Ontario Truck Accident Involving Intoxicated 21-Year-Old Driver Leaves Three People Dead 

Three Killed, Two Hospitalized in Semi-Truck Collision on the 15 Freeway in Ontario

ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA (October 22, 2025) – A 21-year-old truck driver has been arrested following a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 15 that left three people dead and two people hospitalized.

California Highway Patrol are saying the crash occurred around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.  One witness said that he saw a big rig with a red cab traveling at a high rate of speed into slowing traffic.

That truck driver failed to slow down in time and collided with multiple vehicles. Aerial footage of the aftermath of the crash showed that four tractor trailers and four other passenger vehicles were involved.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the crash to help victims. The vehicle fires were brought under control.

Unfortunately, three people were not able to survive their injuries. Two other people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The 21-year-old truck driver involved in the crash was charged with DUI.

Liability for Ontario DUI Truck Accidents

Driver intoxication remains a leading cause of preventable collisions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “In 2020, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. This was a 14.3% increase compared to the number of crash deaths involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2019.” Truck companies should take a number of measures to prevent DUI truck accidents.

• Zero Tolerance: Truck companies should enforce a clear zero-tolerance policy related to the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Employment Screening: Truck companies should conduct rigorous pre-employment screening. This should include checking references and any history of drug or alcohol violations.
• Testing: Truck companies should perform regular random drug and alcohol testing to detect any instances of substance abuse.
• Mandatory Breath Testing: Truck drivers should undergo alcohol breath testing before they are allowed to begin their shift. 

According to the Journal of Epidemiology, “Since 2011, commercial truck drivers have been required to take alcohol breath tests at the beginning and end of their working hours due to their employers’ legal obligations.” If a truck company fails to test drivers who go on to cause a fatal collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Liability may also follow if a truck driver was hired as an employee, as opposed to an independent contractor. Employers in California can be liable for the negligent actions of their workers operating within their job duties.

Steps to Take After Ontario Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be highly complex events. The factors that contribute to any particular collision may take place hours, days, or even weeks beforehand. Driver experience often plays a crucial role. Younger truck drivers are statistically much more likely to be involved in a collision. It is important that certain steps are taken after any truck accident. 

• Police Investigation: The police should be called to the scene as early as possible so that they can begin an investigation.
• Medical Records: All of the medical records related to injuries should be preserved.
• Surveillance Footage: Any surveillance footage that may have captured the collision should be sought.
• Truck Records: All of the records related to the truck driver involved should be closely reviewed. This includes their logbook. 

Evidence is crucial in demonstrating what happened in any collision. For example, a lack of tire marks in the roadway can indicate that a truck driver did not even attempt to brake prior to hitting another vehicle. Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. This extends to the family of any person who died in a crash. They are able to pursue a civil action through CCP § 377.60.

Investigating San Bernardino County Truck Accidents

We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest sympathies to all the victims and families affected by this preventable tragedy. It is deeply concerning that someone entrusted with a commercial license allegedly operated their vehicle while intoxicated. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.

Do you need more information about a San Bernardino County DUI truck accident? Our legal team is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and holding truck carriers fully accountable for their negligence. Whether you need a free investigation into any accident or would like to explore your legal options, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.