By Crash News Writer 
Madera County, CA (October 31, 2026) – A 32-year-old woman died, and a 3-month-old baby was transported to a hospital following a suspected DUI collision involving a passenger car and a semi-truck in Madera County on Thursday night, October 29. The fatal accident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 145 and Avenue 10.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the woman, a Madera resident, was driving a 2020 Kia Forte northbound on Highway 145 when her vehicle crossed into the opposing traffic lane. The Kia entered the path of a southbound big rig, resulting in a serious collision.
Investigators reported that the woman was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The impact caused her to be ejected from the Kia, and she suffered fatal injuries. Emergency personnel pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities have not released her identity.
A 3-month-old baby was also traveling in the Kia. CHP officers reported that the infant was seated in a car seat that had not been properly secured. Although the baby showed no visible signs of injury, emergency responders arranged for an air ambulance to transport the infant to Valley Children’s Hospital as a precaution. Officials have not released additional information about the baby’s condition following hospitalization.
The semi-truck driver, identified as a 52-year-old man from Fresno, remained at the accident scene and cooperated with authorities. He did not suffer injuries in the collision.
CHP investigators believe alcohol may have contributed to the accident. However, authorities have not confirmed impairment as the cause of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Head-on collisions involving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks can result in devastating injuries because of the significant differences in vehicle size and weight. When a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, investigators must examine the circumstances that caused the driver to leave their lane, including possible impairment, distraction, or other contributing factors.
Under car accident laws in California, individuals injured by another party’s negligence may have grounds to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and other damages. When a collision results in a death, certain surviving family members may also qualify to pursue a wrongful death claim.
If you are searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Madera County, understanding California’s negligence and wrongful death laws can help you identify the legal options that may apply after a serious collision.
The official car accident report may contain information about vehicle movements, physical evidence, witness statements, and the investigating officers’ findings. In suspected DUI cases, investigators may also review toxicology results and other evidence before reaching a determination about impairment.
Families researching a car accident near me or a car accident near Madera County should understand that California generally allows two years to file personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, although exceptions may apply.
The car accident report may also be important when determining whether a child passenger was properly restrained. California law requires infants and young children to travel in appropriate child safety seats, and those seats must be installed and used according to applicable safety requirements.
When a child suffers injuries in a collision, additional legal considerations may apply. California generally pauses certain personal injury filing deadlines during a child’s minority, although claims involving public entities and other exceptions may follow different rules.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning compensation may be reduced according to an injured person’s percentage of responsibility. However, liability must be established through evidence rather than assumptions about how an accident occurred.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects preliminary information released by authorities and may be updated as investigators establish additional facts about the fatal collision.
- A 32-year-old woman from Madera died following a collision between a 2020 Kia Forte and a southbound semi-truck on Highway 145 near Avenue 10 on Thursday, October 29.
- CHP investigators reported that the northbound Kia crossed into the opposing traffic lane and collided with the commercial truck. The woman was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from her vehicle.
- A 3-month-old baby was traveling in an improperly secured car seat. Although the infant had no visible injuries, emergency personnel arranged an airlift to Valley Children’s Hospital as a precaution.
- The 52-year-old semi-truck driver from Fresno remained at the scene and was not injured. CHP investigators suspect alcohol may have contributed to the collision, but the investigation remains ongoing.
- Readers seeking information about fatal collisions, child passenger safety, and legal procedures can review our frequently asked questions in California.
- Families affected by serious or fatal roadway accidents can also explore accident resources in California for additional information and assistance.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as investigators release additional findings. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no responsibility for decisions made based on this information. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
If you or your family suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a suspected impaired-driving collision or another serious roadway accident, contact a California personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights and potential compensation.