Seven-Vehicle Crash Injures Several on Highway 99

Seven-Vehicle Crash Injures Several on Highway 99 Near Ashlan Avenue in FresnoOverview of the IncidentOn Thursday afternoon, December 4, 2025, a serious multi-vehicle collision involving seven vehicles occurred on southbound Highway 99 in Fresno, near the Ashlan Avenue area. The crash was reported around 3:45 p.m. and resulted in significant damage to multiple vehicles and injuries to several drivers and passengers. Those injured were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment, and initial reports indicate they are expected to recover.In the immediate aftermath, traffic through the area was heavily impacted as emergency responders worked to assist the injured, secure the scene, and clear the roadway. Authorities urged motorists to avoid the area for a period of time while lanes were blocked. The scene was ultimately cleared, but the investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details regarding potential causes or citations have been released as of this writing.Understanding Multi-Vehicle Crashes on Highway 99Highway 99 is one of California’s busiest north-south corridors, carrying a high volume of passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and local traffic through Fresno County. Multi-vehicle collisions on this route can escalate quickly due to speed, merging traffic near interchanges, and congestion during peak hours. When chain-reaction events occur, multiple impacts can lead to a wide range of injuries, from whiplash and soft-tissue harm to fractures, head injuries, and internal trauma. Even occupants who feel “okay” at the scene should consider a prompt medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.Common Factors Under Review in Pileup InvestigationsWhile the precise cause of this incident remains under investigation, multi-vehicle collisions often involve one or more of the following factors:- Sudden braking or stop-and-go traffic patterns- Following too closely (tailgating) and inadequate stopping distance- Distracted driving (mobile device use, in-car systems, or other distractions)- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions- Unsafe lane changes or merging near on-ramps/off-ramps- Mechanical failures (brake issues, tire blowouts)- Weather and visibility conditions- Commercial vehicle involvement and load securement concernsInvestigators will typically review physical evidence (skid marks, vehicle resting positions, debris fields), vehicle damage patterns, dashcam or traffic camera footage, event data recorder (EDR) information, and witness statements. Official collision reports can take days or weeks to finalize, and those findings often guide fault allocation among the drivers involved.Steps to Take If You Were InvolvedFor individuals involved in this Highway 99 crash—or any similar pileup—the following steps can help protect health, safety, and legal rights:- Seek medical care: Obtain immediate medical attention and follow through with recommended treatment. Document symptoms and keep copies of all records.- Preserve evidence: Save photographs of the scene and vehicles, gather witness contact information, and secure any dashcam footage. Keep towing and repair invoices.- Request the collision report: In many Fresno-area highway incidents, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) prepares a collision report. You can request a copy once available.- Notify your insurer: Promptly report the incident to your insurance company, but consider avoiding recorded statements to other parties’ insurers before speaking with an attorney.- Track losses: Maintain a file for medical bills, mileage to appointments, prescriptions, time missed from work, and any out-of-pocket expenses.How Fault Is Determined in a Seven-Vehicle CollisionCalifornia uses a comparative negligence system, which means fault can be shared among multiple drivers. In chain-reaction crashes, it is not uncommon for several parties