Accidents March 24

Accidents March 24

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, CA – Two men lost their lives Saturday evening in a tragic collision in San Joaquin County, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred close to 7:15 p.m. at a railroad crossing on W. Armstrong Road near Lodi. Investigators say the operator of a 2007 GMC pick-up truck accelerated and drove past the lowered crossing arms while they were active. The vehicle was then struck by an approaching BNSF train, and the impact caused the truck to catch fire.

The driver, 29, and his passenger, 37—both from Lodi—died at the scene.

BNSF officials shared that the train was running from Fresno to Pasco, Washington, and the crash caused the front locomotive to derail. No crew members on board were injured.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including whether impairment may have been a factor.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving San Joaquin County. At AutoAccident.com, we understand how devastating an auto accident can be. If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our experienced legal team is here to provide compassionate support and help you understand your rights and options. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

MODESTO, CA — A tragic rollover crash in Modesto early in the morning claimed the life of one passenger and led to the arrest of the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers responded to the scene just before 5 a.m. along Santa Fe Avenue, south of Claus Road. A preliminary investigation indicates that a Honda sedan traveling southbound veered off the roadway and overturned multiple times.

When authorities arrived, they found that a backseat passenger had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, identified as 39-year-old Michael Anthony Smith, showed clear signs of impairment, investigators said. He was taken into custody and faces charges of felony vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

Two other passengers—a 62-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man—were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries described as minor to moderate.

The incident remains under investigation as officials work to better understand what led to this devastating crash.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Modesto and Stanislaus County. If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by an impaired, negligent or reckless driver, know that you’re not alone. AutoAccident.com is one of the most trusted personal injury firms in California, and across the U.S. Our caring legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process, hold at-fault drivers accountable, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.