[09-24-2026] Santa Barbara County, CA – Multi-Vehicle Crash on Highway 101 in Montecito

A multi-vehicle crash involving two semi-trucks and a Lexus occurred on Highway 101 in Montecito, Santa Barbara County, early Thursday morning, September 24, 2026.

According to the Montecito Fire Department, emergency crews responded at around 1:41 a.m. to southbound Highway 101 near Sheffield Drive in a construction zone.

California Highway Patrol Officer Jon Gutierrez said a 34-year-old Corona resident was driving a Freightliner in the No. 2 lane while another truck tractor combination was passing in the No. 1 lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Freightliner veered left and collided with the other truck, pushing it into the concrete center divider.

A Lexus traveling in the right-hand lane then struck the rear of the Freightliner before veering to the right and hitting the guardrail. The collision also resulted in a roughly 60-gallon diesel fuel spill.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.