Accidents can strike at any time, and a recent three-vehicle collision on State Route 92 in San Mateo serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected disruptions they can cause. On Wednesday morning, July 9, 2025, a multi-vehicle crash near the Delaware Street off-ramp led to significant traffic delays and resulted in at least one person sustaining minor injuries.
Details of the San Mateo Highway 92 Collision
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. The collision, involving a black Audi with substantial front-end damage and a Jeep that later required towing, blocked the Delaware Street off-ramp and the No. 2 lane of westbound Highway 92.
Emergency responders quickly arrived to manage the aftermath and assess the situation. Tow trucks from Action Tow and Atlas were necessary to clear the damaged vehicles, with one vehicle being strategically moved to Concar Drive in San Mateo to help alleviate the ensuing traffic congestion.
Minor Injuries Reported and Medical Attention
While the collision was initially impactful enough to block traffic lanes, it was later reclassified as a minor-injury crash. One individual from the Jeep was transported to Mills-Peninsula Medical Center – San Mateo for medical attention. Although the specific details regarding the extent of their injuries have not been publicly released, the reclassification suggests that the injuries were not severe or life-threatening.
But even though these are often not life-threatening, they can still cause significant discomfort and may have delayed symptoms. It is always advisable to seek medical evaluation after any accident, regardless of how minor the injuries initially appear, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment and prevent potential long-term complications.
The Impact of Multi-Vehicle Accidents on San Mateo Traffic
Multi-vehicle accidents, even those classified as minor injury incidents, can have a significant ripple effect on local traffic flow. The blockage of lanes and off-ramps, as seen in this San Mateo incident, inevitably leads to backups and delays for commuters. This highlights the broader impact of seemingly minor collisions on drivers’ daily lives in and around the Bay Area.
Beyond the immediate inconvenience, such incidents can cascade delays across the road network. Commuters seeking alternative routes often overwhelm secondary roads, leading to congestion in residential areas and increased travel times for everyone. This widespread disruption can affect productivity, cause missed appointments, and even delay emergency services responding to other critical situations within the community.
Furthermore, the resources required to manage and clear a multi-vehicle accident scene are substantial. Police, fire, paramedics, and tow services must coordinate their efforts, diverting personnel and equipment that might otherwise be available for other emergencies. The time taken to investigate the crash, treat injured parties, and safely remove damaged vehicles can extend for hours, further exacerbating the traffic woes and underscoring the significant societal cost of even “minor” collisions.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Accident
If you find yourself involved in a multi-vehicle collision, even one that appears to cause only minor injuries, it’s crucial to know the steps to take:
- Ensure Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location, and turn on your hazard lights.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for any injuries and call 911 immediately if needed.
- Exchange Information: Obtain contact and insurance information from all involved parties.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and road conditions.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be construed as admitting fault.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s advisable to be checked by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options, especially if you’ve sustained injuries or your vehicle has been damaged.
Seeking Legal Guidance After an Accident
Even minor injury collisions can lead to unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and other unforeseen expenses. If you or a loved one has been involved in a multi-vehicle accident in San Mateo or anywhere in California, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. An experienced accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, ensure you receive proper medical care, and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
The legal team at GJEL Accident Attorneys has extensive experience representing individuals injured in car accidents throughout California. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and provide the guidance you need during a challenging time.
Beyond calculating initial damages, an experienced attorney is critical in navigating the complex legal and insurance landscape. They can investigate the accident thoroughly, gather crucial evidence, interview witnesses, and, if necessary, work with accident reconstruction experts.
Furthermore, they will handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from common tactics that might devalue your claim or even shift blame. Their expertise ensures that all legal deadlines are met and your case is presented compellingly, whether through aggressive negotiation for a fair settlement or by advocating for your rights in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
How Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculators Aid in Valuing Claims
Catastrophic injury settlement calculators are online tools designed to provide a preliminary estimate of the potential value of a personal injury claim, particularly those involving severe, life-altering injuries. These calculators work by prompting users to input various data points related to their accident and injuries.
Key inputs typically include all economic damages incurred, such as past and estimated future medical expenses, lost wages, and potential future lost earning capacity. They also factor in non-economic damages, often called “pain and suffering,” which encompass physical discomfort, emotional distress, and the overall impact on the injured party’s quality of life and ability to enjoy daily activities.
