Major Traffic Collision on US-101 in Mountain View Causes Significant Delays

A significant traffic collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on January 9, 2025, at approximately 12:47 PM on northbound US-101, just south of Old Middlefield Way in Mountain View. The incident involved two semi-trucks, an SUV, and several other vehicles, leading to the closure of lanes 1 through 4 and causing substantial traffic delays in the area.

Emergency services, including the California Highway Patrol and towing companies, responded promptly to the scene. Heavy-duty tow trucks were requested to clear the large vehicles involved, including a 20,000-pound box truck. The collision resulted in a SigAlert being issued, advising motorists to expect delays and seek alternative routes if possible. The extent of injuries remains unknown at this time, but the scene was cleared by 2:49 PM.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution and patience while traveling through the area, as traffic congestion may persist while the cleanup continues. Our thoughts are with those affected by this unfortunate incident, and we urge drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic advisories to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Potential Legal Considerations

When someone is hurt because another person was careless, it is called negligence. In these cases, the person who got hurt might have the right to get help or money for what happened. To prove negligence, the injured person must show that the other person had a duty to be careful, did not act carefully, and caused harm because of it. For example, if a driver does not follow traffic rules and causes an accident, they might be responsible for the harm caused.

Victims of negligence can often make claims against the person who caused the harm. This might include asking for money to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to the incident. Sometimes, the person who caused the harm has insurance that can help pay for these costs. For example, if a car accident happens, the driver’s car insurance might cover the damages. It is important for victims to report the incident to the insurance company and provide all the necessary information.

Insurance claims can be a way for victims to get the help they need without having to go to court. However, insurance companies might not always offer enough money to cover all the costs. In such cases, victims might need to talk to a lawyer to understand their rights and see if they should take further legal action. A lawyer can help negotiate with the insurance company or even file a lawsuit if needed to make sure the victim gets fair compensation.