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WILLOWBROOK, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 23, 2026 — Two people were hospitalized after their car crashed into the side of a big rig and became lodged underneath its trailer early on Tuesday morning, September 22, in the Willowbrook area. The crash was reported near San Pedro Street and El Segundo Boulevard just before 1 a.m.
Video from the scene showed a white sedan wedged almost entirely beneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler after apparently striking it from the side, according to the report. The extent of the damage suggested a hard impact, though the vehicles' speeds have not been released.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews worked to extricate two occupants trapped inside the sedan. Both were taken to a hospital in what officials described as unknown condition, though they reportedly showed signs of serious injury. It was not immediately clear whether the truck driver was hurt.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but authorities have not said what led the sedan to collide with the trailer or whether any citations are expected.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Underride Crashes Happen When Cars Meet Big Rigs
A loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger sedan, and that weight difference shapes what happens in a side-impact collision. A big rig's trailer sits high off the ground, with open space underneath. When a car strikes it at the wrong angle, the car's frame can slide beneath the trailer instead of crumpling against a bumper built to absorb impact.
Stopping distance plays a role too. A fully loaded truck needs far more room to slow down or stop than a car does, and that gap widens on wet pavement or in low-visibility conditions like the overnight hours. Drivers merging near a truck, or trucks maneuvering at intersections, have less margin to react if a car appears suddenly at close range.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 528,177 large trucks were involved in police-reported traffic crashes in 2023. Many of these crashes involve a passenger vehicle striking or being struck by the truck rather than a collision between two trucks, which is part of why the mismatch in size and stopping ability matters so much to the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes truck accidents more dangerous than car crashes?
The size and weight gap between a large truck and a passenger car means the car absorbs most of the force in a collision. Trucks also take longer to stop, which can turn a routine traffic situation into a serious crash.
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 to the front of the cab. A car sitting in one of these zones may be invisible to the driver, raising the risk of a side or rear collision.
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. These crashes usually cause severe damage to the car's upper frame because the trailer's height allows it to override the car's safety structure.
What are common causes of large-truck accidents?
Reported causes usually include driver fatigue, following too closely, delayed braking, poor visibility, and mechanical issues such as brake failure. Investigators typically review multiple factors before determining a cause.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Willowbrook, CA
Anyone involved in a crash with a large truck should call 911 right away and stay in a safe location until help arrives, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious. Adrenaline can mask pain, so a medical evaluation soon after the crash is worth doing even if you feel able to walk away.
Take photos of the vehicles and the surrounding area if it's safe to do so, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby. Ask for a copy of the police report once it's filed, since it will include details useful for insurance claims. If you're unsure about next steps, local hospitals and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department can direct you to the right resources for follow-up care and reporting.
