Accidents August 11

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August 14, 2025

Accidents August 11, 2025

MODESTO, CA — A hazardous situation on Highway 99 in Modesto led to several spinouts and crashes after a big rig leaked a slick substance onto the roadway, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

CHP reported that a small amount of diesel fluid spilled along the southbound lanes, beginning at the Kansas Avenue on-ramp and continuing down Highway 99. While the exact number of incidents is still being determined, the conditions prompted the closure of both the middle and slow lanes, as well as the southbound on-ramp at Kansas Avenue.

Crews quickly responded, containing the spill and applying absorbent materials to help make the road safer for drivers. Thankfully, there are no reports of serious injuries, though one individual may have sustained a minor injury.

CHP advised drivers to expect delays and consider using alternate routes while cleanup continued.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Modesto and Stanislaus County. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by another’s negligence, the legal team of AutoAccident.com is here to offer guidance, protect your rights, and help you pursue the care and just compensation to which you may be entitled. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 with any questions about your legal options. We offer free and friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

PATTERSON, CA — A heartbreaking crash early Tuesday morning near Patterson has claimed the lives of a father and his teenage son, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Around 6:30 a.m., CHP officers responded to reports of a vehicle that had veered off northbound Interstate 5, just north of Sperry Avenue, and entered the California Aqueduct. Emergency crews arrived to find that a 2003 Nissan SUV, which had been towing a utility trailer, had left the freeway and entered the water.

Tragically, the driver was found deceased inside the submerged vehicle. His 15-year-old son was initially unaccounted for, prompting a multi-day search of the area.

With the help of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Dive Team, recovery efforts continued over the following days. On Friday morning, around 7 a.m., authorities confirmed that the son’s body had been located in the waterway just south of the crash site. The Patterson Fire Department assisted in recovering him from the aqueduct.

Investigators believe that the SUV had been traveling in the fast lane of I-5 when the driver suddenly turned right, crossing lanes and exiting the roadway. The vehicle continued approximately 1,000 feet down a steep embankment, broke through two barbed-wire fences, and ultimately entered the aqueduct.

At this time, it is still unclear whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

The community mourns the loss of a father and son whose lives ended far too soon. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly painful and difficult time.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Patterson and Stanislaus County. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, the legal team of AutoAccident.com is here to offer guidance, protect your rights, and help you pursue the care and just compensation to which you may be entitled. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 with any questions about your legal options. We offer free and friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

STANISLAUS COUNTY – A tragic collision near California State University, Stanislaus claimed the life of a 22-year-old Modesto man and left another driver seriously injured late Wednesday night, according to Turlock police.

The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Geer Road and E. Christoffersen Parkway. When officers arrived at the scene, they found one of the drivers, a 22-year-old man, unresponsive and trapped inside his vehicle.

Despite efforts to save him, the young man was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, a woman whose name has not been released, was transported to a local hospital with major injuries. Authorities say she is expected to recover.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and no additional details have been released at this time.

The community is mourning the sudden loss of the young man, and thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Modesto and Stanislaus County. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, the legal team of AutoAccident.com is here to offer guidance, protect your rights, and help you pursue the care and just compensation to which you may be entitled. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 with any questions about your legal options. We offer free and friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

PLYMOUTH, CA — A tragic head-on collision in Amador County Thursday afternoon has left one person dead, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 1 p.m. on southbound Highway 49, just south of Highway 16 near Plymouth. CHP spokesperson Officer Cynthia White reported that the driver of a Ford Mustang lost control and veered off the road. After overcorrecting, the Mustang crossed into the northbound lanes, where it collided with a Toyota Rav4.

The driver of the Rav4 suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity has not yet been released, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

CHP has not determined why the Mustang initially left the roadway, and investigators are continuing to gather details.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the person who lost their life in this heartbreaking incident.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Plymouth and Amador County. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, the legal team of AutoAccident.com is here to offer guidance, protect your rights, and help you pursue the care and just compensation to which you may be entitled. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 with any questions about your legal options. We offer free and friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

MODESTO, CA – A serious three-vehicle collision near the intersection of Milton Road and Highway 4 sent two people to local hospitals around noon Friday, according to the Modesto Fire Department.

Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputies were first on the scene and discovered one vehicle with significant damage. The driver, though not pinned inside, had sustained major injuries. Emergency crews quickly administered Advanced Life Support at the scene, and due to the severity of the injuries, the individual was airlifted to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

A second person suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital. Reportedly, the third driver involved in the crash wasn’t injured.

The California Highway Patrol’s Modesto office is currently investigating the reason for the collision.

Our thoughts are with those affected, especially the individual facing serious injuries, as they begin their road to recovery.

Street Racing Crash on Highway 99 Leaves One Hospitalized, Another Arrested

A high-speed street race on Highway 99 in Modesto ended in a violent crash Sunday afternoon, leaving one driver hospitalized with serious injuries and another facing multiple charges, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities say a Corvette and a Mustang were racing northbound on Highway 99 near Standiford Avenue, reportedly reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour. As the Corvette approached slower-moving traffic, the 26-year-old driver hailing from Citrus Heights—who was reportedly not wearing a seat belt—lost control of his vehicle.

The Corvette veered into the dirt center median, then careened across all northbound lanes and off to the right shoulder before overturning multiple times. The vehicle came to rest on its roof along Sisk Road. The driver was ejected during the crash and sustained major injuries. A 28-year-old passenger inside the Corvette suffered minor injuries.

