Big Rig Crash Injures Multiple in Fresno Intersection

Big Rig Crash at Highway 145 and Manning Avenue Injures Multiple in Fresno

Authorities are investigating a serious broadside collision at the intersection of Highway 145 and Manning Avenue in Fresno County that left multiple people injured on Sunday, November 16, 2025. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred around 4:40 PM when a southbound big rig hauling a trailer entered the intersection and struck the left side of an eastbound GMC. Preliminary information indicates the truck was traveling at approximately 55 mph as it approached a stop sign and, for reasons still under review, failed to stop before entering the cross traffic. The GMC, which was reportedly traveling at a low speed of around 5 mph as it moved through the intersection, sustained significant impact damage.

The CHP reported that the driver and front-seat passenger of the GMC were transported to a local hospital with injuries. Two children under the age of 10, seated in the back of the GMC, were not hurt, according to early reports. The truck driver was uninjured, and there is no indication at this time that impairment played a role. The investigation is ongoing.

What We Know About the Crash

- Time and location: Approximately 4:40 PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Highway 145 and Manning Avenue, a rural intersection in Fresno County frequently used by agricultural and commercial traffic.
- Vehicles involved: A southbound big rig hauling a trailer and an eastbound GMC.
- Sequence: Evidence suggests the truck failed to stop at the Manning Avenue stop sign and entered the intersection, striking the left side of the GMC.
- Injuries: Two adults in the GMC were hospitalized; two children in the rear seats were uninjured. The truck driver was not injured.

Why Intersection Crashes With Big Rigs Are So Dangerous

Collisions between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks often result in severe injuries due to the massive size and weight of the trucks. Even at moderate speeds, a big rig’s momentum can cause devastating side-impact damage, as appears to have occurred here. Side impacts are especially hazardous for occupants on the struck side because there is less structural protection compared to the front or rear of a vehicle.

Several factors can contribute to intersection crashes with commercial trucks, including:
- Failure to stop or yield at traffic controls
- Limited sightlines at rural intersections (vegetation, signage placement, or lighting)
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Brake or equipment issues
- Misjudging cross-traffic speed or right-of-way
- Weather and visibility conditions at dusk

Investigators typically examine vehicle positions, skid marks, debris fields, event data recorder (EDR) information, dashcam footage (if available), and witness statements to determine how and why the collision occurred.

Ongoing Investigation and How Liability Is Determined

While early indications point to a failure to stop at a posted stop sign, a full liability assessment will consider many elements:
- Truck driver conduct: speed, braking, adherence to traffic control, and attentiveness
- Compliance with trucking regulations: hours-of-service limits, logbook entries, and driver qualifications
- Vehicle condition: brake maintenance, tire condition, lighting, and trailer load securement
- Intersection features: signage visibility, line-of-sight obstructions, and roadway design
- Environmental factors: lighting, weather, and roadway surface conditions

In California, liability is governed by pure comparative negligence. If multiple parties share responsibility, each party’s fault percentage reduces the compensation accordingly. For example, even if a truck driver is primarily at fault, an insurer may try to argue that another driver contributed to the collision by entering the intersection prematurely, traveling without headlights at dusk, or failing to maintain a proper lookout. A thorough, independent investigation helps clarify these issues.

This multi-injury big-rig collision in Fresno highlights the immense danger posed when large commercial vehicles are involved in traffic incidents. With their size, weight, and limited stopping ability, big rigs can cause catastrophic harm in a matter of seconds—leaving victims facing serious injuries, long recovery periods, and significant financial burdens. As investigators work to determine what led to this crash, the individuals hurt in the collision now face the difficult task of piecing their lives back together.

At Avian Law Group, we understand the complex nature of commercial truck accidents and the challenges victims face when multiple parties may be responsible. From uncovering the role of the driver and trucking company to analyzing maintenance records, safety violations, and insurance coverage, our team is committed to ensuring that injured victims receive the full protection and compensation they are entitled to under California law.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a big-rig or commercial vehicle crash, you don’t have to take on the legal process alone. Avian Law Group is here to provide experienced guidance, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate support every step of the way.