Tractor-Trailer Lost Control, Crossed Median into Oncoming Traffic on I-10 near Date Palm Drive
CATHEDRAL CITY, CA, (July 10, 2025) - Authorities are investigating a fatal big-rig crash that claimed the life of a 58-year-old Desert Hot Springs man Thursday morning in Cathedral City.
Francisco Sicairos Leon was killed Thursday morning after a big-rig lost control and crossed into eastbound traffic on I-10 near Date Palm Drive.
According to reports, Francisco Sicairos Leon was an occupant in a vehicle traveling on eastbound Interstate 10 when, at approximately 6:51 a.m., a westbound tractor-trailer lost control, went through the median, tipped onto its side, and slid into oncoming traffic.
The collision occurred near Date Palm Drive. Leon was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation by local authorities.
FATAL BIG-RIG ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the big rig involved in the fatal crash did not suffer a medical emergency, did not experience a tire blowout, and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Investigators are continuing to examine what caused the truck to swerve into oncoming traffic.
Various factors may contribute to tractor-trailer crashes, including mechanical failure or driver fatigue—both of which are being considered in this case.
Candice Bond, an experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney, stressed the importance of an independent investigation in incidents like this to protect the rights of the victim’s family.
“Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for The Legal Advocate. “A skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from trucking companies, which often deploy their own investigators and have substantial resources to defend a negligent driver.”
“Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring expert witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, all while carefully guiding you through the legal process,” Bond added.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 4,354 people died in crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Of those fatalities, 65% were occupants of passenger vehicles.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Francisco Sicairos Leon may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims can seek compensation for loss of love and companionship, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
Tags: Latest News, Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Fatal Crash, Semi-Truck, Tractor-trailer, Big-Rig, Cathedral City, Interstate 10, Date Palm Drive