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SAN JOSE, Santa Clara County, Calif., Oct. 14, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash blocked a lane of westbound State Route 237 near the North First Street offramp Tuesday evening, October 13, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one ambulance was requested to the scene for a reported injury.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision involved a gray Toyota Camry, a gray Toyota RAV4 and a red Honda sedan on westbound SR-237 just east of North First Street. Initial reports described a black SUV colliding with two dark-colored sedans before all vehicles came to rest in lane two.
Dispatch logs indicate the agency's problem classification was updated from a collision with unknown injuries to one confirmed to need ambulance response, reflecting at least one person hurt. A tow company was called to the scene with an estimated 20-minute arrival time.
Within about 20 minutes of the update, CHP reported all vehicles had been moved to the right shoulder and all lanes were reopened. A Freeway Service Patrol unit later closed out its response to the scene.
Auhtorities continue reviewing the crash. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Where Multi-Vehicle Pileups Tend to Start on Freeways Like SR-237
Crashes involving three or more vehicles cluster at predictable points on busy freeways: merge zones, offramps, and lane-reduction areas where speed differences between vehicles are highest. A driver slowing for an exit can catch a following vehicle off guard, especially in heavy commute traffic where gaps between cars are already tight.
Interchanges and offramp approaches, like the one involved in this crash, see more chain-reaction collisions than open freeway stretches because traffic is merging, braking, and changing lanes all within a short distance. Visibility can also be limited by curves, overpasses, or vehicles stacked in adjacent lanes.
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. Multi-vehicle crashes on high-volume corridors add complexity for responders because wreckage and involved vehicles are often spread across more than one lane, slowing both rescue and traffic clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does fog or reduced visibility contribute to multi-car pileups?
Poor visibility shortens the distance drivers have to react to slowing or stopped traffic ahead, increasing the chance that a late brake or swerve triggers a chain-reaction crash.
Why does following distance matter so much on freeways?
A larger gap gives a driver more time to stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, which is especially important near offramps and merge points where speeds vary.
Are secondary crashes common after an initial collision?
Yes. Vehicles slowing or stopping near a first crash can be struck by drivers who don't see the slowdown in time, which is why responders often work quickly to move vehicles off the travel lanes.
What makes multi-vehicle crashes difficult to investigate?
Investigators have to determine the sequence of impacts among several vehicles, often relying on vehicle damage patterns, witness accounts, and roadway evidence to establish which collision happened first.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in San Jose, CA
If you're involved in a multi-car crash, move to a safe location if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so, and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Call 911 to report injuries and request medical evaluation even if you feel fine, since some injuries aren't immediately obvious.
Exchange information with all drivers involved and take photos of vehicle positions and damage if conditions allow it safely. Follow up with your own doctor in the days afterward, and keep records of any medical visits related to the crash for your own documentation.
