[02-18-2026] Los Angeles County – Five Big Rigs Collide in Rain-Soaked Pileup at I-5 and SR-14 Interchange
Santa Clarita, California – A chain-reaction crash involving five semi-trucks shut down the southbound truck lanes Tuesday night at the Interstate 5 and State Route 14 interchange in Santa Clarita.
According to California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Carlos Burgos-Lopez, the incident was first reported shortly before 7:40 p.m. on the truck route side of the heavily traveled 5/14 split. Rain was falling steadily at the time of the crashes.
Authorities said the sequence began when a single big rig lost control on the slick roadway, spun out, and crashed. The truck jackknifed, scattering debris across multiple lanes and obstructing traffic. A second semi then struck the debris left behind and became disabled within the roadway.
Two more big rigs approaching the scene were able to slow down and stop after noticing the wreckage ahead. However, a fifth semi-truck could not brake in time and collided with the stopped vehicles, resulting in a five-truck pileup.
Officials reported that one of the involved trucks, estimated to weigh approximately 42,000 pounds, began leaking fuel following the crash. Crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to address the hazardous spill and assist at the scene.
Heavy-duty tow trucks were dispatched to remove the damaged vehicles as emergency personnel worked to clear debris and secure the area. The southbound truck lanes at the 5/14 split remain closed while cleanup operations continue, and motorists are being advised to anticipate significant delays.
Despite the scale of the collision, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
CHP officials urged drivers to use extra caution during rainy weather, reduce speed, and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained before traveling. The duration of the closure remains unknown as the investigation into the incident continues.
Source: KHTS
How to Recover Compensation After a Multiple-Truck Accident
A collision involving several commercial trucks can quickly become legally complex. Unlike a typical two-vehicle crash, a multiple-truck accident may involve several drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and multiple insurance carriers. Determining who is legally responsible is the first and most important step in recovering compensation.
An experienced truck accident attorney in Los Angeles can conduct a thorough investigation, obtain black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and accident reconstruction reports to identify all liable parties. In many cases, more than one trucking company may share fault, which can increase the available insurance coverage for your claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority. Even if injuries appear minor, internal injuries, spinal damage, or head trauma may not show symptoms right away. Medical documentation is also critical evidence connecting your injuries to the crash.
Identify All Responsible Parties
Multi-truck accidents often involve layered liability. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- One or more truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Freight brokers
- Cargo loading companies
- Maintenance contractors
- Manufacturers of defective truck parts
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Los Angeles will evaluate every potential source of liability to maximize your financial recovery.
Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim
Victims of multiple-truck crashes may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability or rehabilitation costs
Act Before the Legal Deadline
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly allows your legal team to preserve evidence and build a strong case before critical deadlines expire.
Multiple-truck crashes are often defended aggressively by trucking companies and their insurers. Having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
If you or a loved one was injured in a serious trucking accident, contact J&Y Law today for a free consultation. Call (877) 718-5027 to speak with a team ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.