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SOUTH GATE, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 8, 2026 — A hit-and-run crash involving a semi-truck left at least one person injured Wednesday afternoon, October 7, on the Interstate 710 North connector to Interstate 105 East in South Gate, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision was reported near the Garfield Avenue and Firestone Boulevard area, close to the I-710 and I-105 interchanges. A driver reported being struck by a big rig described as a white tractor with green lettering pulling a yellow trailer. The truck reportedly left the scene after the crash.
The person who called in the crash said the truck swerved in and out of lanes before the impact and said the other driver may have been impaired. The caller also said the crash appeared to be intentional, though that claim has not been confirmed by investigators. The CHP initially logged the incident as a hit-and-run with no injuries before updating it to a hit-and-run with injuries.
Authorities said the crash blocked a slow lane and caused traffic delays in the area. Logs show both vehicles were later located at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Hit-and-Run Crashes
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 70 percent of people killed in hit-and-run crashes were pedestrians and bicyclists in 2023. That figure reflects how often these crashes involve someone outside a vehicle, caught in a lane, shoulder, or crosswalk when a driver fails to stop.
Large trucks add another layer of risk in hit-and-run cases. A semi-truck's size and trailer length can make it harder for other drivers to react to sudden lane changes, and when a truck driver leaves the scene, witnesses are often left to piece together partial plate numbers or trailer descriptions for investigators.
Enforcement agencies typically rely on these witness accounts, along with traffic cameras and toll records, to track down drivers who flee. Cases involving commercial vehicles can also draw in a trucking company or insurer once the vehicle is identified, which can extend how long an investigation takes to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, often because the trailer sits higher off the ground than the car's main safety structures.
What are common causes of large-truck accidents?
Driver fatigue, distraction, speeding, improper lane changes, and mechanical failure are frequently cited factors. Impairment, as alleged by a witness in this case, is sometimes reported but requires confirmation through testing or investigation.
How can drivers share the road with trucks safely?
Giving trucks extra following distance, avoiding blind spots near the cab and trailer, and signaling early before changing lanes near a semi can reduce the chance of a sudden collision.
Does driver fatigue contribute to truck crashes?
Yes. Long hours behind the wheel are a recognized factor in commercial truck crashes nationally, which is part of why federal rules limit how many consecutive hours a truck driver can operate.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Truck Crash in South Gate, CA
If you're involved in a hit-and-run, try to stay safe first and move to a protected area if possible. Note any details you can about the other vehicle, including color, trailer type, or partial plate numbers, since these details matter for investigators. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first, as some symptoms take hours to appear. File a report with local police or the CHP and ask for a case number so you can follow up. Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries can help support the investigation later.
