Road Conditions: Weather, poor visibility, or hazardous road surfaces can contribute to loss of vehicle control, especially for heavy commercial vehicles.
Cargo-Related Factors: Improperly secured or unbalanced loads can affect a truck’s stability and handling characteristics.
Speed and Following Distance: Due to their weight and size, commercial trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Excessive speed or inadequate following distance can lead to devastating accidents, particularly when sudden traffic changes or road hazards require quick reactions.
The momentum physics makes it nearly impossible for loaded semi-trucks to stop quickly, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining safe speeds and proper spacing on highways like Highway 99, which often experiences heavy traffic flow.
Legal Considerations for Truck Accident Victims
Multi-vehicle accidents involving commercial trucks often present complex legal scenarios due to the multiple parties involved and the potential for significant injuries and property damage. Victims of such accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to vehicles
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
The involvement of commercial vehicles adds additional layers of complexity, as trucking companies, insurance carriers, and regulatory compliance issues all come into play during legal proceedings.
Determining liability in multi-vehicle truck accidents requires a thorough investigation and expertise in state traffic laws and federal trucking regulations. Multiple insurance policies may be involved, including the trucking company’s commercial coverage, the driver’s insurance, and potentially the cargo owner’s policy.
Time is often critical in these cases, as evidence such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems must be preserved before they can be altered or destroyed. Victims are strongly advised to consult with experienced truck accident attorneys who understand the unique challenges and opportunities these complex cases present.
Highway Safety in Fresno County
Highway 99 is a major transportation corridor through California’s Central Valley, carrying significant commercial and passenger traffic daily. The highway’s role in supporting agricultural and commercial transportation makes it particularly prone to accidents involving large commercial vehicles.
Local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, particularly around commercial trucks, including maintaining safe following distances and exercising caution when changing lanes near large vehicles.
Statistics show that Highway 99 experiences a higher-than-average rate of commercial vehicle accidents than other California highways, partly due to its heavy agricultural and freight traffic. Combining varying vehicle speeds, frequent on-and-off-ramp activity, and the mix of local commuters with long-haul truckers creates challenging driving conditions.
Fresno County officials have implemented various safety initiatives, including enhanced signage, improved lighting at key intersections, and regular safety campaigns to educate commercial and passenger vehicle drivers about safely sharing the road in this busy transportation corridor.
Ongoing Investigation
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including factors that may have contributed to the initial loss of control by the semi-truck driver. As part of their investigation, authorities will examine:
- Driver logs and compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Road and weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Potential mechanical failures or equipment malfunctions
The investigation findings will help determine the exact cause of the accident and may influence any potential legal proceedings related to the crash.
Investigators will also examine the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, which provides detailed information about the vehicle’s speed, braking patterns, and driver behavior in the moments before the crash.
The substantial cargo spill has prompted additional scrutiny of how the juice was loaded and secured, as improper cargo distribution can significantly affect a truck’s center of gravity and handling characteristics.
Given the multi-vehicle nature of this accident, reconstruction specialists may also analyze the sequence of events to determine whether any of the subsequent collisions could have been prevented through different actions by the involved drivers.
Understanding Truck Accident Settlement Values
Truck accident settlement calculators serve as valuable preliminary tools for victims seeking to understand potential compensation amounts, though they should never replace professional legal consultation. These calculators typically factor in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future care needs to provide estimated settlement ranges.
However, truck accident cases often involve unique complexities such as federal trucking regulations, multiple liable parties, and catastrophic injuries that standard calculators may not fully account for.
While these tools can help victims understand the basic components of a settlement and set realistic expectations, the actual value of a truck accident claim depends on numerous case-specific factors, including the severity of injuries, degree of fault, insurance policy limits, and the skill of legal representation.
Experienced truck accident attorneys use sophisticated valuation methods beyond basic calculators, considering factors like loss of consortium, future medical inflation, and the long-term impact of injuries on earning capacity. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“If you or a loved one were involved in this Highway 99 accident or a similar truck crash, please know that you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden that follow a serious truck accident can feel overwhelming, but you have rights that deserve protection. These cases are incredibly complex, involving federal regulations, multiple insurance companies, and corporate trucking interests that will work to minimize your compensation. Time is critical in preserving evidence and building a strong case. Don’t let insurance adjusters pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that may not cover your long-term needs. You deserve experienced legal representation that will fight tirelessly for the full compensation you’re entitled to, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your recovery and your family’s wellbeing.” — Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
As Highway 99 returns to normal traffic flow, this incident reminds drivers of the importance of road safety, particularly when sharing the road with commercial vehicles. Emergency personnel’s quick response helped minimize the potential for additional injuries and worked to restore normal traffic conditions as quickly as possible.
Understanding your legal rights and options is crucial for those affected by this accident or similar incidents. Professional legal guidance can help navigate the complex process of seeking compensation and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to understand your rights and options for recovery. Consulting with an experienced accident attorney can help ensure your interests are protected and you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages sustained.
At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. We also work on a contingency fee, meaning we don’t get paid unless you win. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Sacramento office.
Essential Resources and Contact Information
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Fresno Area Office
The California Highway Patrol is the primary agency investigating traffic accidents on state highways, including Highway 99.
Fresno Area CHP Office
- Address: 2555 State Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone: (559) 445-6200 (Non-emergency)
- Emergency: 911
- Online: CHP Fresno Area Office
- Accident Report Requests: CHP Traffic Collision Reports
Fresno Police Department
For accidents within city limits or additional support services.
Fresno Police Department Headquarters
- Address: 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone: (559) 621-7000 (Non-emergency)
- Emergency: 911
- Online: City of Fresno Police Department
- Traffic Division: (559) 621-2455
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
Handles accidents in unincorporated areas of Fresno County.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
- Address: 2200 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone: (559) 600-3111 (Non-emergency)
- Emergency: 911
- Online: Fresno County Sheriff
Caltrans (California Department of Transportation)
Responsible for highway maintenance and traffic management.
Caltrans District 6 (Fresno)
- Address: 1352 W Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
- Phone: (559) 445-6000
- Traffic Information: 511 or QuickMap
- Online: Caltrans District 6
Additional Emergency and Support Services
Fresno Emergency Medical Services
- Emergency: 911
- Non-emergency Medical Transport: (559) 262-4011
Community Medical Centers (Major Trauma Center)
- Address: 2823 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone: (559) 459-6000
- Emergency Department: (559) 459-3800
Saint Agnes Medical Center
- Address: 1303 E Herndon Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720
- Phone: (559) 450-3000
How to Obtain Accident Reports
If you were involved in this accident or need to obtain official documentation:
- CHP Traffic Collision Reports: Available online through the CHP website or by visiting the Fresno Area office
- Report Number: Reference the date (June 20, 2025) and location (Highway 99 near Herndon Avenue)
- Processing Time: Reports are typically available 10-14 days after the accident
- Fees: Standard fees apply for official copies of accident reports
Traffic and Road Condition Updates
- Caltrans QuickMap: Real-time traffic and road conditions
- CHP Traffic Incidents: Current accident and road closure information
- 511 Traffic Info: Call 511 or visit my511.org for current traffic conditions
- Fresno County Road Conditions: Fresno County Public Works
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.