Multi-Vehicle Crash Injures Drivers on I-5 in Lebec

Multi-Vehicle Collision with Injuries on I-5 Near Fort Tejon Road in Lebec

Lebec, CA — November 24, 2025

A multi-vehicle collision occurred Monday night in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near Fort Tejon Road in Lebec. According to initial reports from California Highway Patrol, the crash took place around 8 p.m. amid dense fog in the Tejon Pass area, a corridor often susceptible to rapidly changing mountain weather. Several vehicles were involved, and at least one person sustained injuries. Emergency responders treated individuals at the scene, and some may have been transported for additional medical evaluation. The full number and severity of injuries have not yet been confirmed. An investigation is ongoing to determine the precise sequence of events and contributing factors.

Overview of the Incident

The crash unfolded along a stretch of I-5 commonly referred to as the Grapevine, where visibility can deteriorate quickly due to fog, wind, and temperature inversions common to the pass. While investigators have not released a final determination, low-visibility conditions can complicate driver reaction times, stopping distances, and lane discipline, making chain-reaction impacts more likely. Multi-vehicle collisions in fog often begin with an initial impact followed by secondary crashes as vehicles approach and encounter unexpected hazards in reduced visibility.

First responders closed or restricted travel in the affected lanes while they assisted victims, cleared vehicles, and documented the scene. Drivers traveling through the region on Monday night experienced congestion and delays, and those who were diverted or stuck in traffic were advised to exercise patience and caution.

Fog-Related Hazards and Safe Driving Considerations

The conditions reported at the time of the crash—thick fog and nighttime driving—are among the most challenging combinations for motorists. Fog can:

- Reduce visibility to a few car lengths or less
- Dampen road surfaces and diminish tire traction
- Obscure brake and signal lights until too late
- Increase the odds of multi-car pileups when traffic is moving too quickly for conditions

Motorists can reduce risk in fog by lowering speed, increasing following distances, using low-beam headlights (not high beams), and maintaining their lane without sudden braking or lane changes. If visibility drops to near zero, it is often safer to exit the roadway entirely rather than stopping on the travel lanes. Even when traffic appears to be flowing, California’s basic speed law requires drivers to operate at a speed that is reasonable for the conditions, regardless of posted limits.

Common Injuries in Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Fog-related crashes and chain-reaction impacts can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

- Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Fractures and joint injuries
- Cuts and abrasions from shattered glass or debris
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-collision stress

Symptoms are not always immediately apparent, especially in the adrenaline-filled hours after a crash. Medical evaluation soon after an incident is vital for both health and documentation.

What to Do If You Were Involved or Affected

If you were involved in this collision or a similar incident, consider the following steps:

- Seek medical care promptly, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Obtain a copy of the police or CHP report once available.
- Gather and preserve evidence: photos of vehicle damage and the scene, dashcam footage, names and contact information of witnesses, and insurance details for other drivers.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and proof of missed work or reduced hours.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene or on social media.
- Be cautious with recorded statements to insurance companies before understanding your rights.

Insurance and Compensation Considerations in California

California is a comparative negligence state, meaning multiple parties can share fault. Even if you believe you bear some responsibility, you may still recover damages proportionate to the fault of others. Potential compensation in a car accident claim can include:

- Medical expenses, rehabilitation, and therapy
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage and diminished vehicle value
- In limited cases, punitive damages for egregious conduct

Many drivers carry optional medical payments coverage (MedPay), which can help with immediate medical costs regardless of fault. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may also be available if a responsible driver lacks sufficient coverage.

Deadlines and Special Filing Requirements

California generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle collisions. However:

- Property damage claims often have a separate deadline (typically three years).
- If a government entity may be involved (for example, issues concerning road design, maintenance, signage, or a public vehicle), a government claim can have a much shorter deadline—often within six months—before a lawsuit can proceed.

This multi-vehicle collision near Fort Tejon Road is a stark reminder of how treacherous the Grapevine can become when dense fog and nighttime conditions converge. Even experienced drivers can find themselves with only seconds to react as visibility drops and traffic patterns shift without warning. While CHP continues to investigate the sequence of impacts and contributing factors, those injured now face the difficult process of seeking medical care, managing insurance claims, and piecing together what happened in a chaotic and fast-moving environment.

Collisions in fog often involve complex questions of speed for conditions, lane discipline, driver attentiveness, and reaction time. Under California’s comparative negligence system, multiple drivers may share responsibility—even when poor weather played a significant role. For victims, prompt evidence preservation, medical documentation, and early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference in the strength and outcome of a claim.

At Avian Law Group, we understand the unique challenges posed by fog-related and chain-reaction crashes on high-speed corridors like I-5. Our team works quickly to collect critical evidence, communicate with insurers, and protect your rights while you focus on healing.

If you or a loved one was injured in this collision or a similar fog-related crash, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. We are here to stand by your side, pursue accountability, and secure the compensation you deserve.