ⓘThis article reports on a matter of public interest. Carrazco Law, A.P.C. is not representing any party involved in this incident unless expressly stated.
Semi Truck Hauling Gravel Overturns Into City Bus Injuring 13
Unknown Injured in Santa Clarita Multi-Vehicle Crash
Unknown: Semi Truck Hauling Gravel Overturns After Crashing Into City Bus
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA (May 13, 2026): A devastating multi-vehicle crash involving a semi truck hauling gravel and a city bus left 13 people injured in Santa Clarita on May 13, 2026. The semi truck, traveling at 70 mph, attempted to turn to avoid a red light when it crashed into the city bus, causing the truck to overturn. One passenger required rescue by the Jaws of Life and was hospitalized in critical condition.
Liability for Los Angeles Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Commercial truck operators and their employers must comply with strict California and federal safety regulations. California Vehicle Code § 21658 requires drivers to maintain their lane unless safe to change, while California Vehicle Code § 22350 establishes the basic speed law requiring speeds appropriate for conditions. California Vehicle Code § 21703 mandates safe following distances, and California Vehicle Code § 22406 sets maximum truck speed limits. Federal regulations under FMCSA 49 C.F.R. Part 395 govern hours-of-service to prevent driver fatigue.
Fatigue: Hours-of-service violations put drowsy commercial drivers on the road.
Vehicle Failure: Defective brakes, tires, or load securement cause loss of control.
Distraction: Phone use or inattention leads to lane departures and rear-end crashes.
Victims may pursue claims based on negligence theory when drivers breach their duty of reasonable care. Damages available include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases involving government vehicles like city buses, potential civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for constitutional deprivations.
Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Multi-Vehicle Crash
According to the California Highway Patrol, large truck crashes increased 7.8% statewide in the most recent reporting year, highlighting the critical importance of proper investigation and evidence preservation.
Obtain and preserve the police report and accident reconstruction report immediately.
Collect all surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras.
Preserve vehicle black box (EDR/ECM) data before it is overwritten.
Do not speak with insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
Consult a wrongful death or personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Statute of limitations: 2 years, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For claims against government entities: Government entity claim deadline: 6 months, California Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating Los Angeles Multi-Vehicle Crashes
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Unknown. Was the truck driver in compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations at the time of the crash? Did the city bus operator follow proper emergency protocols when the collision became imminent?
Do you have questions about a Los Angeles multi-vehicle crash? Our team is here for you. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Legal Context
Applicable California Law
California Vehicle Code §22350: Basic speed law requiring drivers to operate at safe speeds for conditions
California Vehicle Code §21658: Lane use requirements and safe lane changes
California Vehicle Code §22406: Maximum speed limits for commercial trucks
California Vehicle Code §21703: Safe following distance requirements
49 C.F.R. Part 395: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration hours-of-service regulations
California Government Code §815.2: Vicarious liability of public entities for employee negligence
California Government Code §820: Liability of public employees for negligent acts
42 U.S.C. §1983, Federal civil rights claims for constitutional violations by government actors
Liability Analysis
The truck driver may potentially be liable if the investigation establishes violations of speed limits, unsafe turning maneuvers, or hours-of-service regulations. The trucking company could be held vicariously liable under respondeat superior if the driver was acting within the scope of employment. The City of Santa Clarita may face liability depending on whether the bus operator's actions contributed to the collision, though government entities have certain immunities that would need to be evaluated based on the specific facts established during investigation.
Statute of Limitations
Injured parties generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. However, claims against government entities like the City of Santa Clarita require filing an administrative claim within six months of the incident under California Government Code §911.2 before any lawsuit can be filed.
If You've Been Affected by a Similar Incident
Past results from Carrazco Law, A.P.C. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Big rig truck collides with family's van causing multiple deaths and injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim after being injured in a crash involving a city bus?
Claims against government entities in California are subject to strict deadlines. You must file an administrative claim with the government entity within six months under California Government Code §911.2. Only after this claim is filed and processed can you file a lawsuit, which must generally occur within two years of the injury. Missing the six-month government claim deadline could permanently bar your right to compensation, so immediate consultation with an attorney is critical.
Who can be held liable when a commercial truck crashes into a city bus?
Multiple parties may potentially share liability depending on the investigation. The truck driver could be liable for negligence if unsafe speed, improper turning, or traffic violations are established. The trucking company may be vicariously liable for the driver's actions and could face direct liability for negligent hiring, training, or vehicle maintenance. The City of Santa Clarita may be liable if the bus operator's conduct contributed to the crash, though government liability is subject to specific immunities and procedural requirements under California law.
What evidence is critical to preserve after a commercial truck crash?
Time-sensitive evidence includes the truck's electronic logging device (ELD) and event data recorder (EDR/black box), which may be overwritten or lost if not preserved quickly. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras, driver logs, maintenance records, pre-trip inspection reports, and the truck driver's hours-of-service records are all critical. Photographs of the scene, vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signals, and all vehicle damage should be documented immediately. An attorney can issue spoliation letters to ensure this evidence is preserved.
Can passengers injured on a city bus sue the city?
Yes, passengers may be able to bring claims against the city if the investigation establishes that the bus operator's negligence contributed to the crash. However, claims against cities and other government entities are subject to special rules under the California Tort Claims Act, including shorter filing deadlines and specific immunity provisions. You must file an administrative claim within six months before filing any lawsuit. Consulting an attorney immediately is essential to protect your rights.
What damages can victims of a multi-vehicle commercial truck crash recover?
Victims may potentially recover economic damages including all past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement may also be available. If a victim dies from their injuries, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages including loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. The specific damages available depend on the severity of injuries and the facts established through investigation.
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This article is published by Carrazco Law News for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or sharing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Carrazco Law, A.P.C. Carrazco Law is not representing any party involved in the incident described above. If you have been affected by a similar incident, consult a licensed California attorney about your specific situation.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Carrazco Law, A.P.C. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one, please contact our office directly for a confidential consultation.
