Del Rey, CA — November 5, 2025, Juan Rodriguez was killed in a truck accident just before 6 a.m. in the 10700 block of East American Avenue.

Authorities said an eastbound Dodge Charger collided with a semi-tractor that was slowing to turn left into an industrial plant near South Del Rey Avenue.

The Dodge driver, 41-year-old Parlier resident Juan Rodriguez, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The truck driver was hospitalized with moderate injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Fresno County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear about a deadly crash involving a passenger car and a semi-truck, their first question is usually: What happened in those final seconds? In this case, that question takes on a different shape, because we’re not talking about a full 18-wheeler. This was just the tractor unit. No trailer. That’s an important detail, and one that shifts how we think about visibility, maneuvering and potential responsibility.

Reports say the truck was slowing to turn left into an industrial plant when an eastbound Dodge Charger collided with it. What we don’t know, and what really matters, is whether the truck was already established in its turn, or if it was crossing the oncoming lane when the crash occurred. If the truck had already committed to the turn and was blocking the lane, one set of questions arises. But if it pulled out too late and cut off an approaching car, that’s a different matter entirely.

It’s also worth pointing out that a bobtail truck, meaning a tractor with no trailer, is a different kind of hazard than a full-length rig. These trucks are shorter and less visible from certain angles, especially before sunrise. Depending on lighting conditions, it’s possible that the Charger driver couldn’t clearly make out the vehicle crossing the road in time to stop. That’s something an investigation can determine, but only if it asks the right questions.

What was the truck’s speed leading up to the turn? Was it signaling appropriately? Were the headlights and marker lights functioning? Those answers may be found in the truck’s engine control module (ECM), which stores vital data like speed, throttle position and braking events in the moments before impact. If the truck had an in-cab camera system, that could also show whether the turn was made safely and whether the driver had a clear view of oncoming traffic.

Another open question is whether the industrial plant had any traffic control measures for trucks entering the property. I’ve seen cases where commercial drivers are expected to make difficult or risky turns into unmarked or poorly designed entrances, with no support from their employers to do it safely. That kind of operational oversight matters. Just because the truck was turning legally doesn’t mean it was turning safely.

And we still don’t know anything about the truck driver’s background. How experienced was he? Was he familiar with the route? Had he been driving for hours before the crash occurred? These are not speculative questions. They're central to getting an honest picture of what happened, and who may be responsible.

In short, there are serious gaps in what’s been reported so far. And until an independent investigation examines the physical evidence, downloads the truck’s data and interviews everyone involved, we’re left with too many unanswered questions to draw any conclusions.

Key Takeaways:

• The semi-truck was operating without a trailer, which changes how its visibility and turning behavior should be evaluated.
• It's not yet clear whether the truck was already blocking the road or turned too late in front of oncoming traffic.
• Lighting conditions and vehicle visibility just before dawn may have been a critical factor.
• Black box data and in-cab camera footage, if available, could clarify the truck’s movements before the crash.
• The driver’s training, familiarity with the route and the facility’s entrance design all warrant further investigation.