Multi-Vehicle Collision on US 101 in Palo Alto Causes Traffic Delays

A multi-vehicle collision occurred on northbound US 101 near University Avenue in Palo Alto on the afternoon of March 21, 2025. The incident, reported at approximately 3:38 PM, involved a white van, a blue Tesla sedan, a black bus, and an additional unidentified vehicle. Emergency services, including paramedics and fire units, were promptly dispatched to the scene.

The collision resulted in significant traffic disruptions, with the number one lane blocked and vehicles scattered across lanes one to three. A male occupant of the white van was observed holding his head, indicating possible injuries, though the extent of injuries remains unclear. Fortunately, the driver of the black bus reported no injuries.

Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the area if possible, as towing services are actively working to clear the scene. National Towing and Fortes Brothers Towing were called to assist with the removal of the vehicles, including a Ford Transit 250 that required a heavy-duty tow truck. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and remain patient as traffic congestion is expected to persist until the roadway is fully cleared. Our thoughts are with those affected by this unfortunate incident.

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 show that someone was negligent, we need to prove a few things. First, we have to show that the person who caused the harm had a duty to be careful. Then, we need to show that they did not act carefully. Finally, we have to prove that this lack of care directly caused the harm.

Victims of such incidents can seek compensation for their troubles. This compensation can cover things like medical bills, lost time from work, and other related costs. Sometimes, the person who caused the harm might have insurance that can help pay for these costs. For example, if the incident happened because of a car accident, the driver’s car insurance might cover some of the expenses. It’s important for victims to report the incident to the insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process.

Insurance claims can be a bit tricky. The insurance company will look at the details of what happened to decide how much they will pay. They might ask for reports, pictures, or other evidence to understand the situation better. It’s important for victims to keep track of all the details and documents related to the incident. This can help make sure they get the help they need. If the insurance company does not offer enough to cover the costs, the victim might need to talk to a lawyer to explore other options.