Jessi Combs Video of Land-Speed Record Attempt ... Led to Fatal Crash
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The "Fastest Woman on Four Wheels" was traveling at a breathtakingly incredible speed for well over a minute -- with no signs of trouble -- just before her fatal jet-car crashed.
This video of Jessi Combs' final ride -- obtained by TMZ -- shows the professional racer absolutely flying across the Alvord Desert in Oregon last week as she attempted to break the land-speed record she'd previously set in 2016.
Shortly after this footage ends, the vehicle started to come apart. As we reported, Combs' jet-powered car crashed and killed her. Photos of the wreckage show the 56-foot-long jet-car -- called the North American Eagle -- was destroyed with only a few parts even recognizable after the horrific accident.
According to the Harney County Sheriff's Office ... the cause of the crash is still unknown and under investigation.
Along with setting land-speed records that earned Jessi her moniker -- she was a TV personality with notable appearances on "MythBusters" and "Overhaulin'."
She was 39.
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Kevin Hart Weeks of Physical Rehab ... After Car Crash Back Injury
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Kevin Hart is on the mend, but he won't be out of the woods for a long time, the comedian will require extensive physical therapy ... TMZ has learned.
Sources close to Kevin tell us he's expected to be released from the hospital by the end of the week. However, he'll have a heavy physical therapy workload in the coming weeks, along with a steady schedule of follow-up doctors appointments.
While we've been told Kevin's Sunday night back surgery was a success -- there's still work to be done to ensure he comes back 100 percent.
TMZ broke the story ... cops say Kevin was riding shotgun in his 1970 Plymouth Barracuda early Sunday morning when it careened off Mulholland Highway, leaving the driver and a backseat passenger pinned. Kevin left the scene to get medical help and was taken to a nearby hospital.
Crash investigators told us alcohol was not a factor, but we are told cops are looking into excessive speed as a possible cause of the wreck. A witness within earshot of the crash said they heard tires screeching -- like the vehicle was peeling out -- before hearing a loud boom.
The driver of the vehicle, Jared Black, was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center, but his condition is unknown. Jared's fiancee, Rebecca Broxterman -- who is Eniko Hart's trainer -- was in the backseat, but made it out with minor pain.
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Kevin Hart Crash Driver Allegedly Peeled Out ... Cops Eyeing Speed as Factor
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Moments before Kevin Hart's muscle car violently veered off the road, the driver was peeling out ... according to at least one witness, and cops are paying close attention to that information.
A witness who was within earshot of the Sunday morning crash tells TMZ ... they heard the tires screeching, followed shortly thereafter by the sound of the car smashing through fencing.
As we've reported, Kevin's friend, Jared Black, was behind the wheel at 12:45 AM ... and cops say he had just turned onto Mulholland Highway from Cold Canyon Road when, for some reason, he lost control of the car. The skid marks show exactly where he careened into the fence, and landed in a ditch 10 feet off the road.
Cops say the roof of the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda was crushed on top of Black and his fiancee, Rebecca Broxterman. Kevin was able to escape the vehicle.
Law enforcement sources tell us CHP investigators are absolutely looking into speed as a possible factor for Black losing control.
As we reported, Black was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center ... unclear what his condition is now.
Kevin underwent back surgery on Monday and remains hospitalized in recovery. His wife, Eniko, says he's "going to be fine."
Originally Published -- 8:08 AM PT
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Kevin Hart Recovering from Back Surgery ... Eniko Says He'll Be 'Fine'
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2:03 PM PT -- NBA star Chris Paul visited Kevin at the hospital Monday. They're close friends.
10:14 AM PT -- We got video of Kevin's wife, Eniko Hart, on her way into the hospital. She says Kevin's "going to be just fine." It's clear the previous day and night have taken a toll on the Harts -- looks like Eniko had just made a coffee run -- but she says Kev's awake and recovering.
Kevin Hart is on the mend this morning after going under the knife Sunday ... less than 24 hours after he injured his back in that horrific car accident.
A source connected to Kevin tells us doctors completed successful back surgery on Kevin Sunday evening. Another source told us the comedian is expected to remain in the hospital for at least a couple of days while he recovers.
TMZ broke the story ... Kevin was miraculously able to walk away from the accident early Sunday morning on L.A.'s treacherous Mulholland Highway -- with assistance from a bodyguard -- but was rushed to a hospital with what cops called a "major back injury."
Jared Black, the man who was driving Kevin's vintage Plymouth Barracuda at the time of the accident, was pinned in the crushed vehicle and also seriously injured. He was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center and we're told he's surrounded by family members as he also recovers.
