Head-On Truck Crash Shuts Down SR-20 in Colusa County

Major-Injury Head-On Crash Shuts Down SR-20 in Colusa County: What Happened and How Avian Law Group Can Help

Early-Morning Collision Near SR-16 Leaves One With Major Injuries

An early-morning crash involving a semi-truck and a box truck closed State Route 20 east of State Route 16 in Colusa County on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Authorities reported the collision around 6:40 a.m. after an SOS alert was transmitted from an Apple device, which helped prompt a quick emergency response. The two trucks collided head-on, blocking both lanes of SR-20 and causing significant traffic delays. One person suffered major injuries, while another sustained minor injuries.

Responders indicated that one of the trucks was hauling approximately 15,000 pounds of lumber. The weight and scattered cargo required heavy-duty wreckers and specialized cleanup to safely clear the scene. By approximately 8:00 a.m., officials had established one-way traffic control while crews continued recovery and debris removal. The cause of the crash remains under active investigation.

Why Head-On Truck Collisions Are So Dangerous

Collisions involving large commercial vehicles tend to cause severe injuries due to their mass, size, and stopping distances. When two trucks collide head-on, forces are amplified, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries even at moderate speeds. Cargo loads can also contribute to the danger—load shifts, spilled cargo, or unsecured materials can exacerbate the impact, increase the likelihood of secondary crashes, and complicate cleanup efforts.

Common injuries from head-on truck collisions include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, internal injuries, and severe soft-tissue trauma. Even when injuries initially seem minor, symptoms such as dizziness, neck pain, or abdominal discomfort can emerge over time; prompt medical evaluation is important to identify and treat delayed-onset conditions.

Key Factors Investigators May Review

Truck crashes often trigger detailed investigations that look beyond the initial point of impact. Investigators may assess:

- Roadway conditions: lighting, signage, lane markings, shoulder width, and any work zones or obstructions.
- Vehicle movement: speed, lane position, steering input, braking, and avoidance maneuvers.
- Mechanical and maintenance issues: tires, brakes, steering, lights, and any recorded fault codes.
- Electronic data: electronic logging devices (ELDs), engine control module (ECM) or “black box” data, GPS, dashcam footage, and in-cab telematics.
- Driver-related factors: fatigue, hours-of-service compliance, distraction, impairment, and medical fitness.
- Cargo and loading practices: weight, securement, and whether shifting loads affected control or worsened the outcome.

In rural corridors like SR-20, additional elements—such as limited passing zones, two-lane segments, early-morning glare, fog, or wildlife avoidance—can play a role. Understanding the full picture requires timely collection and preservation of evidence from multiple sources.

What To Do After a Commercial Truck Collision

If you or a loved one are involved in a serious truck crash, taking organized steps can help protect your health and preserve critical information:

- Call 911 and seek medical care: Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated. Emergency responders create an official report and can direct you to appropriate care.
- Document the scene if safe: Photograph vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, debris, cargo spills, and roadway features. Note lighting, weather, and visibility conditions.
- Gather witness information: Obtain names, phone numbers, and brief statements if possible.
- Preserve vehicle and electronic evidence: If your vehicle has a dashcam or telematics, secure the files. Avoid authorizing repairs or disposal until you’ve received guidance.
- Notify insurers carefully: Provide basic facts, but avoid recorded statements or early fault admissions until you understand your rights.
- Keep thorough records: Save medical records, bills, time-off notes, police reports, towing invoices, and any notices from insurers or public agencies.
- Consult experienced counsel: An attorney can send preservation (spoliation) letters, review electronic data, coordinate expert analysis, and communicate with insurers on your behalf.

Your Rights Under California Law

California applies a comparative fault framework, meaning an injured person may seek compensation even if they are found partially at fault; any award may be reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Potentially responsible parties in a commercial truck crash can include:

- Drivers and their employers
- Freight brokers or motor carriers
- Maintenance contractors or manufacturers (in cases of defects)
- Loading or shipping entities involved in cargo securement

Compensation may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. In the event of a fatality, surviving family members may have wrongful death and survival claims. Time limits apply: injury claims in California generally must be filed within two years, and claims involving public entities often require government claims within six months. Deadlines can vary based on the facts, so prompt legal guidance is important.

Crashes involving commercial trucks require swift and thorough evidence preservation. ECM data, telematics, dashcam recordings, maintenance logs, and cargo documentation can all be overwritten or lost without immediate action. As the investigation continues, injured victims should act quickly to safeguard their rights.

Avian Law Group is skilled in conducting independent investigations, issuing preservation letters, and working with reconstruction experts to build strong claims. If you or a loved one was hurt in this SR-20 crash, contact us today for a free consultation so we can begin protecting your claim immediately.