Accidents June 29

Accidents June 29, 2025

TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CA — A terrible accident on Highway 108 on Thursday, June 26 left an adult and two children from Sonora with serious injuries, prompting an emergency airlift from the scene.

The single-vehicle crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the Stanislaus National Forest, east of Kennedy Meadows Road. The vehicle came to rest on its wheels, but with the front end dangerously suspended over a creek. All three passengers—including a nine-year-old girl and a young boy—suffered major injuries.

Emergency responders acted swiftly. The girl was flown to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV, and the boy to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. A 45-year-old woman, also injured in the crash, was airlifted to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Their conditions have not yet been released.

The driver, 18-year-old Devon Dotson, was reportedly heading westbound in a 2002 Chevrolet Venture when he was unable to navigate a curve, causing the van to plunge approximately 70 feet down an embankment and overturn.

In a tremendous coordinated effort, Highway 108 was closed for more than an hour as fire crews from TCFD, CAL FIRE TCU, the Mountain Warfare Fire Department in Pickle Meadows, Manteca District Ambulance, and Bridgeport Fire carried out a difficult rope rescue to reach and assist the victims.

According to CHP Officer Steve Machado, all individuals—except the adult passenger—were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Accidents involving children are especially heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this devastating incident, and we hope all will recover quickly and fully. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the accident.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Sonora and Tuolumne County. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you may have the right to seek compensation. 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.

GALT, CA — A multi-vehicle crash on Highway 99 in Galt Friday afternoon led to serious injuries and traffic delays, prompting a swift response from emergency crews.

The collision occurred just before 6 p.m. near C Street, according to the California Highway Patrol traffic logs. First responders arrived quickly to assist those involved and ensure the safety of the scene.

At least one person is reported to have sustained major injuries. Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones during this difficult time.

Authorities temporarily blocked at least one lane to allow emergency personnel to work safely, and drivers heading northbound through the area are being advised to expect delays.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Galt and Sacramento County. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you may have the right to seek compensation. 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.

MERCED COUNTY, CA – On the evening of June 27, 2025, at approximately 8:11 p.m., the Merced Communications Center (MCC) alerted CHP Merced Area officers to a serious traffic collision involving a semi-truck and a pickup truck near the intersection of State Route 59 and Sandy Mush Road.

According to a CHP – Merced Facebook post, when officers arrived on scene, they discovered a serious crash in which a big rig and a pickup truck collided. Unfortunately, both individuals inside the pickup truck were trapped. Emergency responders worked diligently to free them from the wreckage. Despite their best efforts, the passenger of the pickup truck sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

According to initial findings, Rafael Morales Contreras, 29, of San Mateo, CA, was driving at an undetermined speed eastbound on Sandy Mush Road in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado. At the same time, Miguel Angel Ramirez, 59, of Winton, CA, was driving northbound on State Route 59 in a 2024 Freightliner semi-truck going approximately 55 mph.

The intersection is controlled by stop signs for traffic on Sandy Mush Road. For reasons still under investigation, Mr. Morales Contreras did not stop at the posted stop sign and entered the intersection, where the semi-truck collided with the passenger side of the pickup.

As a result of the crash, the 35-year-old male passenger—a Burlingame, CA resident—tragically lost his life. Both Mr. Ramirez and Mr. Morales Contreras suffered moderate injuries and were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

We send our sympathies to the family and loved ones of the passenger who died at a result of this devastating accident. The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine all the factors involved.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Merced County. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you may have the right to seek compensation. 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.