REDDING, Shasta County, Calif., Sept. 19, 2026 — A semi-truck and an SUV collided early Friday morning, September 18, on northbound I-5 near the Bonnyview Road on-ramp in Redding. The SUV reportedly struck the rear of the truck's trailer before spinning off the side of the roadway, officials said.
The California Highway Patrol was dispatched to the scene shortly before 1 a.m. Detectives said the SUV sustained major front-end damage and was described as a total loss, with debris reported across the freeway. The truck driver reported neck pain and was evaluated by medics at the scene, according to dispatch logs.
A separate single-vehicle crash was also reported nearby on the same stretch of northbound I-5, involving a vehicle that struck a guardrail. It was not immediately clear whether that crash was related to the truck-SUV collision or occurred independently in the same area.
A tow truck was requested to remove the SUV, and traffic in the area was affected while crews worked the scene. The extent of injuries beyond the reported neck pain was not released. The crash remains under investigation, and further details, including possible causes, have not been confirmed by officials.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Passenger Vehicles Collide With Large Trucks
The size gap between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle plays a bigger role in outcomes than most drivers realize. When a car or SUV strikes the back of a trailer or is struck by one, the occupants of the smaller vehicle typically absorb far more of the impact than anyone inside the truck cab. Truck drivers usually walk away with minor injuries such as whiplash, while passenger vehicle occupants face a much higher chance of serious harm.
Late-night and early-morning hours add another layer of risk. Fatigue affects both truck drivers on long hauls and passenger vehicle drivers returning from work or travel, and reduced visibility on rural highway stretches can shorten reaction time for everyone involved.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 76 percent of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on weekdays in 2023. That pattern points to commercial driving schedules and freight volume as recurring factors, rather than isolated incidents tied to any single stretch of highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a truck's blind spots, and why do they matter?
Large trucks have wide blind spots along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and just in front of the cab. A passenger vehicle lingering in these zones may be invisible to the driver, which can contribute to lane-change and rear-end collisions.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partially or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, frequently because the trailer sits higher than the car's crumple zones. These crashes can cause severe damage to the passenger compartment.
What typically causes large-truck accidents?
Common factors include driver fatigue, following too closely, mechanical failure, and reduced visibility at night. Speed differences between trucks and passenger vehicles on the freeway can also contribute.
How can drivers share the road safely with trucks?
Staying out of blind spots, allowing extra following distance, and avoiding sudden lane changes near trailers all help. Passing decisively rather than lingering alongside a truck reduces exposure time.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Redding, CA
If you're involved in a crash with a large truck, move to a safe location if possible and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms, including whiplash, don't appear right away.
Seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you feel fine at the scene. Documenting the crash, including photos of vehicle damage and the roadway, can help later if questions arise about what happened. Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records related to the incident.
If you're a passenger vehicle occupant, remember that recovery from a truck collision can take time, both physically and logistically. Reach out to your insurance provider promptly and follow up with your doctor about any lingering pain or stiffness.
