San Diego, CA (August 15, 2025) – A three-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 5 near the Imperial Ave exit resulted in injuries and traffic disruption Friday morning. The collision occurred around 11:06 a.m. and involved a semi-truck, a blue sedan, and a white Honda, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the scene under a 1141 call classification, confirming that at least one person sustained injuries requiring treatment. The crash initially caused debris to scatter across the two right lanes, prompting a partial closure while CHP and freeway service patrol (FSP) worked to contain the scene and assist those involved.
By 11:28 a.m., all vehicles had been moved to the right shoulder, and the debris was being cleared. The slow lane was coned off temporarily for safety, and ASAP Tow was requested to handle removal of the damaged vehicles. No major road closures were reported, but traffic was impacted in the area for some time.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with CHP examining factors such as speed, lane changes, and vehicle spacing.
Freeway Collisions Involving Commercial Trucks in California
Friday’s crash on I-5 near Imperial Ave is a reminder of how quickly routine freeway traffic can be disrupted by multi-vehicle incidents—especially those involving large trucks. With a semi-truck and two smaller vehicles involved, the potential for injury increases significantly due to the size and momentum of commercial vehicles during collisions.
California’s urban freeway corridors—such as the I-5 through downtown San Diego—are particularly vulnerable to these incidents due to high vehicle density, variable speeds, and frequent merging activity. Even a brief lapse in driver attention or a misjudged lane change can trigger multi-car chain reactions that leave drivers with lasting injuries and costly damage.
In this case, emergency response was timely, and debris was quickly contained, but injured victims may still face ongoing recovery challenges. Medical bills, missed work, and physical rehabilitation are common issues in freeway crashes—especially when larger vehicles are involved.
If you’ve been injured in a freeway collision, Hillstone Law can help connect you with trusted legal guidance, medical support, and insurance navigation resources. Don’t face the recovery process alone. Contact us today to take the next step toward regaining control after a serious accident.