Injury Collision at Los Banos Intersection

Injury Collision at Russell Avenue and Althea Avenue in Los Banos

On Monday morning, November 10, 2025, an injury collision occurred at the intersection of Russell Avenue and Althea Avenue in Los Banos, California. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash was reported at approximately 8:25 a.m. and involved a full-sized pickup truck and one additional vehicle. Following the impact, the pickup truck left the roadway and entered a nearby canal, requiring tow crews to recover the vehicle. One or more people sustained injuries as a result of the crash. At this time, the number of individuals hospitalized and the severity of injuries have not been publicly confirmed. The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation.

What We Know So Far

- Location: Russell Avenue at Althea Avenue, Los Banos, Merced County
- Time: Approximately 8:25 a.m.
- Vehicles: A full-sized pickup truck and one other passenger vehicle
- Aftermath: The pickup truck traveled into a canal and had to be towed out
- Injuries: Reported; the exact number and extent are still unconfirmed
- Status: CHP is investigating; no additional details have been released

Intersections in agricultural and residential corridors like Russell and Althea can present unique risks, including limited sightlines due to crops or roadside vegetation, variable shoulder conditions, and the presence of irrigation canals adjacent to the roadway. Morning commute hours also tend to increase traffic volume, which can elevate collision risk when combined with distractions or failures to yield.

Potential Factors Under Investigation

While authorities have not yet identified a cause, common contributing factors in intersection crashes include:

- Failure to yield the right of way at stop-controlled intersections
- Distracted driving, including mobile device use
- Speeding or unsafe speeds for conditions
- Obstructed views caused by parked vehicles, vegetation, or roadway geometry
- Weather or roadway surface conditions
- Impairment or fatigue

It is important not to speculate about fault until the CHP completes its investigation and witness statements, physical evidence, and any available video or data (such as event data recorders) are analyzed.

Risks Associated with Vehicles Entering Canals

Crashes involving canals or irrigation ditches add layers of danger:

- Water hazards: Even shallow water can trap a vehicle or create a drowning risk if occupants are disoriented or restrained by airbags.
- Rapid submersion: Vehicles can take on water quickly, especially if windows are closed or the vehicle lands at an angle.
- Soft shoulders: Unstable banks can complicate rescue and recovery and increase rollover risk.
- Exposure: Cold water and extended extraction times can increase the likelihood of hypothermia and exacerbate injuries.

Drivers in areas with canals should take extra care near unprotected roadway edges and maintain safe speeds that allow room to react.

Common Injuries After Intersection and Canal-Related Crashes

The nature of intersection collisions and off-road excursions can lead to:

- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Fractures to the wrists, ribs, or lower extremities
- Head injuries, including concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries
- Chest and abdominal trauma from seatbelts or airbag deployment
- Lacerations and contusions from broken glass or interior components
- Water-related injuries, including aspiration and hypothermia

Even if symptoms seem minor immediately after a crash, delayed onset is common. Headaches, dizziness, neck stiffness, numbness, or abdominal pain may appear hours or days later and warrant prompt medical evaluation.

Steps to Take If You Were Involved or Witnessed the Crash

- Seek medical attention: Prioritize emergency care for any visible or suspected injuries.
- Call authorities: Ensure a police report is created; request the report number for your records.
- Document the scene: If safe, take photos of vehicle positions, roadway markings, signage, canal proximity, and visible damage.
- Exchange information: Obtain driver, passenger, and witness names, contact details, and insurance information.
- Preserve evidence: Keep damaged items, medical records, and receipts.
- Avoid speculative statements: Provide factual information without guessing about fault or causes.
- Notify your insurer: Report the crash promptly, but consider speaking with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.

California Insurance and Reporting Requirements

- DMV accident reporting: California Vehicle Code requires filing a Form SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage appears to exceed $1,000, regardless of fault.
- Comparative negligence: California follows pure comparative negligence. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover a portion of your damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: UM/UIM coverage can be critical if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Check your policy for medical payments (MedPay) coverage as well, which can help with immediate medical costs regardless of fault.
- Medical liens and billing: Healthcare providers may place liens on settlements. An attorney can help negotiate liens and coordinate benefits with health insurance or MedPay.

Potential Damages Available in a Los Banos Car Accident Claim

Injury victims may be eligible to pursue compensation for:

- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, imaging, surgery, medications, and follow-up treatment
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices
- Lost income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity in the future
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or total loss value and personal property damage
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and disruption to daily life
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Impacts on hobbies, family activities, and independence
- Punitive damages: In limited cases where egregious misconduct (such as intoxicated driving) is proven

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Collisions involving pickup trucks often cause devastating injuries due to the vehicle’s size and impact force. In an instant, a routine drive can turn into a life-altering event—leaving victims facing pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future.

At Avian Law Group, we understand the physical and emotional toll that serious crashes take on victims and their families. Our team is dedicated to uncovering the truth, holding negligent drivers accountable, and helping our clients secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a pickup truck or any other motor vehicle, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact Avian Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll stand by your side and fight to protect your rights—every step of the way.