Was the semi-truck driver compliant with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations at the time of the collision?

Young Girls Hospitalized following SUV and Semi Collision

Details of the Incident: Highway 17 Crash

On July 15, 2025, at approximately 7:30 AM PST, a serious traffic accident occurred on Highway 17 near Scotts Valley, California, resulting in multiple injuries and the hospitalization of two young girls. The collision involved a silver Ford Explorer SUV and a commercial semi-truck hauling lumber.Initial reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicate the SUV was traveling northbound when it reportedly crossed the center divider, colliding head-on with the southbound semi-truck.

The impact was critically important, requiring a full freeway closure for over three hours while emergency crews worked to extricate the victims and clear the wreckage. Traffic was diverted onto local roads, causing substantial delays for commuters. This traffic accident is currently under investigation.

Injuries and Hospitalization

Two young girls, ages 8 and 12, where passengers in the Ford Explorer and sustained critical injuries. They were transported via separate air ambulances – one to Valley Medical Center in San jose and the other to Lucile Packard Children‘s Hospital Stanford – for specialized pediatric trauma care. Their current conditions are listed as critical but stable as of 10:00 AM PST.

The driver of the SUV, a 35-year-old female, also sustained serious injuries and was transported to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. The truck driver, a 52-year-old male, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. injury law firms are likely to be contacted by those involved.

Potential Causes and CHP investigation

The CHP is actively investigating the cause of the collision. While the investigation is ongoing, several factors are being considered:

Driver Fatigue: Investigators are examining the truck driver’s logs to rule out driver fatigue as a contributing factor.

Distracted Driving: The possibility of distracted driving on the part of the SUV driver is being investigated, including cell phone records and witness statements.

Mechanical Failure: A thorough inspection of both vehicles is underway to determine if any mechanical failures contributed to the accident.

Road Conditions: While weather conditions were clear at the time of the accident, investigators are assessing road conditions and signage.

Possible Medical Emergency: Authorities are also exploring the possibility of a medical emergency affecting the SUV driver.

The CHP is urging anyone who witnessed the car crash to come forward with data. Witnesses can contact the CHP Santa Cruz area office at (831) 429-5700.

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations: Limiting the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can operate.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Ensuring truck drivers meet specific training and testing standards.

Vehicle Maintenance Inspections: Requiring regular inspections to ensure trucks are in safe operating condition.

Cargo Securement Regulations: Ensuring cargo is properly secured to prevent shifting or falling.

Recent changes to FMCSA regulations, implemented in late 2024, focused on improving driver rest and reducing fatigue. These changes include adjustments to the 30-minute break rule and expanded flexibility in HOS regulations. Though, advocacy groups continue to push for stricter regulations and increased enforcement to improve truck safety.

Legal Considerations: Personal Injury Claims and Liability

Following a collision involving serious injuries, several legal considerations come into play. Potential personal injury claims may be filed by the injured parties against:

The At-Fault Driver: If negligence is established, the at-fault driver can be held liable for damages.

The Trucking Company: Trucking companies can be held liable for the negligence of their drivers, as well as for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices.

Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases where a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, a claim might potentially be filed against the vehicle manufacturer.

Damages that can be recovered in a personal injury claim include:

Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills related to the injuries.

Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to the inability to work.

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Property Damage: Compensation for damage to vehicles or other property.

It is crucial for anyone injured in a highway accident