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SAN JOSE, Santa Clara County, Calif., Oct. 25, 2026 — A crash involving a semi-truck and at least one car left major injuries on southbound US-101 near Bailey Avenue late Friday night, October 23, according to the California Highway Patrol. The highway patrol's dispatch log shows the collision was first reported shortly before 10:40 p.m. and classified a major-injury crash by around midnight.
Early reports to dispatchers described a parked semi-truck on the right shoulder that was reportedly rear-ended by a white sedan. A caller also reported that a white sedan may have sideswiped the truck's trailer, though that detail was not confirmed. Debris was reported scattered in a center lane, and the agency's dispatch notes show crews in the area addressing a related hazard.
Ambulance crews were sent to the scene for at least one medical issue tied to the crash, and the collision was later upgraded in CHP records to a major-injury designation. San Jose firefighters also responded after reports that the truck was smoking and later appeared to be on fire, according to the dispatch log. A Nissan Altima with heavy front-end damage was also noted at the scene, and a tow was requested for that vehicle.
Auhtorities shut down two lanes on southbound US-101 for several hours overnight while crews worked the scene, the dispatch records show. By around 1:20 a.m., CHP units had shifted the closure to one lane as cleanup continued.
The extent of injuries and the sequence of how the vehicles collided remain under investigation. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in San Jose, CA
The truck crash was reported at US-101 and Bailey Avenue in San Jose. If you were involved in a crash in the city, our San Jose road safety and crash report page explains how to get a police report and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck?
Call 911 if you have not already, move to a safe location away from traffic if possible, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos if you are able, and get the names of any responding agencies for your records.
Why do trucks need so much distance to stop?
Loaded semi-trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds more than a passenger car, and that extra weight means it takes much longer for a truck's brakes to bring it to a stop, especially at highway speeds.
What makes truck crashes more dangerous than typical car crashes?
The size and weight difference between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle means the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the force in a collision, which often leads to more serious injuries for people in the car.
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 close in front of the cab. Drivers in those zones may not be visible to the truck driver, so it helps to stay back or pass quickly and visibly.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in San Jose, CA
If you're involved in or witness a truck crash in San Jose, your safety comes first. Get to a safe spot away from moving traffic, check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a truck collision don't show symptoms right away. Keep copies of any police or CHP incident report, and hold onto medical records if you're treated. Giving yourself time to recover, physically and otherwise, matters just as much as handling the practical steps afterward.
