A deadly crash involving two semi-trucks, including one hauling a UPS parcel trailer, shut down westbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Needles, California, on Sunday, June 15, 2025. The collision occurred at approximately 10:48 am just east of the Agricultural Inspection Station, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Emergency personnel responded to reports of a serious crash and confirmed a fatality at the scene. The victim’s identity has not yet been released. Both westbound lanes were blocked for several hours following the accident, and a heavy-duty tow truck was called in to clear the wreckage. At one point, westbound traffic was rerouted through the center divider as CHP and Caltrans managed the crash site and hazmat response due to diesel spilling from one of the trucks.

By early afternoon, one westbound lane had reopened. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

If you or a loved one was affected by this crash, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation to understand your legal rights and options.

The Dangers of Collisions Between Semi-Trucks

Collisions between two semi-trucks are rare but especially dangerous. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and a crash involving two of them creates a catastrophic amount of force. When these crashes occur on high-speed routes like I-40, the outcome is often fatal.

Some common hazards and consequences of semi vs semi crashes include:

• Explosive fuel leaks and diesel spills, increasing the risk of fire and environmental harm
• Severe vehicle deformation, even for commercial-grade trucks
• Extended traffic disruptions that delay emergency response time
• Deadly secondary crashes from blocked or diverted lanes

While truck drivers are trained professionals, accidents can still happen due to driver fatigue, mechanical failure, poor visibility, or miscommunication.

“Crashes involving two semi-trucks are among the most complex and devastating cases we handle,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner at Singleton Schreiber. “They often leave families grieving loved ones and others dealing with life-altering injuries. Our firm has the experience and resources to get answers, hold negligent parties accountable, and support families through every step of the legal process.”

Legal Options for the Victim’s Family and Injured Parties

In serious truck accidents involving commercial vehicles, multiple parties may bear responsibility. Depending on the findings of the investigation, liability could fall on one or both truck drivers, the companies that own or operate the trucks, or vehicle maintenance contractors.

Common causes of liability include driver fatigue, improper maintenance, unsafe driving practices, and failure to comply with federal trucking regulations. Identifying all responsible parties is a critical step in ensuring victims and their families receive full and fair compensation.

When a loved one is killed in a commercial trucking accident, their surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Potential compensation can cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Emotional distress

If other individuals were injured in this crash, they may be able to file personal injury claims seeking compensation for:

• Medical bills and ongoing care
• Lost wages or future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma

It’s important for injured parties to act quickly, as commercial trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties and complex insurance considerations.

If you or your family has been affected by this tragic crash near Needles, Singleton Schreiber is here to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can support you during this difficult time.

A serious crash involving a semi-truck occurred on June 16, 2025, on Interstate 25 southbound near Coal Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to authorities, the semi, believed to be a fuel tanker, crashed and came to rest partially hanging off the elevated freeway. The incident triggered a major emergency response and significant traffic disruptions.

The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) were dispatched to the scene. Initial reports from NMROADS indicated that two southbound lanes of I-25 were closed at Lead Avenue, with only the right lane remaining open. Coal Avenue, which runs directly beneath the overpass, was also shut down for safety reasons. Later that day, officials extended the closure to all lanes of I-25 southbound at Central Avenue while a tow truck worked to remove the semi-truck from its precarious position.

If you or someone you love was affected by this crash, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn how we can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

The Risks Posed by Semi-Truck Accidents

Accidents involving fuel tankers present dangers far beyond those of typical vehicle or event standard semi-truck collisions. These vehicles carry highly flammable and sometimes hazardous materials that can create immediate and widespread risks in the event of a crash.

When a fuel tanker is involved in a collision, especially one where the vehicle is compromised or hanging over an elevated roadway, there is a serious threat of:

• An explosion or fire if the tank ruptures or the fuel ignites
• Hazardous material spills, which can lead to toxic exposure and environmental damage
• Structural damage to overpasses or bridges if the full weight of the truck shifts or falls
• Extended road closures that increase the risk of secondary accidents in surrounding areas

In incidents like this one on I-25, emergency crews must act quickly not only to stabilize the scene, but also to prevent potential ignition or hazardous runoff. These situations demand specialized response efforts and may require evacuations or extensive cleanup operations.

“Fuel tanker accidents are among the most dangerous incidents we see on public roadways,” says managing partner, Brian Colón, of Singleton Schreiber, New Mexico. “Our legal team understands the high stakes involved in these cases, both in terms of physical harm and legal complexity. We are committed to helping victims secure justice and compensation after such catastrophic events.”

Legal Options for Those Affected

Individuals affected by this crash, including the fuel truck driver and any other motorists involved, may have legal recourse depending on the circumstances of the collision.

Injured drivers and passengers may be able to file personal injury claims to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income or earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

If the crash was the result of negligence, such as driver error, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or a mechanical failure, responsibility may lie with the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party maintenance provider.

If the fuel tanker driver was injured while working, they would generally be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which would cover medical care and a portion of lost wages. If another party contributed to the crash, the driver may also have the right to pursue a separate third-party claim.

In the case of a severe injury that leads to death, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. These lawsuits can help recover funeral expenses, lost future income, and compensation for the emotional loss of a loved one.

Call a truck accident lawyer at Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team is ready to investigate your case, explain your options, and fight for the justice you deserve.