[12-08-2025] Tulare County, CA – One Dead, Two Injured After Semi-Truck Carrying Corrosive Material Overturns in Crash at Highway 137 and Road 196 Near Lindsay

One person was killed, and two others were injured after a collision involving a semi-truck carrying corrosive material near Lindsay in Tulare County, on Monday night, December 8, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded around 8:30 p.m. to the intersection of Highway 137 and Road 196.

CHP said the semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Highway 137 while a white sedan was heading southbound on Road 196.

For reasons still under investigation, both vehicles entered the intersection simultaneously and collided, causing the semi-truck to overturn and hit a tree. The overturned truck spilled corrosive material, prompting a HAZMAT response.

The semi-truck driver was transported to a hospital with major injuries, and a juvenile in the sedan was also hospitalized. One occupant of the sedan died at the scene.

Caltrans reported that Highway 137 was closed between Highway 99 and Highway 65 due to the overturned truck and hazardous material spill.

The investigation is ongoing.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Tulare County, CA

Collisions involving semi-trucks can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. These incidents often raise questions about how the vehicles entered the intersection, the movement of traffic at the time, and what investigators will evaluate to understand the contributing factors.

Our truck accident lawyers in Tulare County can help explain how California law reviews commercial vehicle collisions and what information may be important as the investigation continues. Legal guidance may also assist with examining official reports, organizing medical and insurance documentation, and communicating with insurers throughout the process.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a truck or multi-vehicle accident, you may contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Semi-Truck Collision

Taking clear steps after a serious crash involving a commercial truck may help protect your safety and preserve essential information.

1. Call 911 And Request Emergency Assistance
   Emergency responders can assess injuries, secure the scene, and create an official report that may support the investigation. In cases involving hazardous materials, first responders will also coordinate specialized containment.
2. Document The Scene And Surrounding Conditions
   If safe, take photos of the vehicles, trailer position, spill areas, debris, skid marks, and roadway signage. These images may help clarify how the collision occurred.
3. Gather Witness Information
   Collect names and contact details from individuals who saw the crash or arrived shortly afterward. Their statements may help establish the sequence of events.
4. Keep Medical, Law Enforcement, And Insurance Records
   Save treatment summaries, hospital bills, police reports, HAZMAT incident notes, and correspondence with insurers. These documents may be important when evaluating the effects of the crash.
5. Consult With Truck Accident Lawyers
   Truck accident lawyers in Tulare County may help you understand your rights, review available evidence, and outline possible next steps. Legal support may also assist with navigating insurance communication and organizing key documentation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

Large trucks are essential for transporting goods across the country, but their size and weight can make crashes involving them especially severe. In 2023, there were 5,375 fatal crashes involving large trucks nationwide, marking an 8.4 percent decrease from 2022.

However, the long-term trend shows continued growth. Over the past decade, fatal crashes involving large trucks have risen by 43 percent. This sustained increase indicates that large truck collisions continue to be a significant safety concern on U.S. roadways.