Second Street Racing Suspect Tracked Down, Arrested

According to CHP, the Mustang driver stopped briefly before leaving the scene. Officers later located and arrested a 22-year-old suspect at a home in Manteca. He is now facing several charges, including reckless driving causing bodily injury, participating in an illegal speed contest, and driving without a license.

“This is a stark reminder street racing is extremely dangerous,” CHP said in a statement. “It’s not worth your life.”

Our thoughts are with those injured in this preventable tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging drivers to make safe, responsible choices on the road.

The Dangers of Street Racing

Street racing is not only illegal—it’s deadly. It disproportionately involves young drivers, happens mostly in urban areas, and greatly increases the risk of fatal outcomes due to excessive speed and reckless behavior. While the reported number of street-racing-related deaths and injuries vary year to year, several key statistics and trends highlight its risks and impacts:

More Dire Outcomes – Street racing-related crashes and injuries are typically more severe than standard traffic collisions due to excessive speed, ejection from vehicles, rollovers, and multiple vehicle involvement. Street racing crashes are more than 2 times as likely to result in a fatality compared to other crashes.
Demographics – The typical street racer is a male under 30. In fatal racing-related crashes, the driver is often between 20 and 24 years old.
Legal Consequences – Many states have increased penalties for street racing. When serious injuries or deaths occur, charges become felony offenses, typically resulting in license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time.

Street Racing Crashes Often Involve Innocent Drivers

The very nature of street racing, which involves high rates of speed, unexpected maneuvers, loss of control, and presence in urban and residential areas, creates collateral damage to others sharing the road and nearby areas.

It is estimated that as many as 30% to 50% of those killed or injured in street racing incidents are not participants in the race. These are innocent drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians who pay the price for others’ reckless decisions.

What To Do If You Were Injured Due to Someone Else’s Reckless Behavior

I’m Ed Smith. If you or someone you love was injured by someone who was street racing or driving recklessly, my accident injury firm – AutoAccident.com – can be a powerful advocate for your legal and financial recovery. My team of lawyers specialize in car accident injuries related to other drivers’ reckless, foolish or irresponsible actions. When we represent your case, here’s what we can do for you:

Establish Legal Liability – We will gather evidence (police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, etc.) to prove the other driver was racing and/or acting recklessly. Since street racing is illegal, when it causes injury, it’s often considered gross negligence—which can strengthen your case and lead to higher compensation.
File a Personal Injury Claim – We will file a claim against:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance
- Possibly the owner of the vehicle if different from the driver
- Any other liable parties. If multiple drivers were racing, we may pursue both under the legal theory of joint liability.
Fight for Full Compensation – Our experienced legal team will work to recover economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Seek Punitive Damages Where Applicable – In many jurisdictions, street racing is considered reckless or intentional misconduct. Therefore, some cases warrant the pursuit of punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter others from similar behavior. These are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
Conduct a Thorough Investigation – As an established and highly experienced firm, we have the resources and connections to work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to build a strong case. If the other driver fled the scene, we can work with law enforcement to help find the culprit or pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage.
Manage Deadlines and Paperwork – Personal injury claims are time-sensitive due to statutes of limitations (often 1–2 years depending on your state). We ensure that all filings, notices, and procedures are handled correctly and on time.
Negotiate or Litigate on Your Behalf – Most cases settle out of court, but if a fair offer isn’t made, we will file a lawsuit and take the case to trial to help secure the compensation you deserve. We will deliver aggressive, fearless representation during all court appearances, motions, and arguments on your behalf.

Don’t Wait to File Your Claim

If you were injured due to street racing or reckless driving, and have medical bills, lost income, or lasting effects, don’t wait to contact an experienced accident injury lawyer. The statute of limitations in your area may provide only a short window of time in which to make a claim.

Check out this video with accident attorney Ed Smith to discover how to select the best injury lawyer for your claim:

Why Clients Trust AutoAccident.com for Personal Injury and Auto Accident Cases

AutoAccident.com boasts a team of highly-skilled and experienced lawyers who understand how overwhelming it can be after an auto accident or serious injury. Choosing the right attorney is a critical step toward securing the compensation you deserve — and many of our clients find reassurance by reading our reviews and ratings on trusted platforms like Avvo, Yelp and Google.

We invite you to read through verified feedback from real clients who have turned to us for help after car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, faulty products, and other injury-related claims. You’ll find consistent praise for our aggressive representation, compassionate service, and proven results — all backed by top-tier Avvo ratings, and five-star Google and Yelp reviews.

On Avvo, our attorneys are rated for legal experience, client satisfaction, case outcomes, and peer endorsements.
On Yelp and Google, clients describe how we fought for them during one of the most difficult times of their lives — and delivered.

Our reputation didn’t happen by chance. It reflects our unwavering commitment to getting our clients every dollar they’re owed — and doing so with respect, transparency, and integrity.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, discover why AutoAccident.com is one of the most trusted personal injury firms in California. With a legal reach that extends across the entire country, we’re here to help you no matter where you live.

Recognized For Excellence in the Legal Profession

Achievements like featuring a dedicated Verdicts and Settlements page, earning membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and being recognized in the top 1 percent of attorneys represent outstanding success in the legal profession. These honors reflect our proven track record of securing substantial compensation for our clients, showcasing our expertise and effectiveness in managing complex and high-stakes cases across the U.S.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence or recklessness, give us a call. We’re here to listen to your case, file any claim you may have, gather the appropriate evidence, consult with esteemed experts, and achieve a settlement that’s designed to help you get the care and compensation you need to focus on healing and prospering in the next chapter of your life.

Call us now at 916.921.6400 or toll-free at 800.404.5400 for free, friendly advice.

Accidents August 11