Deadly Big Rig Accident on the 10 Freeway Overpass
A tragic and shocking accident on the 10 Freeway in Ontario serves as a sobering reminder of just how devastating commercial truck accidents can be. Nearly every day, we read about truck accidents in the news – and too often they are deadly and a cause of serious injury.
Early Thursday morning January 15, 2026, a big rig carrying heavy machinery struck an overpass support structure above the westbound lanes of Interstate 10, dislodging massive steel beams. One of those beams fell directly onto the freeway below, leading to a multi-vehicle collision that claimed at least one life and injured several others.
At first glance, it seems rather obvious that the cause of the collision would be driver negligence, although further investigation would be required.
Deadly Big Rig Crash on the 10 Freeway Highlights the Dangers of Commercial Truck Accidents in Southern California
According to authorities, the crash occurred around 3:19 a.m. near the interchange of the 10 and 15 freeways. Dashcam footage captured the terrifying moment the semi-truck hit the steel girders associated with the 15 Freeway Express Lanes and Freight Corridor project. The impact caused multiple steel beams to shift, with at least one falling onto active freeway lanes. Several vehicles traveling westbound struck the fallen beam, resulting in catastrophic consequences.
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that multiple victims were transported to local hospitals, where one individual was later pronounced dead.
The crash forced a full closure of westbound I-10 lanes for several hours as investigators assessed structural damage and construction crews worked to ensure the bridge was safe. Even after partial reopening, major delays continued throughout the Ontario area.
Why Big Rig and Construction-Related Accidents Are So Dangerous
Commercial truck accidents are among the most severe incidents on California roadways due to the sheer size and weight of big rigs. When these crashes involve construction zones or infrastructure—such as overpasses, steel supports, or active work sites—the risk of mass injury or death increases dramatically.
In this case, the collision did not just involve a truck and another vehicle. Instead, it triggered a chain reaction involving fallen steel beams, multiple vehicles, and alleged failures in safety planning, load clearance, and construction oversight. These types of accidents are complex and often involve multiple potentially liable parties, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company and dispatchers
- Cargo loaders or equipment operators
- Construction contractors or subcontractors
- Government entities responsible for roadway safety
- Maintenance or engineering firms
Determining liability requires a detailed investigation, access to commercial records, and knowledge of state and federal trucking regulations.
Legal Rights of Victims and Families
Victims injured in this type of accident and families who have lost a loved one may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Survival (pre-death) damages
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of companionship
However, trucking and construction accident cases are aggressively defended – even when the cause seems obvious. Insurance companies often move quickly to protect themselves, shifting blame and fault to anyone they can, sometimes before victims fully understand the extent of their injuries or legal rights.
How Jassim Law Can Help After a Serious Truck Accident | Deadly Big Rig Accident
Jassim Law is a trusted personal injury law firm based in San Diego, serving clients throughout Southern California. The firm has extensive experience handling complex truck accident and wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles, construction zones, and catastrophic injuries.
When you work with Jassim Law, the firm can:
- Conduct a swift, thorough, and independent investigation into the crash
- Preserve critical evidence, including dashcam footage, black box data, construction plans, road design plans, permits, and maintenance records
- Work with accident reconstruction experts and engineers
- Identify all responsible parties and sources of insurance coverage
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Aggressively pursue full and fair compensation
Most importantly, Jassim Law understands the emotional toll these tragedies take on victims and families. They need an advocate to guide them through this difficult and painful process. The firm provides compassionate, aggressive, personalized representation while fighting relentlessly for justice and accountability.
Serving San Diego and All of Southern California | Deadly Big Rig Accident
Although this tragic crash occurred in Ontario, the impact of commercial truck accidents extends across Southern California, including San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. Major freeways like I-10, I-15, I-5, and I-805 see heavy commercial traffic every day, increasing the risk of similar incidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, time is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, and strict deadlines may apply, especially when public entities or construction projects are involved.
Act Now! Time is Critical | Contact Jassim Law Today
If you have questions after a serious truck accident, Jassim Law is ready to help. Consultations are confidential, and you pay no legal fees unless compensation is recovered. Justice starts with understanding your rights and having the right legal team on your side.
Injured in a Truck Accident? One call solves it all!
Act Now! Contact Jassim Law an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Diego today at (858) 524‑6140 or visit our website for a free case evaluation. With no upfront fees, strong local expertise, and a proven record.