Cops say Jared's fiance, celebrity trainer Rebecca Broxterman, was pinned in the backseat ... but firefighters pulled her from the wreckage without major injuries.
Originally published -- 8:06 AM PT
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Kevin Hart Car Careens Off Road into Ditch ... Kevin & Driver Suffer Major Injuries
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2:58 PM PT -- Police tell us the driver of the car was found pinned in his seat under the crushed roof and so was the female passenger. We're told the fire department had to saw off the roof to free them.
We're also told the driver was airlifted across town to UCLA Medical Center. His condition and Kevin's is unknown at this point. We've reached out to Kevin's rep, but no word back yet.
One of Kevin Hart's classic cars ended up in a ditch in the Malibu Hills after veering off the road ... TMZ has learned, and looking at the damage ... it's a miracle he and 2 other people in the vehicle survived.
The accident happened just before 1 AM Sunday on the winding and treacherous Mulholland Highway. Crash scene video, obtained by TMZ, shows Kevin's Plymouth Barracuda deep in a gully about 10 feet off the road.
The car smashed through wooden fencing along the roadside, and you can see the roof was completely crushed by the impact.
Cops have confirmed the vehicle belongs to Kevin, but they tell us he was not driving at the time of the accident. There were 2 other people were in the car, including the driver -- and cops say Kevin and the driver both suffered "major back injuries."
The third person is a woman who did not require hospital treatment. Police say the driver had not been drinking.
Kevin was first out of the vehicle and according to a witness, a member of his security team showed up in an SUV and picked him up. Kevin lives nearby and cops say he went home "to get medical attention." He was eventually treated at a hospital.
Earlier, on Saturday ... Kevin posted a video of himself in his vintage ride, as someone yelled at him for laying down too much rubber on the street as he spun out his tires.
Kevin bought the car back in July as a 40th birthday gift to himself.
Originally Published -- 10:17 AM PT
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J Lo & A-Rod Sued You Hit Me With Your SUV!!!
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Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez were riding in a SUV when it allegedly bowled over a man in an L.A. alleyway ... at least according to a lawsuit he's filed against the superstar couple.
In the docs obtained by TMZ ... Liyanage Perera claims he was walking behind an eatery off Melrose Ave last October when he was hit by the Cadillac SUV in which A-Rod and J Lo were passengers.
He doesn't name the restaurant in the suit, but we believe it was Craig's, because we have this video of their SUV striking a paparazzo.
In the suit, Liyanage claims he was seriously injured and he's going after the singer and baseball player to cover medical expenses, plus damages. The suit makes no mention of Liyanage's profession.
Liyanage admits A-Rod and J Lo were not behind the wheel, but in the suit he claims they failed to instruct their security team to be careful as they pulled away from the restaurant. He also points out they didn't stop to check on him ... or as he puts it ... "they quickly fled the scene."
As we reported at the time, Liyanage had a report with the Sheriff's Dept., but no criminal charges were ever filed. Law enforcement sources told us pedestrians are not allowed to block a vehicle by standing in front of it, and drivers are permitted to creep forward.
We've reached out to reps for A-Rod and J Lo ... but no word back yet.
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Cedric Benson Bystanders Raced To Help After Crash ... Video Shows
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Moments after Cedric Benson crashed his motorcycle into a minivan Saturday, several bystanders slammed on their brakes and raced to the scene to try to save the ex-NFL star's life, new video shows.
The raw footage is graphic so we're not publishing it -- instead, we've cut screen grabs showing the efforts to save Cedric and his female passenger ... with one person even using a fire extinguisher to put out flames on the former running back.
As we previously reported, Benson and his passenger were riding a BMW motorcycle on a popular highway in Austin, Texas at around 10:20 p.m. when he collided with a white minivan.
In new footage obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see at least 6 cars have pulled over near the crash and a handful of people raced over to Cedric to help out.
The video shows Cedric's burning motorcycle propped against the driver's side door of the mini van, which is fully engulfed in flames. Cedric and his passenger are down on the road nearby.
The person who shot the video notes that no emergency personnel had arrived when the video was being shot -- you don't see any flashing lights.
One good Samaritan grabbed a fire extinguisher and tended to Benson, who appeared to be smoldering from the wreck.
Fire and rescue arrived a short time later -- but it was too late. Benson and his passenger were pronounced dead on the scene by law enforcement officials. No cause of death has been officially released.
36-year-old Benson had sadly posted a picture of his bike on Instagram just hours the before the crash, saying, "My Saturday evening."
