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SAN BERNARDINO, San Bernardino County, Calif., Oct. 13, 2026 — One person was hurt on Monday evening, October 12, when a gray sedan collided with a semitruck on I-215 South at the 3rd Street off-ramp in San Bernardino, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash was reported shortly after 5:15 p.m. near the off-ramp.
The California Highway Patrol reported a gray Mercedes and a white semi tractor-trailer were involved in the collision. One person was reportedly transported for treatment, though the extent of injuries has not been released. The semi reportedly came to a stop just north of 2nd Street following the crash.
A tow truck was requested to clear the gray Mercedes from the 3rd Street off-ramp, per dispatch logs. San Bernardino police were asked to respond to the scene to help manage traffic.
The collision remains under investigation. No further details on the cause have been released.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Off-Ramp Crashes Between Cars and Trucks Cause Serious Damage
Off-ramps force vehicles traveling at highway speed to slow quickly while merging with traffic that may be stopped, slowing, or crossing lanes. That mismatch in speed, combined with drivers changing lanes to reach an exit, creates a narrow window for error right where a collision like this occurred.
The weight gap between a passenger car and a semitruck is large. A loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a sedan. When the two collide, the car absorbs most of the force because its frame and crumple zones are built for impacts with other passenger vehicles, not with a vehicle that size. The truck's height also means its trailer or cab can strike a car well above the car's reinforced structure, reducing how much protection the car's safety cage and airbags can offer.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. Off-ramps and merge points concentrate this risk because they combine speed changes, lane shifts, and large trucks sharing the same narrow space as smaller cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at intersections, on-ramps, and off-ramps, where vehicles merge, slow, or cross paths with cross traffic.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Leaving extra following distance, especially near trucks and ramps, and checking mirrors and blind spots before merging both help drivers react in time.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Neck and back strain, broken bones, and head injuries are common in crashes involving significant speed differences, particularly those with larger vehicles like trucks.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distracted driving, following too closely, and misjudging the speed of merging traffic are frequently cited factors in collisions at ramps and intersections.
What to Do After a Car and Truck Crash in San Bernardino, CA
If you're involved in a collision with a semitruck, move to a safe area if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a high-impact crash don't show symptoms immediately.
Take photos of the scene if you're able, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby. Request a copy of the official collision report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits related to the crash. San Bernardino drivers dealing with the aftermath of a crash like this should also promptly notify their insurance company to begin the claims process.
