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PALM DESERT, Riverside County, Calif., Nov. 12, 2026 — A passenger was reportedly trapped inside a vehicle after a crash involving a semi-truck on westbound Interstate 10 on Wednesday evening, November 11.
The crash was reported near the Monterey Avenue exit on westbound I-10, the California Highway Patrol said. Two vehicles were involved, including a big rig described in dispatch logs as a white Kenworth pulling a red box trailer. The truck reportedly could not be moved from the roadway after the crash.
A caller at the scene requested medical help, saying a passenger may have had glass in their leg and was unable to get out of the vehicle. An ambulance was requested for the injury. The driver of the semi reportedly declined medical treatment at the scene, and the condition of the other party involved was not immediately known.
Firefighters requested that the number one westbound lane near the crash site be shut down between Cook Street and Monterey Avenue to manage the scene. A tow service was later called to remove at least one of the vehicles. The lane closure was still affecting traffic as of early evening, with the number one lane blocked, according to the agency's updates.
The California Highway Patrol has not released further details on what led to the crash, and the extent of the trapped passenger's injuries has not been confirmed. The incident remains under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Intersection Crashes in California
This truck crash happened at Cook Street and Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert, CA. Our California intersections page covers intersection crashes across California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do big trucks take so much longer to stop than cars?
Loaded commercial trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds more than a passenger car, so they need a much longer distance to slow down or stop, especially on a highway at full speed. That extra stopping distance is one reason crashes involving semis tend to happen at higher speeds and cause more serious damage.
What makes a crash with a semi-truck different from a typical car accident?
The size and weight difference between a semi and a passenger vehicle means the smaller vehicle usually absorbs most of the impact. Occupants in the car can be at higher risk of serious injury even in crashes that a truck driver might walk away from.
What are a truck's blind spots, and why are they significant?
Semi-trucks have large blind spots along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and close to the front of the cab. Drivers sharing the road with trucks are advised to avoid lingering in these areas, since the truck driver may not be able to see them.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle collides with a truck and slides partially or fully beneath the trailer. These crashes can be especially severe because the car's safety structures, like the roof and door frame, aren't designed to absorb an impact at that height.