We've reached out to the Austin Police Department for comment on the new footage ... and they say they'll have more details on the accident later Monday.
Story developing ...
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Cedric Benson NFL Running Back Dead at 36 ... Motorcycle Crash
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8:37 AM PT -- Cops say the motorcycle slammed into a minivan. The people in the van were not injured and stayed on scene to work with investigators.
Cops say the minivan caught fire -- cops also say speed and poor visibility were factors in the crash. Cops also say the driver of the minivan will most likely not be charged with a crime.
Ex-NFL running back Cedric Benson -- the #4 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft -- was killed in a motorcycle crash in Austin, Texas late Saturday night. He was only 36.
Benson -- who was a superstar at the University of Texas from 2001 to 2004 -- was reportedly driving his bike with a passenger when they got into an accident with another vehicle around 10 PM.
The passenger -- who has not yet been identified -- was also killed in the wreck. Two other adults were injured. Officials are investigating the accident. Unclear what specifically caused the crash.
Hours before the crash, Benson posted a photo of his motorcycle on social media with the caption, "My Saturday evening."
Benson was an incredible athlete -- he racked up more than 5,500 yards at Texas and won the Doak Walker Award (top running back in the country) his senior year.
He signed a rookie deal with the Bears -- 5 years, $35 mil -- and was a key part of Chicago's 2006 NFC Championship team.
Benson later played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers before retiring in 2012.
Benson had several off the field problems after his career -- he was arrested for drunk driving in 2017 and 2018.
Story developing ...
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'Bad Santa' Star Tony Cox Hits Kid on Bike With His Car
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1:59 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us the incident was an accident and the actor is not at fault. He was not arrested and was not issued a summons for the collision.
Tony Cox -- who starred alongside Billy Bob Thornton as his elf sidekick in the 'Bad Santa' films -- just delivered a terrible gift to an unlucky kid ... a foot injury and a busted up bike.
The veteran actor struck the boy on his bike Thursday in L.A. as he was turning right onto a street, while the kid was cruising through the crosswalk. As you can see ... the collision resulted in the bicycle's front tire getting pinned under Tony's ride.
We're told the kid suffered an injury to his foot as he was knocked off his Schwinn ... but was alert and conscious after the accident. EMTs arrived shortly afterward and he was taken to the hospital ... thank God he was wearing a helmet.
We've placed a call in with the LAPD who says they're still investigating the incident.
Cox started his career in 1980s in films like "Spaceballs" and "Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Hype." He's also been in "My, Myself & Irene" with Jim Carrey.
Originally published -- 1:12 PM PT
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Danny Trejo Describes Baby Rescue ... Superpowers Were on Display!!!
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11:57 AM PT -- 8/8 -- Danny joined "TMZ Live" and gave a detailed breakdown of what went down ... and how a group of strangers banded together to save the baby from the car wreck.
Of course, he also provided some levity about the scary situation.
Trejo says he got a huge assist from a big strong guy and a young lady in freeing the little boy from his car seat so he could pull him out of the wreckage ... and then Danny took it from there.
He tells us his knowledge of special needs children came through in a big way in helping calm the little man's nerves, and his mother joyously got him back safe and sound.
Danny's powers are definitely super ... amazing story!!!
Danny Trejo is the hero L.A. needs ... or at least one grandmother in L.A. desperately needed when her car flipped over trapping her infant grandchild in the backseat.
Danny was in the right place at the right time Wednesday afternoon when a driver allegedly ran a red light, and smashed into another vehicle ... which ended up on its roof.
The 75-year-old was in the area running errands when he came across the accident, and ran to assist. While grandma was stuck in the driver's seat of the flipped car, she kept screaming for Danny and 2 other Samaritans to help the baby boy, who was strapped in the car seat in the back.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Trejo says he climbed into the wreckage and -- with the help of the other heroic bystanders -- was able to pull the infant to safety.
The grandmother had to be freed from the wreck by firefighters. Both grandma and kid were reportedly transferred to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Trejo described helping the little boy to stay calm by saying "OKAY, we have to use our superpowers. So, he screamed 'superpowers' and we started yelling 'superpowers.'" I said, "do this, with the muscles. He said 'muscles.'"
Yeah ... there's that warm, fuzzy feeling.
Originally Published -- 8/7 7:48 PM PT
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NFL's Kendrick Norton Shows Amputated Arm Cleaning Process ... In Inspiring Video
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Kendrick Norton -- the NFL player who lost most of his left arm in a horrific car crash -- wants to SHOW what life is like as an amputee ... and he's keeping it all the way real in an inspiring new video.