The core of how these calculators derive a settlement value often involves a “multiplier” method for non-economic damages. After summing up all quantifiable economic losses, the calculator applies a multiplier (typically ranging from 1.5 to 5, but potentially higher for catastrophic injuries) to this total to estimate the non-economic damages. This multiplier is often influenced by the severity and permanence of the injuries, the length of recovery, and the overall impact on the victim’s life. The calculated non-economic damages are added to the economic damages to provide a rough total settlement estimate.
While these calculators can offer a helpful starting point and help accident victims understand the potential components of their claim, it’s crucial to acknowledge their limitations. They are general tools that cannot account for every catastrophic injury case’s unique complexities and nuances, such as specific state laws, the strength of evidence, liability disputes, or the intricacies of expert medical and financial testimony.
Therefore, while they provide a preliminary figure, a truly accurate and comprehensive settlement value for a catastrophic injury can only be determined through a thorough legal evaluation by an experienced personal injury attorney, who can consider all case-specific factors and negotiate effectively on behalf of the injured party.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“To anyone affected by the recent three-vehicle collision on Highway 92 in San Mateo, my deepest sympathies are with you. Accidents, even those initially reported as minor, can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. It’s incredibly stressful, and you shouldn’t have to carry that burden alone. If you or a loved one sustained injuries, please understand that seeking timely legal advice is crucial. Our team is here to listen to your story with compassion, help you understand your rights, and guide you through securing the compensation needed for your recovery and future well-being.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
Suppose you’ve been injured in an accident like the one on Highway 92. In that case, the path to recovery can seem overwhelming, especially when faced with medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we believe that access to experienced legal representation shouldn’t be a luxury.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront costs or hourly fees for our services. We only get paid if we win your case, ensuring you can pursue justice without any financial burden weighing you down during an already difficult time.
Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the compassionate and professional guidance you need. We’re committed to fighting tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Hayward office for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and understand how we can help you navigate this challenging period.
Resources and Links for San Mateo and the California Highway Patrol
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Golden Gate Division (Serving San Mateo County)
For accidents occurring on State Route 92, the CHP is the primary investigating agency. You would typically need to contact them to obtain a collision report.
- CHP Golden Gate Division (Main Office Information):
- Website for Golden Gate Division: https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/golden-gate-division
- While there isn’t a dedicated “San Mateo Office” listed directly on their main Golden Gate Division page, the Redwood City Area office is the closest main CHP office serving San Mateo County for collision reports and inquiries.
- Redwood City Area Office (Relevant to San Mateo County):
- Phone: (650) 779-2700
- Address: (Refer to CHP website for exact address, typically within the Redwood City area)
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (It’s always best to call ahead to confirm hours and services for report requests).
- Requesting a CHP Collision Report:
- The CHP has a specific form for requesting collision reports.
- Collision Request Form (CHP 190 PDF): https://www.chp.ca.gov/EnforcementAndPlanningDivisionSite/Documents/CHP190.pdf
- You can typically submit this form in person at any CHP area office or by mail. Be sure to include a photocopy of your valid state driver’s license or identification card.
San Mateo Police Department
While the recent accident occurred on State Route 92 (a CHP jurisdiction), the San Mateo Police Department handles traffic incidents and general police matters within the City of San Mateo, including traffic complaints and accident reduction efforts on local streets.
- San Mateo Police Department – Official Website:
- Main Police Page: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/273/Police
- Traffic & Parking Unit:https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/680/Traffic-Parking
- Traffic Unit Email: traffic@cityofsanmateo.org
- Traffic Tip Hotline: (650) 522-7740
- General Contact Information:
- Non-Emergency Dispatch: (650) 522-7700
- Police Reports & General Information (Records Division): (650) 522-7710
- Email: police@cityofsanmateo.org
- Physical Address: 200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Obtaining a Police Report from San Mateo Police Department (for local incidents):
- The City of San Mateo states that for traffic collision reports, they do not directly provide them but direct individuals to a third-party service.
- Online Report Request (for certain types of incidents, not typically CHP-handled traffic collisions): https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4222/Obtain-a-Police-Report
- For traffic collision reports involving the San Mateo Police Department, they often refer you to: www.mycollisionreport.com
