Exeter, CA – On the afternoon of Friday, September 18, 2026, a three-vehicle collision involving a big rig resulted in a fatality, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 2:32 PM at State Route 65 and East Marinette Avenue.
Authorities said a big rig T-boned an unknown vehicle, with the impact also involving a white Chevrolet Equinox SUV. Exeter Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. Northbound State Route 65 was blocked, with one-way traffic control implemented on the southbound side and traffic diverted onto Marinette Avenue.
A heavy-duty tow was requested for the big rig and trailer, loaded at approximately 20,000 pounds.
No additional details regarding the identity of the deceased had been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Tulare County Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires commercial truck drivers to exercise a heightened duty of care at intersections, including yielding the right of way when appropriate and maintaining proper control to avoid T-boning other vehicles. When a collision involving a big rig results in a fatality, investigators with California law enforcement examine the actions of all drivers involved, as well as the trucking company’s maintenance and driver qualification records, to determine liability.
Because this collision involved three vehicles, including a commercial truck, sorting out the sequence of impacts and each driver’s degree of fault will likely be central to determining how liability should be apportioned among the parties involved. The family of the person who lost their life may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
