Big Rig Collision Injures Passengers in Kerman

Injury Crash Involving Big Rig on Highway 145 at Manning Avenue in Kerman

Overview of the Collision

On Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, a serious traffic collision involving a big rig and a passenger vehicle occurred near the intersection of Highway 145 and Manning Avenue in Kerman, California. Preliminary reports indicate the crash took place around 4:40 p.m. A southbound tractor-trailer approaching the stop sign at Manning Avenue reportedly continued through the intersection, where it collided with a GMC, striking the driver’s side and causing significant damage.

Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene. The driver and front-seat passenger of the GMC sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Two children seated in the rear of the GMC were fortunately not injured, according to early reports. The big rig driver did not report injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause and contributing factors, including roadway conditions, visibility, vehicle speeds, and whether traffic laws were observed.

Injuries and Emergency Response

Side-impact, or “T-bone,” crashes are among the most dangerous types of collisions because the sides of passenger vehicles offer less protection compared to the front and rear. Even when occupants appear stable at the scene, symptoms of internal injuries, concussions, whiplash, and soft-tissue damage can develop hours or days later. In incidents involving children, medical evaluation is especially important because pediatric injuries can be difficult to detect without diagnostic imaging.

Paramedics and local law enforcement coordinated traffic control, on-scene medical triage, and documentation of the crash site. Their efforts typically include photographs of vehicle positions and damage, measurements of skid marks and debris fields, and interviews with occupants and witnesses—evidence that can be critical in establishing fault.

Why Big Rig Collisions Are So Dangerous

Commercial tractor-trailers can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car, and they require much longer distances to stop. At intersections controlled by stop signs, failure to yield or to come to a complete stop can lead to high-energy impacts. Additional factors that often contribute to or exacerbate the severity of truck crashes include:

- Driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Inadequate training or supervision of commercial drivers
- Poorly secured cargo affecting handling and stopping distance
- Mechanical issues such as brake or tire failures
- Limited sightlines, sun glare, or obstructed signage at intersections

Potential Liability in a Kerman Truck Accident

Determining liability after a truck crash is often more complex than in a standard car accident. Multiple parties may bear responsibility under California law:

- The truck driver, for negligent driving such as failing to stop at a posted sign or failing to yield the right-of-way
- The trucking company (motor carrier), under respondeat superior (employer responsibility) and for potential negligent hiring, training, supervision, or retention
- The trailer or vehicle owner, if different from the motor carrier
- Maintenance contractors, if improper service or repairs contributed to brake or steering failures
- Cargo loaders, if unsecured or imbalanced cargo affected stability or stopping

This serious collision in Kerman involving a big rig and a passenger vehicle underscores the immense danger that large commercial trucks pose when something goes wrong on the road. With their size, weight, and limited maneuverability, big rigs can turn even a brief moment of inattention or mechanical failure into a life-altering event for those in smaller vehicles. As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, the individuals involved now face the difficult challenges of recovery, financial strain, and lingering uncertainty about what comes next.

At Avian Law Group, we understand the complexities of crashes involving commercial trucks and the uphill battle victims often face when dealing with trucking companies, multiple insurers, and extensive regulations. Our team is committed to uncovering the truth, holding negligent parties accountable, and securing the compensation victims need to rebuild their lives after a devastating collision.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a big-rig or commercial vehicle accident, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Avian Law Group is here to provide experienced guidance, compassionate support, and strong legal advocacy every step of the way.