Tractor-Trailer Lost Control, Crossed Median Into Eastbound Traffic on I-10
CATHEDRAL CITY, CA, (July 10, 2025) - Authorities are investigating a fatal big-rig accident that claimed the life of a 49-year-old Santa Ana man Thursday morning in Cathedral City.
Miguel Macias died in a crash involving a semi-truck that lost control on Interstate 10 near Date Palm Drive and the Bob Hope Drive exit in Cathedral City.
According to reports, Miguel Macias was a passenger in a vehicle traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 at around 6:47 a.m. when a tractor-trailer traveling westbound lost control, crossed the median, tipped onto its side, and slid into oncoming traffic.
The crash occurred near Date Palm Drive and the Bob Hope Drive exit. Macias was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
FATAL TRACTOR-TRAILER ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the big rig involved in Thursday morning’s crash did not suffer a medical emergency, did not experience a tire blowout, and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Authorities are still working to determine what caused the truck to veer into oncoming traffic.
Candice Bond, an experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney, emphasized that independent investigations are critical in cases 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 send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck 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, while carefully guiding you through the legal process.”
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that truck driver fatigue is a well-documented crash risk. Federal hours-of-service regulations allow commercial truck drivers to remain behind the wheel for up to 11 hours at a time, increasing the likelihood of fatigue-related errors.
Additionally, truck braking capability can significantly influence crash outcomes. Large trucks require greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles—especially on wet or poorly maintained roads, or if their brake systems are compromised.
In 2023, IIHS reported that 4,354 people died in crashes involving large trucks. Approximately 65% of those fatalities were occupants of passenger vehicles.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Miguel Macias may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Loved ones of wrongful death victims may seek compensation for loss of love and companionship, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident like 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, Santa Ana, Tractor-trailer, Big-Rig, Cathedral City, Interstate 10, Date Palm Drive