Two Injured After Crane Falls From Highway 101 Overpass, Crushing Car in Salinas – July 29, 2025
Accident Overview: Two people were hospitalized with serious injuries after a mobile crane plunged off a Highway 101 overpass and landed on their car in Salinas on Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 2025. The shocking incident occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. where Highway 101 crosses over Laurel Drive. According to the California Highway Patrol, a Caltrans-operated mobile crane was traveling on northbound Highway 101 when the driver lost control. The crane veered off the freeway, crashed through a guardrail, and fell onto Laurel Drive below, landing directly on top of an occupied vehicle. Emergency crews worked for over an hour to extricate the two trapped occupants from their crushed car.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Type | Crane / Heavy Equipment Failure |
| Location | Highway 101 & Laurel Drive, Salinas, CA |
| Date | July 29, 2025 ~1:20 PM |
| Parties Involved | Caltrans Mobile Crane, 1 Passenger Vehicle |
| Injuries | 2 people with serious injuries |
| Fatalities | None reported |
| Law Enforcement | California Highway Patrol (CHP), Salinas |
| Legal Note | Victims have a strong claim against a government entity (Caltrans). |
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🚨 What Happened
According to the CHP, the collision was initiated by a westbound sedan that crossed the double yellow lines on the winding Marsh Creek Road. This vehicle first sideswiped an oncoming sedan and then crashed head-on into a second oncoming vehicle, an SUV carrying four people.
🧑⚕️ Medical Response
- The driver of the at-fault sedan suffered major injuries and was airlifted by medical helicopter to a hospital.
- The four occupants of the SUV were transported by ground ambulance for treatment of minor to moderate injuries.
🚔 Investigation Underway
The California Highway Patrol is investigating why the driver of the westbound sedan crossed into the eastbound lane. This will be the central focus of their inquiry to determine the cause of this multi-vehicle crash. Marsh Creek Road was closed in both directions for a significant time for the investigation and cleanup.
📊 Multi-Vehicle Crash Statistics in California
🏗️ Crane Accidents Are Often Catastrophic: While less common than typical vehicle crashes, incidents involving cranes are disproportionately severe. The most frequent causes of mobile crane accidents are operator error, mechanical failure, and improper maintenance.
🌉 Overpass Safety is Critical: California has thousands of bridges and overpasses. While structurally sound, the guardrails and barriers are primarily designed to handle cars and standard trucks. An out-of-control piece of heavy machinery like a multi-ton crane can easily overwhelm these safety systems.
👩⚖️ Claims Against Government Entities: Caltrans, as a government entity, has a responsibility to ensure its equipment is safe and its operators are properly trained. When a government agency’s negligence causes harm, victims have the right to file a specific type of claim against them, though these cases have unique rules and shorter deadlines.
📉 Monterey County Traffic Incidents: Monterey County recorded over 1,800 victims killed or injured in traffic collisions in a recent year. Accidents involving commercial and heavy government vehicles contribute to the severity of these local statistics.
(Sources: California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA))
⚖️ Legal Options for Victims of a Government Crane Accident
When an accident is caused by a government entity like the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the injured victims have a strong case, but it follows a different and stricter legal process than a standard car accident claim.
Filing a Government Tort Claim
Before a lawsuit can be filed against a public entity in California, the victims must first file a formal “Government Tort Claim” notice. This notice must be filed within six months of the date of the injury. This is a much shorter deadline than the standard two-year statute of limitations for regular personal injury cases. Failure to meet this deadline can permanently bar the victims from seeking compensation.
Holding Caltrans Accountable
The victims’ claim would focus on the negligence of Caltrans and its employee. Key areas of investigation include:
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Operator Error: Was the crane operator speeding, distracted, or improperly operating the machinery?
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Mechanical Failure: Did the crane have a defect in its steering, braking, or other systems?
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Improper Maintenance: Did Caltrans fail to properly inspect and maintain the crane according to safety regulations?
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Inadequate Training: Was the operator fully certified and trained for this specific piece of heavy equipment?
Compensation for Devastating Injuries
The victims in the crushed car can seek significant compensation for their life-altering injuries, including:
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All past, present, and future medical expenses.
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Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
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The immense pain, suffering, and emotional trauma from such a terrifying event.
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Vocational rehabilitation if they are unable to return to their previous jobs.
💼 Past Case Results
⚖️ $5 Million Settlement – Freeway Construction Equipment Failure
A driver suffered traumatic injuries when unsecured construction machinery fell from a Caltrans vehicle on I-5. A $5M settlement was reached after proving negligence in equipment securing and operator training.
⚖️ $3.2 Million Settlement – Freeway Debris Crash in San Jose
A woman struck by falling debris from an overpass construction project on Highway 280 received $3.2M to cover spinal surgery, lost income, and ongoing rehab needs.
⚖️ $1.75 Million Settlement – Commercial Vehicle Rollover on US-101
A family hit by a commercial vehicle that overturned near Salinas secured $1.75M in damages after showing the driver lost control due to poor maintenance and speeding.
⚖️ $2.1 Million Verdict – Crane Arm Collapse in Monterey County
A pedestrian was injured when a crane arm collapsed at a roadside site. Jurors awarded over $2.1M after finding both the operator and the construction company at fault.
👨⚖️ Fighting For You Is What We Do
We’ve stood beside injured Californians after some of the state’s most serious construction and roadway crashes. Whether it’s a crane, big rig, or heavy machinery, our team knows how to hold the right parties accountable and fight for full financial recovery.
✔️ 50+ years of trust built across California
✔️ Over $1 billion recovered for injury victims
✔️ No out-of-pocket fees — we only get paid if you win
✔️ Aggressive representation for complex construction and vehicle claims
💡 Want answers fast? Our team will review your case for free—no pressure, no commitment.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can we sue Caltrans since it’s a government agency?
Yes, but it’s a special process. You cannot go directly to a lawsuit. You must first file a formal Government Tort Claim within six months of the incident. If the claim is denied, you can then proceed with filing a lawsuit. Missing this short deadline can prevent you from ever recovering damages.
Who is responsible for this accident? The driver or Caltrans?
Potentially both. The crane operator is responsible for their direct actions. Caltrans, as the employer and owner of the equipment, is responsible for the actions of its employee as well as for its own negligence, such as failure to properly train the operator or maintain the crane. A claim would likely name both parties.
What if the crane had a mechanical failure?
This would be a key part of the investigation. If a defect in the crane’s design or a specific part (like brakes or steering) caused the operator to lose control, the manufacturer of the crane or the defective part could also be named as a defendant in a product liability lawsuit.
How long does an investigation into a crane collapse take?
These are extremely complex investigations that can take many months. It involves multiple agencies, including the CHP and Cal/OSHA. They will meticulously inspect the machinery, analyze maintenance logs, review the operator’s qualifications, and reconstruct the accident sequence. This is why it is critical for victims to have their own legal team and experts involved from the very beginning.
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Don't wait—contact Scranton Law Firm now if you've been injured and need assistance. We fight for your rights, work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve, and support you through every step of the legal process. We're here to help you get back on your feet. Filling out this form is your first step toward receiving the help you need. Reach out to Scranton Law Firm, and let's take this important step together.
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