Multi-Vehicle Collision Causes Major Delays on US 101 in San Mateo

A significant traffic collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on the northbound lanes of US 101 near Peninsula Avenue in San Mateo on February 19, 2025, at approximately 6:10 PM. The incident involved at least five vehicles, including a red Chevrolet Volt and a gray Ford Explorer, leading to the blockage of lanes 1 and 2. Emergency services, including the California Highway Patrol and local towing companies, responded promptly to the scene.

The collision resulted in a SigAlert being issued, warning drivers of expected delays due to the blocked lanes. The incident caused significant traffic congestion in the area, with vehicles being moved to the right-hand side of the road to clear the lanes. Towing services were called to assist in removing the damaged vehicles, including a Toyota Camry and a Ford Expedition, from the scene.

While the full extent of injuries remains unclear, there were reports of a pregnant woman involved in the collision, highlighting the potential severity of the incident. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and seek alternative routes to avoid the affected area. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this unfortunate event, and we hope for their swift recovery.

Potential Legal Considerations

When someone is hurt because another person was careless, it is called negligence. In these cases, the person who got hurt might have the right to get help or money for what happened. To prove negligence, the injured person must show that the other person had a duty to be careful, did not act carefully, and that this caused the injury. For example, if a driver does not follow traffic rules and causes an accident, they might be considered negligent.

Victims of such incidents can seek compensation for their troubles. This can include help with medical bills, lost time at work, and other costs related to the incident. Sometimes, the person who caused the accident might have insurance that can help pay for these costs. The insurance company will look at what happened and decide if they will cover the expenses. It is important for victims to keep records of everything related to the incident, like doctor visits and any other expenses.

Insurance claims can be a big part of getting help after an accident. The victim or their family can file a claim with the insurance company of the person who was at fault. The insurance company will investigate to see if they should pay for the damages. Sometimes, the insurance company might offer a settlement, which is a sum of money to cover the costs. It is important for victims to understand their rights and possibly get advice from a legal expert to make sure they get the help they need.