San Diego, CA — December 7, 2025, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 2:50 a.m. on Interstate 805/Jacob Dekema Freeway.

Authorities said a semi-truck was involved in a multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-805 south of University Avenue.

One person, whose name has not been made public yet, died in the crash, according to authorities.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear about a fatal crash involving an 18-wheeler on a major freeway like I-805, the first thing they often wonder is: What exactly happened, and why? At this point, we know that a semi-truck was involved in a multi-vehicle crash just before 3 a.m., and that one person lost their life. What we don’t know is just as important.

Depending on whether the truck hit stopped traffic, lost control or was itself struck by another vehicle, the legal questions, and potential liabilities, shift significantly. For now, none of that has been made clear. Was the truck moving or stopped? Did the crash begin with a collision or a sudden maneuver? Did the trucker take evasive action, or was he the cause of the chain reaction? These are not minor details; they’re essential to figuring out who, if anyone, may be legally responsible.

One thing that can help clear up those questions is the truck’s black box data. These engine control modules record speed, braking and steering inputs, sometimes down to the second. If the truck also had in-cab cameras or GPS tracking, that’s even better. Those tools can help investigators determine whether the driver was distracted, speeding or responding to something unpredictable on the road. Without that kind of evidence, people are often left guessing; and in my experience, guesswork rarely leads to accountability.

Another angle to consider is what kind of background the truck driver had and what company policies were in place. It’s one thing for a truck driver to make a mistake. It’s another thing if they never should have been behind the wheel to begin with. I’ve handled cases where drivers were hired despite being fired from multiple previous jobs, and the companies that hired them did little more than a quick road test. That kind of shortcutting puts everyone at risk.

So while there’s still a lot we don’t know about the crash in San Diego, it’s not too early to say what kind of investigation needs to happen. Real answers will only come through physical evidence, technology and a hard look at the company behind the wheel.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s not clear yet how the crash on I-805 began or who may be responsible.
• Black box data, GPS, and dash cams can help reconstruct what the truck was doing in the moments before the crash.
• Cell phone records and driver logs may reveal whether distraction or fatigue played a role.
• The driver’s background and the trucking company’s hiring practices could also factor into liability.
• A thorough investigation is the only way to ensure the right parties are held accountable.