KERMAN, Fresno County, Calif., Sept. 21, 2026 — Two people were hurt early on Monday morning, September 21, in a two-vehicle crash on West Jensen Avenue near Goldenrod Avenue in Kerman, according to the California Highway Patrol. One driver was reportedly trapped inside a vehicle after the collision.
The crash, reported before 4:35 a.m., involved a black Toyota sedan and a gray Toyota sedan. Dispatch logs indicate airbags deployed in at least one of the vehicles.
One driver was described as conscious but unable to get out of the vehicle without help, while the other driver reportedly sustained a head injury, according to the agency's radio traffic. Responders requested two tow trucks to the scene and initially treated the roadway as a hazard before it was reported clear, the log shows.
The California Highway Patrol has not released the cause of the crash. The collision remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What the Numbers Say About Car Accidents on Rural Roads
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure includes crashes like the one on West Jensen Avenue, where two vehicles collided on a stretch of road frequently used for daily commuting and farm-to-market travel.
Two-vehicle collisions on rural highways and county roads make up a large share of that national injury count. Reduced lighting, higher speeds, and limited shoulder space can all raise the odds that a crash results in entrapment or the need for extrication equipment, rather than a routine fender-bender.
Early morning hours, like the one in this incident, usually see less traffic but also less visibility. That combination can make head-on and angled collisions harder to avoid once one vehicle drifts out of its lane or fails to stop in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Maintaining a safe following distance, slowing down in low-light conditions, and staying alert for vehicles crossing into oncoming lanes can help drivers react in time to avoid a collision.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Head, neck, and chest injuries are common, along with cuts from broken glass and injuries from being thrown against interior surfaces during impact.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distraction, speeding, fatigue, and failure to yield are frequently cited factors in two-vehicle crashes, though the specific cause of any individual crash is determined by investigators.
How does speed affect crash severity?
Higher speeds increase the force of impact, which raises the likelihood of serious injury and can make it harder for vehicles to stop or avoid a collision.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Kerman, CA
If you're involved in a car accident, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Stay as still as you can if you suspect an injury, and wait for paramedics to evaluate you, even if you feel fine at first, since some injuries take hours to appear.
Exchange information with the other driver if it's safe to do so, and take photos of the vehicles and surrounding area. Follow up with a doctor in the days after the crash and keep a record of any symptoms or treatment for your own reference.