As we previously reported, Norton (a 7th-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft) was battling for a roster spot with the Miami Dolphins when he crashed his truck on July 4 with his girlfriend, Kira, in the vehicle.
Now, more than a month after the accident, the 22-year-old is showing his daily cleaning regimen -- and talking extremely candidly about how his life has changed.
The funniest part of the video (yes, he mixes in humor) is that he's nicknamed his left arm, "Little Kenny" ... and considers it a "mini-arm" instead of a total loss.
Kendrick says he refuses to cry about the accident and the subsequent loss of his NFL career -- explaining, "Ain't no point in crying every day and being sad and stuff. Still got stuff to be done."
The good news ... Kendrick says his other injuries (mostly road rash wounds) are healing nicely and doesn't seem to be in pain.
His girlfriend, Kira, says she suffered internal bleeding from the crash -- but insists she's doing well now.
Kendrick says some of his daily tasks take longer to perform due to his amputated arm -- and admits it's frustrating -- but his attitude is remarkably positive.
"Don't worry about me too much," Kendrick says ... noting he's going to be okay and he's not suicidal.
He even gave a message to some of his fellow amputees who are looking up to him as a role model ...
"Don't let what people say determine how you feel about yourself ... that's word to the wise for everybody."
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'Bachelorette' Star Tyler Cameron Back to Driving School ... Fallout From Sexy Car Crash!!!
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Tyler Cameron is taking his fine ass back to class ... the 'Bachelorette' finalist has to go to driving school after copping a plea in his car crash case.
Tyler C pled no contest Tuesday to a careless driving charge in Palm Beach County, Florida ... and a judge ordered him to attend 8 hours of driver improvement school.
The crash went down in May, when Tyler rear-ended a 2014 Ford pickup while he was behind the wheel of his 2005 Ford Excurison in Jupiter, FL. Even if you don't remember the crash, we're guessing you recall the SUPER SEXY police body cam footage of Ty on the scene.
The model's top was fully popped after the minor crash ... showing off his toned bod and rock hard abs. No major injuries from the wreck, AND we got the most beautiful body cam footage. Ever. That's whatcha call a win-win.
Driving school and paying a small fine is a minor setback for Tyler -- dude's been KILLING the game since the 'Bachelorette' finale aired.
Tyler spent a night with Hannah Brown before this weekend in L.A., and then a couple days later popped up in NYC for a date with supermodel Gigi Hadid!
No word if Tyler will be taught to keep his shirt buttoned while driving. Talk about true crime.
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Dallas Cowboys Sued Accused of Police Cover-up ... In Zeke Elliott Crash
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6:16 PM PT -- The Frisco Police Department released a statement in response to the lawsuit on Tuesday ... denying the allegations.
"Both parties to the crash were offered medical attention and both refused. Emergency medical services were not requested by either party. Neither party was treated or transported."
The Dallas Cowboys conspired with police to cover up info from a 2017 car crash that would have sidelined Ezekiel Elliott from a crucial NFL playoff game ... so says a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ Sports.
The suit stems from a January 11, 2017 car crash -- 4 days before the Cowboys played the Packers in an NFC Divisional Round game -- when Zeke slammed a GMC Yukon into a BMW 750 driven by Ronnie Hill on his way to the Cowboys practice facility.
Hill claims Zeke was obviously at fault because the running back was running late to practice and had "barreled through a red light" -- causing more than $33,000 in damage to Hill's vehicle. Hill claims he suffered "serious and permanent" injuries in the wreck.
Hill says the impact of the collision was so intense, the two vehicles were "wedged together" and they needed a tow truck to pull them apart.
At the time, the Frisco Police Dept. put out a statement describing the incident as a "minor vehicle crash" ... but Hill says that's a crock of BS.
In fact, Hill claims the Dallas Cowboys "conspired with the Frisco Police Dept. to cover up the severity of the accident to assure that Elliott's health would not be placed in question before their playoff game."
According to Hill's suit, "If anyone had actually reported the impact of the accident and had Elliott been examined he would have most likely been placed in concussion protocol and out for the Dallas Cowboys upcoming playoff game."
In his suit, filed by attorney Larry Friedman, Hill claims Dallas Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown had raced to the scene of the accident and told Hill, "We will take care of everything."
Hill claims the Cowboys did NOT take care of anything -- and he's suing both Zeke and the Cowboys for $20 MILLION in damages.
By the way, the Cowboys ended up LOSING the playoff game 34 to 31 ... but Zeke played great, rushing for 125 yards on 22 carries.
