59-Vehicle Pileup on Highway 99 Leaves Drivers Injured
A massive 59-vehicle pileup on Highway 99 in Tulare County left multiple people injured early Saturday morning, as dense fog created near-zero visibility on the roadway.
Among the injured were Yamel Angel and her mother, who were traveling north from Oxnard to the Central Valley when they suffered a hip and head injury by trapped inside the crash.
Chaos Captured on Video
Angel recorded video from inside her vehicle as the collision unfolded.
- Cars slammed into each other from all directions.
- Victims ran barefoot across lanes.
- People screamed and tried to escape to the center divider.
“I had no shoes. I just ran,” Angel said. “We ran to the grass as fast as we could.”
Moments later, a second pileup occurred on the opposite side of the highway. Dashcam footage shows a semi-truck losing control and crashing into the center median.
Injuries Reported
Angel and her mother were taken to the hospital.
- Angel suffered a head injury and a hip injury
- Her mother sustained a back injury
Witnesses described people bleeding, disoriented, and in shock.
Dense fog was visible in multiple videos, severely limiting reaction time for drivers.
Why Multi-Vehicle Pileups Are So Dangerous
Large pileups often involve:
- High speeds
- Limited visibility
- Chain-reaction impacts
- Secondary crashes
These conditions greatly increase the risk of:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal trauma
- Crush injuries
- Psychological trauma
Even minor impacts can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries in multi-car crashes.
Legal Responsibility After a Massive Highway Crash
Liability in large pileups is complex.
More than one party may be responsible.
Possible liability factors include:
- Unsafe driving speeds in fog
- Failure to slow or stop
- Commercial truck negligence
- Inadequate roadway warnings or closures
- Failure to manage known weather hazards
If dangerous roadway conditions contributed, California Government Code § 835 may allow claims against a public entity.
Commercial vehicles may also face heightened safety and duty standards.
Rights After a Head or Brain Injury
Victims of highway pileups may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization and imaging
- Neurological evaluation and treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Brain injuries may not be immediately obvious.
Symptoms can worsen hours or days later.
How We Can Help
Mass-casualty crashes leave victims overwhelmed and uncertain.
At the Brain Injury Help Center, we provide:
- Free consultations
- No-win, no-fee representation
- Comprehensive support, from medical guidance to legal options
The medical treatment you need. Money you deserve.
Take the First Step
If you or a loved one suffered a head or brain injury in a multi-vehicle crash, contact the Brain Injury Help Center today. We’re here to help you move forward.