We reached out to the Frisco PD and the Dallas Cowboys for comment -- so far, no word from either side. A rep for Elliott had no comment.
We spoke to Hill's attorney, Larry Friedman, who tells us, "Ezekiel Elliott believes he's above the law. He doesn't follow any rules. As a citizen and a member of our community he has a duty to obey the law and act responsibly, especially while driving a motor vehicle."
Friedman adds, "There are no exemptions for running backs or members of the Dallas Cowboys."
"He has admitted liability in this case but refuses to take responsibility as he has refused to take responsibility on so many other occasions when he has disobeyed the law."
"My client is suing for compensation for his injuries and wants his day in court."
Originally published -- 12:29 PM PT
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'Bachelorette' Star Tyler Cameron Crash Vid Shows Blood and Guts ... Ripped, Sexy Guts!!!
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TMZ has the police video from 'Bachelorette' contestant Tyler Cameron's Florida car crash ... and dude's putting the "body" in body cam footage!!!
It all went down back in May, when 26-year-old Tyler rear-ended a 2014 Ford Pickup while driving his giant 2005 Excursion in Jupiter, Florida.
The crash caused a chain reaction with the Ford smashing into a 3rd car, which was being driven by a pregnant woman.
Cops responded to the scene ... and, as you can see in the footage, they were greeted by a bloodied and beautiful Tyler C. who was walking around the area with his shirt wide open.
Unclear why Tyler decided to pop his top ... but we're not complaining.
Don't worry, nobody was seriously injured -- including the pregnant woman. Tyler did have a small cut on his forehead, but he'll be fine. In fact, the scar might even up the sex appeal!!!
Tyler's mother also raced to the scene to check on her son. You can see her consoling the reality star as his sweaty, chiseled abs glisten in the sun.
As for the crash, Tyler says traffic stopped unexpectedly and even though he slammed on his brakes, his car is so big he couldn't keep the Excursion from hitting the car in front of him.
Tyler was cited for careless driving. He's due in court next month.
BTW ... Tyler is one of the 3 finalists on "The Bachelorette" and will make his final pitch to Hannah Brown on the 2-part finale, which airs next week.
He's definitely become a fan favorite on the show -- and he's become so popular, Gigi Hadid decided to follow him on Instagram.
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NFL's Kendrick Norton Waived By Dolphins After Crash ... Will Still Get Paid
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Kendrick Norton has officially been waived by the Miami Dolphins after losing his arm in a July 4 car crash -- but the team will still pay Norton his full salary for the 2019 season.
The 22-year-old defensive tackle's left arm was amputated in the crash -- when his F-250 truck smashed into a concrete barrier on a Miami highway around 1 AM and flipped on its roof.
Norton acknowledged the injury would end his NFL career -- and over the weekend, the Dolphins placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list ... a move that ensures he'll get his full salary.
Norton was scheduled to make $495k this season.
Norton underwent at least 6 surgeries while in the hospital -- all of the procedures will be covered by insurance policies provided by the NFL and the Miami Dolphins.
The former University of Miami star was released from the hospital last week -- and now he's planning to get fitted for a prosthetic arm as he plans for life after the NFL.
Norton previously said he wants to use his platform to help other people -- including organizing a blood drive.
As for the crash itself, Norton was cited by police for making an improper lane change while exiting the highway ... and sideswiped a Maserati while losing control of his own truck.
None of the people in the other car were seriously injured -- however the female passenger in Norton's truck was hospitalized.
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Gilbert Arenas Not At Fault In Wild Rollover Crash
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Gilbert Arenas was NOT the problem in a crazy car crash earlier this month that wrecked his Maybach and caused another car to FLIP OVER ... TMZ Sports has learned.
Arenas was involved in a terrifying accident back on July 7, when a 2000 Toyota RAV4 collided with his 2018 Mercedes on the 101 freeway in Encino, California.
But, the California Highway Patrol tells us a 27-year-old man, who was the driver of the Toyota, was actually at fault for the car crash ... 'cause the CHP says he was speeding when he hit the NBA superstar.
Fortunately for everyone involved, the CHP says the man only suffered minor injuries ... while 37-year-old Arenas was not hurt at all.
But, seriously, it's crazy no one was hurt ... we obtained 911 calls from the scene -- and they paint a picture of a wild accident.
We're told no arrests or citations were issued in the incident ... and it's unclear what the cost of all the damages were.
As for Arenas, he seemed to recover from the accident just fine ... a week after the crash, he posted 4 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in a BIG3 win in Rhode Island.